Changing the time format in Windows 11 might seem straightforward, but sometimes it’s a bit of a pain to find where to do it, especially if Windows defaults to 24-hour time or just won’t budge. If you’re used to the AM/PM setup — typical here in Oz — it’s bloody annoying when everything stays in military style. The good news is, it’s usually just a matter of tweaking a few settings. The catch is, it can feel a bit hidden if you’re not into Windows’ menu maze. So, here’s a simple guide — with some tips to dodge the common traps and get it sorted first go. Because honestly, Windows tends to make things harder than they need to be.
How to Switch to 12-Hour Time in Windows 11
If your clock on the taskbar or in the settings is still showing 24-hour time and you want to switch to the familiar AM/PM style, here’s what’s worked for me (and should for you too). On some setups, you might need to restart Windows or just log out and back in for the change to really kick in, but usually a quick toggle does the trick.
Method 1: Adjust the Date & Time Format Settings
- First up, hit Windows + I to open Settings quicksmart — or click the Start menu and find Settings.
- In the Settings window, click on Time & Language. Fair go, this part can sometimes be tucked away under different names, but it’s usually pretty easy to find.
- Next, click on Date & Time. Look for the link that says Change date and time formats. It’s often near the bottom or in a sub-menu, so have a locals’ eye out for it.
- Under the formats section, find the dropdowns labelled Short time and Long time. Change these from the default 24-hour format (like 14:00) to the 12-hour style with AM/PM — usually something like
h:mm tt. - Once you select the 12-hour option, the clock on your taskbar should update automatically, showing AM and PM instead of military time. If it doesn’t change straight away, a quick restart or logging out should do the trick.
This method is handy because you’re editing the exact format Windows uses to display the time, meaning it’ll show up just how you want it — including in apps like Outlook, Calendar, or other services synced to your device.
Method 2: Tweak Regional Settings
- If the format still won’t change after that, it might be because of your regional settings. Head to Control Panel — you can search for it in the Start menu.
- Click on Region (sometimes listed as Region & Language), then go to the Administrative tab and click Change system locale…
- Here, make sure your region matches what you’re after — some regions default to 24-hour time. Switching to “United States” or another region that uses AM/PM might do the trick.
- After changing it, restart your PC so the new settings take hold, then check the time again.
This method’s a bit quirky, but on some setups, it’s the ticket to getting your clock showing AM/PM. Worth a shot if the first way didn’t nail it.
Quick Tips
- Keep Windows updated — sometimes updates sort out weird formatting bugs.
- If it’s stubborn, adjusting regional settings can help.
- Use the search bar in the Start menu to find Settings or Region faster.
- Check the taskbar clock after changing — just to make sure it’s actually updated.
- If in doubt, a quick restart often does the job and resets things.
FAQs
Why would someone want to switch to a 12-hour clock?
Honestly, it’s just easier for most folks to read at a glance. Military time isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, especially if you’re used to the AM/PM style from Oz or the US. It makes the clock more intuitive and easier to understand quickly.
Will changing the time format mess up my alarms or scheduled tasks?
Generally not. Most apps pick up the format from Windows. So if you switch to AM/PM, your alarms should display accordingly. But if you’ve got some complex scripts or third-party apps, it’s worth double-checking.
Can I switch back to 24-hour format easily?
Absolutely. Just follow the same steps and select the 24-hour option (HH:mm) in the format settings. No dramas.
What if it still doesn’t work?
Sometimes Windows just keeps a hold of the old settings, especially if it’s linked to regional preferences. Try updating Windows, restarting your PC, or resetting your regional and date/time formats. Resetting to default then reapplying can also help clear up any issues.
Summary
- Open Settings via Windows + I or the start menu.
- Go to Time & Language, then Date & Time.
- Click on Change date and time formats.
- Set the Short time and Long time to include AM/PM.
- Check the taskbar clock to confirm it’s all sorted.
Wrapping it up
Once you know where to look, it’s not too hard. Flicking your Windows setup to display 12-hour time is a quick change that can save plenty of head scratching during your day. Sometimes these small tweaks make all the difference — from confusion to clarity. The main thing is to check your regional settings if the first attempt doesn’t do the trick. Hope this helps you avoid the frustrations that Windows’ tricky setup can cause.