Changing the time format from 24-hour to 12-hour in Windows 10 is a straightforward task. You need to access the Control Panel, navigate to the appropriate settings, and make a few clicks. This guide will walk you through each step to help you easily switch the time format on your Windows 10 device.
How to Change Time Format from 24 to 12 in Windows 10
In this section, we’ll go through each step for changing the time format from 24-hour to 12-hour in Windows 10. By following these instructions, you can customize your computer’s time display to your preference.
Step 1: Open Control Panel
First, open the Control Panel by typing “Control Panel” in the search bar and selecting it from the results.
To get started, hit the Windows key on your keyboard and type “Control Panel.” When you see it pop up, click on it. This is your gateway to customizing many settings on your computer, including the time format.
Step 2: Go to “Clock and Region”
Next, find and click on “Clock and Region” in the Control Panel.
Look for the “Clock and Region” option. This section deals with all time-related settings on your PC. Clicking here will lead you to the next step in changing your time format.
Step 3: Click on “Region”
Then, click on “Region” to open the Region settings window.
Once you’re in the “Clock and Region” section, you will see an option labeled “Region.” Click this to open a new window that will allow you to modify regional settings, including time formats.
Step 4: Go to “Additional Settings”
In the Region settings window, click on “Additional settings…”
In the “Region” window, there is a button labeled “Additional settings…” at the bottom. Clicking this will open another window where you can tweak various settings.
Step 5: Select the “Time” Tab
In the Additional settings window, go to the “Time” tab.
Now that you’re in the “Additional settings” window, navigate to the “Time” tab. Here you will find specific options for changing the time format.
Step 6: Change the Time Format
Change the time format by editing the “Short time” and “Long time” fields to use the 12-hour format (e.g., h:mm tt).
In the “Time” tab, you’ll see fields labeled “Short time” and “Long time.” Change these to “h:mm tt” and “hh:mm:ss tt” respectively. This switches the clock to display in a 12-hour format with AM/PM indicators.
Step 7: Click “Apply” and “OK”
Finally, click “Apply” and then “OK” to save your changes.
After editing the time formats, click on “Apply” and then “OK.” This saves your changes and changes your system clock to the 12-hour format.
Once you’ve completed all the steps, your computer will display the time in a 12-hour format with AM/PM indicators. You can always go back and adjust these settings if needed.
Tips for Changing Time Format from 24 to 12 in Windows 10
- Always double-check the format you input to ensure it’s correct.
- The “Apply” button saves your changes without closing the window, so you can make further adjustments if needed.
- If you prefer a leading zero in the time display, use “hh:mm tt” for the short time format.
- You can also adjust the date format in the same “Additional settings” window if desired.
- Restarting your computer ensures the changes take full effect.
Frequently Asked Questions About Changing Time Format from 24 to 12 in Windows 10
How do I know if the time format change was successful?
After completing all the steps, check the time displayed in the bottom-right corner of your screen. It should now show the 12-hour format with AM/PM indicators.
Can I revert back to the 24-hour format?
Yes, follow the same steps and change the “Short time” and “Long time” fields back to the 24-hour format (e.g., HH:mm).
Will changing the time format affect other settings?
No, changing the time format will not affect other settings on your computer. It only changes how the time is displayed.
What if the Control Panel doesn’t show “Clock and Region”?
If “Clock and Region” isn’t visible, switch the Control Panel view to “Category” by selecting it from the dropdown menu in the top-right corner.
Do I need administrative privileges to change the time format?
No, any user can change the time format without needing administrative privileges.
Summary
- Open Control Panel.
- Go to “Clock and Region.”
- Click on “Region.”
- Go to “Additional settings.”
- Select the “Time” tab.
- Change the time format.
- Click “Apply” and “OK.”
Conclusion
Changing the time format from 24 to 12 in Windows 10 is a simple yet effective way to personalize your computer. Whether you prefer the 12-hour format because it’s more familiar or easier to read, this guide has walked you through the necessary steps.
If you run into any issues, remember you can always revert to the original settings by following the same steps. And if you’re interested in further customizing your Windows 10 experience, there are countless other settings to explore. Happy tweaking!
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.