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Switch between 12-hour and 24-hour time
- Open Settings > Time & language > Language & region.
- Expand Regional format, then select Change formats.
- Open Short time and choose the format you want:
- 12-hour: select a pattern that includes AM/PM. Microsoft Q&A gives
h:mm ttas an example. - 24-hour: select a pattern without AM/PM.
- 12-hour: select a pattern that includes AM/PM. Microsoft Q&A gives
- Optionally, choose a matching format under Long time for longer time displays.
The setting is the pattern, not a separate 12/24-hour switch: the AM/PM marker is the quick way to tell which notation a choice uses. Microsoft’s Windows time, date, and time-zone guidance documents the date and time settings area; the specific format path and pattern example are also described in Microsoft Q&A.
What Short time and Long time control
Short time is the compact pattern used in places such as the taskbar clock. Long time applies where Windows or an application uses a longer time display. If one part of Windows still looks different after changing Short time, check Long time too. Individual apps may also use their own settings.
Changing the format does not change the time zone
The 12-hour or 24-hour choice changes how the time is written, not the local time itself. To change which local time Windows displays, use the separate Settings > Time & language > Date & time controls. Microsoft documents time-zone selection separately from regional formats in its date and time settings guide.
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If the format option is missing or does not take effect
Check Short time and Long time
Make sure you are in Regional format > Change formats and looking at Short time. If a longer display has not changed, check the Long time choice as well. Some Microsoft Q&A users have reported seeing only 24-hour choices, but the reports do not establish one universal cause.
Try the classic Region dialog
If Settings does not show the format you need, open Control Panel > Region and inspect the Formats tab’s Short time selection. The Additional settings button may provide custom time-pattern controls. Treat this as a fallback; it is not a guaranteed fix for every missing-choice case.
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Refresh the app or check its preferences
If a particular application still shows the previous format, check whether it has its own time-display preference, then close and reopen it. Some apps may have loaded the earlier regional setting.
Distinguish a hidden clock from a format problem
If the taskbar clock is not visible, open Settings > Time & language > Date & time and check Show time and date in the System tray. This controls whether the clock is shown; it does not select 12-hour or 24-hour notation. Microsoft says the date and time appear in the system tray by default. See Customize the Taskbar in Windows for related taskbar controls.
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