Do you prefer seeing time in 24-hour format (military time) rather than the standard 12-hour AM/PM format on your Windows 11 PC? Switching to military time is quick, and you don’t need any extra software.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to change to military time on Windows 11 step by step, including customizing formats, adjusting regional settings, and troubleshooting common issues.
Summary (Key Takeaways)
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Windows 11 uses the 12-hour format by default, but you can switch to 24-hour format (military time).
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You can change it via Settings > Time & Language > Language & Region > Date & Time formats.
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You can also customize the clock format using the Control Panel.
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Changing to military time affects system clock, taskbar, and apps that use system time.
What Is Military Time?
Military time is the 24-hour time format used by the military, hospitals, airlines, and other industries to avoid confusion between AM and PM.
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1:00 PM in 12-hour format = 13:00 in military time.
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Midnight = 00:00, Noon = 12:00.
This format is especially useful if you work with schedules or international teams.
Why Switch to Military Time on Windows 11?
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🕒 Avoid confusion between AM and PM.
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🌍 Better for international work and global timekeeping.
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📅 Consistent time format across system and apps.
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⚡ Professional appearance in business environments.
Step 1: Open Windows Settings
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Press Win + I to open Settings.
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Navigate to Time & language in the left sidebar.
Step 2: Go to Language & Region Settings
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Click on Language & region under Time & language.
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Scroll down to Regional format.
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Click Change formats.
Step 3: Change Short and Long Time Formats
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Under Change date and time formats, find Short time and Long time.
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Select the 24-hour format options:
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Short time: HH:mm
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Long time: HH:mm:ss
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The system clock on your taskbar will now display military time.
Step 4: Verify Taskbar Clock
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Look at the bottom-right corner of your screen.
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Your taskbar should now show time in 24-hour format (e.g., 14:30 instead of 2:30 PM).
Step 5: Customize Using Control Panel (Optional)
For additional customization:
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Press Win + S and search Control Panel.
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Go to Clock and Region > Region > Formats tab.
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Click Additional settings > Time tab.
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Set Short time and Long time to HH:mm / HH:mm:ss.
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Click Apply and OK.
✅ Best for users who want more control over time formats.
Step 6: Adjust for Apps That Use System Time
Some apps (Outlook, Slack, Zoom) follow your system time format. After switching to military time:
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Restart these apps to ensure the 24-hour format is applied.
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Check calendar and meeting times for consistency.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| Time still shows AM/PM | Restart Windows or reapply 24-hour settings |
| Clock shows wrong time | Check Time zone in Settings > Date & time |
| Apps not reflecting 24-hour format | Restart apps or PC |
| Language/region overrides military time | Ensure Regional format matches your preferred country |
Tips for Using Military Time Efficiently
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🕐 Memorize conversions: 1 PM = 13:00, 6 PM = 18:00.
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📅 Use with calendars and scheduling apps for consistency.
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🔄 Sync devices to Windows 11 for a uniform time format across your PC and apps.
Conclusion
Changing to military time on Windows 11 is simple and enhances clarity, professionalism, and consistency. You can do it through Settings or the Control Panel, and once applied, it affects the system clock and apps that rely on Windows time.
By following this guide, you’ll avoid confusion between AM and PM and keep your time displays precise and standardized.
FAQs About Military Time on Windows 11
1. Will changing to military time affect my calendar?
Yes, meetings and events will now display in 24-hour format.
2. Can I switch back to 12-hour format?
Yes, simply select h:mm / h:mm:ss in the time format settings.
3. Does military time work with all Windows 11 apps?
Most apps follow system time, but some may require manual settings.
4. How do I show seconds in military time?
Select HH:mm:ss for the long time format in Settings or Control Panel.
5. Will changing time format affect my time zone?
No, the time zone remains the same; only the display format changes.