How to Change the Lock Screen Time to 12-hour or 24-hour Clock Format in Windows 11

In Windows 11, the default setting on the lock screen’s clock is the 12-hour time format, but some may prefer the 24-hour format for clarity. Either way, one of these formats suits the user’s desired preferences. Changes in the lock screen time format also affect the clock in the taskbar.

While updating the clock format for individual users is simple via tools like Windows Settings, changing the format system-wide would require tools with administrator privileges. In this guide, you’ll learn how to change the time format on your Windows 11 lock screen using built-in tools like Settings and Control Panel.

Method 1: Using Settings (per user configuration)

With Windows 11’s Settings app, you can adjust your lock screen time format quickly and easily.

1. Open Settings:
   • Press Win + I to open Windows Settings.
2. Navigate to Time & Language:
   • Select Time & Language on the left side of the menu, then Language & Region.
3. Modify Regional format:
   • Under Regional format, click Change formats.
4. Set your time format:
   • In the Long time dropdown:
   • Choose a 12-hour clock for AM/PM time notations (e.g., 3:00:00 PM).
   • Choose a 24-hour clock for military time (e.g., 15:00:00).
5. Save and restart:
   • Close Settings; the lock screen and taskbar clock will automatically update. If not, restart your PC.

Note: This option only applies to your current user account and doesn’t require administrative rights. For all users, follow the next method.

Method 2: Using Control Panel (system-wide configuration)

The Control Panel is a centralized solution for those who need to apply time formats to all accounts on a Windows 11 device.

1. Open Control Panel:
   • Search Control Panel in the Start menu.
   • Set View by on the top-right corner to Category.
2. Access Region Settings:
   • Click Clock and Region > Region.
   • A new window will open for Region. Select the Formats tab.
3. Customize time format:
   • Under Date and time formats:
   • In Short time or Long time:
     1. Use the h: mm tt or hh: mm: ss tt for the 12-hour format (e.g., 3:00 PM).
     2. Use the HH: mm or HH: mm: ss for the 24-hour format (e.g., 15:00).
4. Apply system-wide changes:
   • Click Apply to save changes.
   • Go to the Administrative tab, then click Copy settings.
   • Check Welcome screen and system accounts, then click OK.
5. Restart device
   • Reboot to ensure the lock screen time format updates for all users.

Note: This method requires administrator rights. Make sure you are using an admin user account when making changes.

Alternative methods (proceed with caution)

Most users should stick to the Settings or Control Panel methods. IT teams and advanced users can explore these less common methods.

Note: Ensure to back up your system for possible mistakes that can mess up the system. Go to Settings > Accounts > Windows Backup, then toggle ON Remember my preferences.

Using Group Policy

Windows 11 has no native policy to change the lock screen time format in Group Policy, but admins can enforce registry tweaks via:

• Custom ADMX Templates: Deploy a custom policy to modify regional settings.

OR;

• Scripts: Use logon scripts to apply registry edits (see Registry method below).

Using Registry Editor

Using this method must be done with caution. Accidental changes in the registry can disrupt the system. Make sure to back up the Registry before making changes. You can read How to Back Up and Restore the Windows Registry for more details.

1. Press Win + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type regedit, then hit Enter to open the Registry Editor.
3. Go to this address key: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\International.
4. Modify these values:
   • For 12-hour format: Set sTimeFormat to h:mm: ss tt and sShortTime to h: mm tt.
   • For 24-hour format: Use HH:mm: ss and HH:mm respectively.
5. Restart your PC.

Using PowerShell

PowerShell lacks native cmdlets to set 24 24-hour clock directly, but you can:

1. Modify formats indirectly via the registry (similar to Method 2):
   1. For Short Time format, run this script:
      • Set-ItemProperty -Path “HKCU:\Control Panel\International” -Name “sShortTime” -Value “HH:mm” 
   2. For Long Time format, run:
      • Set-ItemProperty -Path “HKCU:\Control Panel\International” -Name sTimeFormat -Value “HH:mm:ss”
2. Reboot to apply changes.

Adjusting the lock screen clock in Windows 11 to match daily routines

Changing the lock screen time format in Windows 11, whether to a 12-hour or 24-hour clock, helps your PC align with your daily needs, from work tasks to personal habits.

Use the Settings app for quick personal tweaks or the Control Panel for system-wide changes (admin rights required). Always restart your device to ensure the new format appears correctly.

A clear, consistent clock reduces confusion, especially in teams or global setups. With just a few clicks, you can make your lock screen work smarter for you. Your time, your way.