How to Change 24hr to 12hr in Windows 10: A Step-by-Step Guide

Changing the time format in Windows 10 from 24-hour to 12-hour is pretty straightforward. You’ll just need to access the Date and Time settings and modify the time format manually. This involves only a few steps and can be done in less than five minutes. Follow along to easily switch from military time to the more familiar AM/PM format.

How to Change 24hr to 12hr in Windows 10

Changing the time format in Windows 10 is a quick process that involves navigating through the Control Panel and adjusting the time settings. Here’s how you can do it step-by-step:

Step 1: Open Control Panel

First, click the Start menu and type "Control Panel" in the search bar, then hit Enter.

The Control Panel is the central hub for most of your system settings. It’s a good place to start when you need to change time formats or other system preferences.

Step 2: Go to "Clock and Region"

Next, select "Clock and Region" from the list of options in the Control Panel.

This section handles all your time and region-related settings. It’s where you’ll go to tweak the time format.

Step 3: Click on "Region"

Then, click on the "Region" option.

This will bring up a new window where you can adjust various regional settings, including the format for dates, times, and numbers.

Step 4: Open the "Formats" Tab

In the Region window, make sure you’re on the "Formats" tab, then click "Additional settings."

The Formats tab allows you to customize how dates and times are displayed.

Step 5: Change the Time Format

In the "Customize Format" window, navigate to the "Time" tab and then under the "Time formats" section, replace the "HH:mm" and "HH:mm:ss" with "hh:mm tt" and "hh:mm:ss tt" respectively. Click OK to save.

This changes the time format from a 24-hour clock to a 12-hour clock with AM/PM indicators.

Step 6: Apply Changes

Finally, click "Apply" and then "OK" in the Region settings window.

Applying the changes ensures that your new time format will be displayed immediately.

After you complete these steps, your Windows 10 system clock should now display time in the 12-hour format with AM and PM.

Tips for Changing 24hr to 12hr in Windows 10

• Backup Settings: Before making changes, always note down the original settings just in case you need to revert back.
• Check System Language: Ensure your system language is set to English (United States) for the AM/PM format to show correctly.
• Restart if Needed: Sometimes a quick restart might be necessary for changes to take full effect.
• Use Control Panel Shortcut: You can quickly open the Control Panel by pressing Windows + R, typing "control", and pressing Enter.
• Check All Clocks: Make sure to check both the taskbar clock and system tray clock to verify the changes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Windows 10 clock still showing 24-hour format?

Make sure you clicked "Apply" and then "OK" after changing the settings. Sometimes a restart is required for changes to take effect.

Can I change the date format as well?

Yes, you can customize the date format in the same Region settings window under the Formats tab.

What if I want to revert to 24-hour format?

Simply follow the same steps but replace "hh:mm tt" with "HH:mm" to revert back to the 24-hour format.

Do I need administrator rights to change the time format?

No, changing the time format does not require administrator privileges.

Will this change affect my software applications?

The change will affect most system-wide applications, but individual software applications might use their own time settings.

Summary

1. Open Control Panel.
2. Go to "Clock and Region."
3. Click on "Region."
4. Open the "Formats" tab.
5. Change the Time Format.
6. Apply Changes.

Conclusion

There you have it! Changing the 24-hour time format to a 12-hour format in Windows 10 is a breeze when you know where to look. By following these simple steps, you can switch to the more familiar AM/PM time format. Remember, the Region settings in the Control Panel are your go-to place for these kinds of customizations.

Whether you’re more comfortable with 12-hour time or you want to align your system clock with your daily schedule, this small change can make a big difference in your user experience. Feel free to explore other settings in the Control Panel while you’re there—you might discover other tweaks that can enhance your Windows 10 experience.