Do you prefer reading the time in 24-hour format instead of AM/PM? Good news — Windows 11 makes it super easy to switch to military time. Whether you’re a fan of precision, work in a global team, or just like a cleaner clock display, this guide will show you exactly how to change the clock on your PC to 24-hour format in just a few clicks.
Let’s walk through the process step by step and fix that clock once and for all.
Why Use Military (24-Hour) Time on Windows 11?
Here’s why many users switch to military time:
-
No AM/PM confusion – 15:30 is always 3:30 PM.
-
Better for scheduling – used in aviation, healthcare, and the military.
-
More professional look – especially in workplaces and control rooms.
-
Great for gamers/streamers – no guessing late-night times.
Step 1: Open Windows 11 Settings
-
Click the Start Menu (Windows icon) on the taskbar.
-
Select Settings (or press Windows + I for a quick shortcut).
Step 2: Go to Time & Language Settings
-
In the Settings window, select Time & language from the left-hand menu.
-
Click Language & region.
Step 3: Open Regional Format Settings
Scroll down and find Regional format:
-
Click Regional format settings.
-
Under Regional format data, select Change formats.
Step 4: Change the Time Format
-
Look for Short time and Long time options.
-
Click the dropdown menu and select a format with HH:mm (this is 24-hour format).
For example:
-
HH:mm → 24-hour time without seconds.
-
HH:mm:ss → 24-hour time with seconds displayed.
Step 5: Check Your Taskbar Clock
Once you select the 24-hour format, the change applies instantly:
-
Look at the bottom-right corner of your screen.
-
Your taskbar clock should now display in military time (e.g., 17:45 instead of 5:45 PM).
Step 6: Optional – Change Region (If Needed)
If the 24-hour format isn’t showing, your PC’s region might be set to one that defaults to 12-hour time.
-
Go back to Language & region.
-
Change the Regional format to a country that uses 24-hour time (like UK or Germany).
-
Then repeat Step 4 to set HH:mm.
Step 7: Verify Across Apps
Most Windows 11 apps (like Calendar, Taskbar Clock, File Explorer timestamps) will now display in 24-hour format. If some apps still show AM/PM, they may use separate settings — check within that app’s preferences.
Troubleshooting If Military Time Doesn’t Apply
If the clock doesn’t change:
-
Restart Explorer: Press
Ctrl + Shift + Esc, right-click Windows Explorer, select Restart. -
Sign Out and Sign Back In: This refreshes system-wide settings.
-
Check Date & Time Format: Make sure you picked the right HH:mm format.
-
Update Windows: Go to Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates to ensure your system is up to date.
Tips for Power Users
-
Use Registry Editor to change time format manually if you want custom styles.
-
Combine with Taskbar customizers (like ExplorerPatcher) to tweak how the clock looks.
-
Enable seconds display for even more precision.
Conclusion
Switching to military (24-hour) time in Windows 11 is quick and straightforward. With just a few clicks, you can enjoy a cleaner, professional-looking clock that eliminates AM/PM confusion. Whether you’re working in a corporate environment or just like the format, this setting keeps your schedule crystal clear.
FAQs
1. Can I set 24-hour time on Windows 11 Home edition?
Yes! This works on all editions of Windows 11 — Home, Pro, and Enterprise.
2. Will this affect my BIOS clock?
No, this only changes how Windows displays time, not the system BIOS.
3. Can I show both 12-hour and 24-hour time at once?
Not by default — you’d need a third-party clock widget for that.
4. Will this setting sync with other devices?
No, it only applies to your Windows 11 PC. You’ll need to manually set 24-hour time on other devices.
5. How do I go back to AM/PM format?
Just follow the same steps and choose a format with h:mm tt (12-hour format with AM/PM).