If your Windows 10 clock is showing time in the 24-hour format (like 18:45 instead of 6:45 PM) and you prefer the 12-hour format, don’t worry—it’s an easy fix! This step-by-step guide will show you exactly how to change 24-hour to 12-hour in Windows 10 quickly and correctly. Let’s dive right in.
Why Windows 10 Uses the 24-Hour Format by Default
Many systems use the 24-hour (or “military time”) format because it eliminates ambiguity between AM and PM. However, most people find the 12-hour format more familiar and user-friendly for everyday use. The good news? You can easily switch between them anytime you want.
Step-by-Step: How to Change from 24-Hour to 12-Hour Format
Changing your time format in Windows 10 takes just a few clicks. Here’s how to do it.
Step 1: Open Date and Time Settings
- Click on the Start menu and select Settings (the gear icon).
- Choose Time & Language from the list.
- On the left sidebar, click Date & time.
This page shows your current date, time, and time zone settings.
Step 2: Open Region Settings
- Scroll down and click Date, time, & regional formatting under Related settings.
- In the new window, click Change data formats.
Here’s where you can customize how your time and date appear.
Step 3: Change the Time Format
Under the section Change data formats, you’ll see two dropdown menus:
- Short time
- Long time
Both control how your time appears across Windows.
Step 4: Select the 12-Hour Format
In both dropdowns, you’ll see options like:
- HH:mm → 24-hour format (e.g., 18:00)
- hh:mm tt → 12-hour format (e.g., 6:00 PM)
To switch to 12-hour format:
- Set Short time to hh:mm tt.
- Set Long time to hh:mm:ss tt.
✅ Tip: “tt” adds the AM/PM indicator. Without it, the time would look incomplete.
Step 5: Verify the Changes
Once done, look at the bottom-right corner of your screen on the taskbar.
You should now see the time displayed in the 12-hour format, complete with AM or PM.
If it doesn’t update immediately, try restarting your PC or signing out and back in.
Alternate Method: Change Time Format via Control Panel
Prefer the old-school Control Panel route? No problem—here’s how to do it.
Step 1: Open Control Panel
- Press Windows + R, type control, and press Enter.
- Select Clock and Region.
- Click Region (or Region and Language on some versions).
Step 2: Adjust Time Format
- In the Region window, click the Formats tab.
- Click Additional settings… at the bottom.
- Switch to the Time tab.
Step 3: Modify the Time Settings
You’ll see fields labeled:
- Short time
- Long time
Change them as follows:
- Set Short time to hh:mm tt
- Set Long time to hh:mm:ss tt
Click Apply, then OK to save your changes.
Understanding the Difference Between 24-Hour and 12-Hour Formats
Let’s quickly break down how these two formats differ:
| Format | Example | Common Use |
|---|---|---|
| 24-hour | 18:00 | Military, professional, and global settings |
| 12-hour | 6:00 PM | Everyday personal use |
If you often communicate internationally or work across time zones, the 24-hour format might be better. But for local use, the 12-hour system feels more natural.
How to Change Time Format for a Specific App
Some apps (like Outlook or Excel) might not automatically follow Windows time settings.
If your time format hasn’t changed inside a program:
- Go to that app’s Settings or Options menu.
- Look for Regional or Time format preferences.
- Set it to use the system default or manually select the 12-hour option.
Fix: Time Format Not Changing After Update
If your PC still shows 24-hour time even after changing the settings, try this:
- Restart your computer to refresh all settings.
- Reapply the format under both “Short time” and “Long time.”
- Check your language settings — if you’re using a non-English region, the format might revert.
- Run Windows Update to ensure no regional formatting bugs are present.
How to Display AM/PM in the Taskbar Clock
If you switched to the 12-hour format but still don’t see AM/PM, it might be hidden.
Here’s how to fix that:
- Open Control Panel → Clock and Region → Region → Additional settings.
- Under the Time tab, make sure “tt” is included in your Short time and Long time fields.
- Click Apply, and you’ll now see AM or PM in the taskbar.
How to Change Time Format Using PowerShell (Advanced Users)
If you prefer a more technical method, you can change the time format via PowerShell.
- Press Windows + X and choose Windows PowerShell (Admin).
- Type the following command:
Set-Culture en-USThis switches your system culture to the U.S. format, which uses the 12-hour clock.
- Restart your PC for the changes to take effect.
Customizing Time Display Further
You can also personalize your time format with custom strings. For example:
| Format Code | Result |
|---|---|
| hh:mm tt | 02:15 PM |
| h:mm tt | 2:15 PM |
| hh:mm:ss tt | 02:15:30 PM |
Feel free to experiment until your clock looks exactly how you like it!
When to Keep the 24-Hour Format
While the 12-hour system is great for simplicity, the 24-hour format can be handy if:
- You work with international teams or airline schedules.
- You need to avoid confusion between AM and PM.
- You prefer a more precise or professional display style.
Final Thoughts
Switching from 24-hour to 12-hour format in Windows 10 is quick and reversible.
Whether you prefer seeing 2:00 PM instead of 14:00, or you’re setting up a PC for someone else, these simple steps make your clock look just how you like it.
It’s your PC—make it feel familiar and functional!
FAQs
1. Why is my Windows 10 showing 24-hour time?
Your regional settings might default to a country that uses the 24-hour format. You can easily change this in the Date and Time settings.
2. Can I use both formats at the same time?
No, Windows only displays one format system-wide, but some apps may allow their own formatting options.
3. Do I need to restart after changing the format?
Usually, no—but if your taskbar clock doesn’t update instantly, restarting ensures the change applies everywhere.
4. Will changing the time format affect other settings?
No, it only changes how time is displayed. Your actual time and date remain the same.
5. Can I change time format on Windows 11 the same way?
Yes! The steps are nearly identical in Windows 11, though the menus might look slightly different.
By following this guide, you’ve learned exactly how to change 24-hour to 12-hour format in Windows 10—step by step. Now your PC’s clock can display time the way you prefer, clear and easy to read.