If you’re looking to change to military time on Windows 11, you’re in the right place. Switching to a 24-hour clock format is a simple procedure. Head to the Settings app, go into the Time & Language section, and then adjust the format to your liking. In less than five minutes, you can have your computer displaying time like a pro! Below, we’ll walk you through the steps in more detail to ensure you have no trouble making the switch.
Changing to Military Time on Windows 11
Changing your Windows 11 clock to military time means you’ll see times like 13:00 instead of 1:00 PM. It’s straightforward, and you’ll wonder why you didn’t do it sooner.
Step 1: Open the Settings App
Press the Windows key and select “Settings” from the Start menu.
Opening the Settings app is your gateway to making changes on Windows 11. You’ll find it full of options to tweak various aspects of your system. Hitting the Windows key is a quick shortcut to access it.
Step 2: Select Time & Language
In the Settings window, click on “Time & Language.”
This section controls all things time-related. Whether it’s setting your time zone or changing your clock display, everything you need is right here.
Step 3: Click on Date & Time
Inside Time & Language, go to “Date & Time.”
Here, you’ll see the current date and time settings. This is where you can make the change from a 12-hour to a 24-hour format.
Step 4: Choose Change Date and Time Formats
Scroll down and click on “Change date and time formats.”
This option lets you customize how date and time appear on your system. You’re just a step away from military time!
Step 5: Set Time Format to 24-Hour
Under the Short Time and Long Time drop-down menus, select the 24-hour format.
The 24-hour format is what is commonly known as military time. By selecting this, your system will start displaying time without AM and PM.
Once you follow these steps, your computer will switch to military time instantly. You’ll see the new time format in the taskbar clock, and it will be applied to all apps that show the time.
Tips for Changing to Military Time on Windows 11
- Double-check your selections to ensure you’re in the right time zone.
- If you frequently switch time zones, consider enabling automatic time zone updates.
- Familiarize yourself with common military time conversions, like 18:00 for 6 PM.
- Remember that not all apps may immediately adjust to military time; a restart might help.
- If you make a mistake, you can always switch back to the 12-hour format.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my computer supports military time?
Most modern computers, including those running Windows 11, support military time.
Can I change back to the 12-hour format if I don’t like military time?
Yes, you can easily revert to the 12-hour format by following the same steps and selecting AM/PM options.
Will military time affect my calendar events?
No, switching to military time only changes the visual display of time. Your events remain unchanged.
Is military time better for scheduling?
Military time can reduce confusion, especially if you’re coordinating across time zones.
Does military time apply to all Windows 11 devices?
Yes, this setting change will apply to any device running Windows 11.
Summary
- Open the Settings app.
- Select Time & Language.
- Click on Date & Time.
- Choose Change date and time formats.
- Set time format to 24-hour.
Conclusion
Switching to military time on Windows 11 is a breeze, and it can make reading the clock far more intuitive once you get used to it. The 24-hour format is particularly useful for those working in fields where precision is key, like aviation or healthcare. Even if you’re just a fan of all things military, there’s something satisfying about seeing 14:30 instead of 2:30 PM on your computer screen.
Now that you’ve mastered this change, why not explore other customization options in Windows 11? Perhaps you want to personalize your desktop themes or configure advanced power settings. The more you familiarize yourself with the settings, the more you’ll get out of your device.
If you found this guide helpful, consider sharing it with friends or family who might also benefit from a streamlined, military-style clock. And remember, the key to mastering technology is continual learning and exploration. Keep diving into those settings, and who knows what other useful tweaks you’ll discover next!
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.