How To Change the Windows 7 Clock from 12-Hour to 24-Hour Format

Changing the clock format on your Windows 7 computer is a simple task that can be completed in just a few steps. If you prefer military time or just want to switch things up, you can easily change your clock from a 12-hour format to a 24-hour format. Let’s dive in and learn how to make this adjustment.

Step by Step Tutorial: Changing the Windows 7 Clock from 12-Hour to 24-Hour

Before we begin the steps, it’s important to understand that changing the clock format will affect how time is displayed not only on your taskbar clock but also in other applications on your computer that use the system time.

Step 1: Access the Control Panel

Click on the Start button and open the Control Panel.

The Control Panel is the central hub for many settings on your computer, including the region and language options which we’ll need to adjust the clock format.

Step 2: Select “Clock, Language, and Region”

Click on the “Clock, Language, and Region” option in the Control Panel.

This is where you’ll find all the settings related to time, language, and regional options.

Step 3: Click on “Region and Language”

Select the “Region and Language” option.

This will open a new window where you can adjust various settings related to your computer’s region and language, including the time format.

Step 4: Open the “Formats” Tab

In the “Region and Language” window, navigate to the “Formats” tab.

Here you can customize how dates and times are displayed on your computer.

Step 5: Click on “Additional Settings”

Find and click on the “Additional Settings” button.

This will open a new window where you can get more specific with your format customizations.

Step 6: Change the Time Format

In the “Time” tab of the “Additional Settings” window, change the time format from “hh:mm:ss tt” (12-hour format) to “HH:mm:ss” (24-hour format).

Make sure to use capital “HH” for the 24-hour format to differentiate from the lowercase “hh” which indicates a 12-hour format.

Step 7: Apply the Changes

Click “Apply” and then “OK” to confirm the changes.

Your computer clock should now display the time in a 24-hour format.

After completing these steps, your Windows 7 clock will now display the time in a 24-hour format. This change will be reflected across all system applications that use the time and date from your computer settings.

Tips for Changing the Windows 7 Clock from 12-Hour to 24-Hour

• Ensure your computer’s operating system is up to date before making changes to the settings.
• If you use multiple user accounts on your computer, you’ll need to change the clock format for each account individually.
• Be aware that some third-party applications may have their own time format settings that won’t be affected by changing the Windows system clock.
• It’s easy to switch back to a 12-hour format by following the same steps and selecting “hh:mm:ss tt” in Step 6.
• If you’re not comfortable making these changes on your own, consider asking a tech-savvy friend or family member for assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing the clock format affect my scheduled tasks?

No, changing the clock format will not affect scheduled tasks or alarms set on your computer.

Can I change the date format as well?

Yes, you can change the date format in the same “Formats” tab where you changed the time format.

What if the 24-hour format doesn’t show up after I change the settings?

Make sure you applied the changes and clicked “OK” on all open windows. If it still doesn’t work, try restarting your computer.

Is it possible to have a 12-hour clock on the taskbar and a 24-hour clock in applications?

No, the clock format you set in the “Region and Language” settings will be applied system-wide.

Can I use a 24-hour clock on Windows 7 Starter or Home Basic editions?

Yes, the clock format settings are available in all editions of Windows 7.

Summary

1. Access the Control Panel.
2. Select “Clock, Language, and Region”.
3. Click on “Region and Language”.
4. Open the “Formats” tab.
5. Click on “Additional Settings”.
6. Change the time format to “HH:mm:ss”.
7. Apply the changes.

Conclusion

Changing the Windows 7 clock from a 12-hour to a 24-hour format is a straightforward process that can be done in just a few clicks. Whether you’re in the military, prefer the 24-hour format, or are just looking for a change, this simple adjustment can make a significant difference in how you view and use time on your computer. Remember, the steps outlined in this article are not only easy to follow but also reversible, so don’t be afraid to experiment with different time formats to see what works best for you. Now that you know how to change the Windows 7 clock, you’re one step closer to customizing your computer to your personal preferences.