One of the features that distinguishes Windows 11 from the previous version of Microsoft's operating system is the wide range of customization options it offers us. In this article we will focus on a specific aspect: what to do to change the date and time format in Windows 11.
In previous posts we have already reviewed many other customization options, such as how change the shape and size of the mouse pointer, keyboard language or even the appearance of the desktop. Let's now see what can be done about the date and time format.
It must be said that, unlike other modifications, the issue of changing the date and time in Windows 11 goes much more than just aesthetics. Adjusting the correct format is essential to work better, using this information more effectively and better controlling deadlines and terms.
Most used formats
It is also important to know that date formats are not the same around the world, which can sometimes cause confusion. Taking as an example the publication date of this entry (March 4, 2024), we can check the differences that exist between the most used standards:
- american format (month, day, year): the date would be expressed like this 3/4/2024
- British format (day, month, year): in this case it would be 4/3/2024.
- ISO 8601 standard (year, month, day): a format that has become popular in recent years. In our example, it would be 2024-03-04.
The first two options are usually spoken of as "regional format", since they are usually used in different geographical areas. The American format, for example, is predominant in the United States, Canada and other parts of the world, such as certain states in Oceania. Furthermore, within these three main types there are also variants (use of dashes or periods instead of the separator bar, the year expressed in two or four digits, etc.).
As to time format, there are two great options: 12-hour clock (AM/FM) or 24-hour clock. Let's take seven in the afternoon as an example of time. Depending on the format chosen, the way the time is represented can vary greatly:
- 12 hour clock: 7 PM (or 7:00 PM)
- 24 hour clock: 19: 00 h.
Choosing one or the other often depends on each person's habits, since both are perfectly understandable.
Customize the date and time in Windows 11
Now that we know the different options we have, let's see what needs to be done to establish a certain date and time format in Windows 11. For this we have created a short and practical tutorial that can serve as a guide:
- The first step to choose a date and time format in Windows 11 is access the Settings menu. This can be done both from the start button, selecting the corresponding option.
- Next, we go to the left side menu to click on the option «Time and language».
- Then we select «Language and region».
- In the new screen that opens, we click on the option «Regional format». Here, using the button «Change data formats», we have to configure the different options offered:
- Regional format: For example, Spanish (Spain).
- Calendar: For example, Gregorian.
- First day of the week: the most common is Monday, although sometimes Sunday is chosen.
- Short date: expressed in numerical format.
- Long date: expressed in words (for example, March 4, 2024).
When choosing the configuration we will be able to choose between the date and time formats mentioned in the previous section. Almost all available possibilities are considered, adding or not adding the day of the week to the date, using hyphens, bars or separating points, adding the letter "H" to the time format, adding in addition to the hour and minutes, also the number of seconds, etc.
Alternative method
There is still another way to set a custom date and time format in Windows 11. Here is how we can use it:
- First of all, click on the Windows key and in the search bar we write "Region". Then we click on the search result icon.
- Then we go to the tab "Formats".
- Once there, we select the option "Additional configuration", from where we will access all the configuration options that we have seen in the previous section (long time, short time, date formats, etc.).
- Finally, when we have established the desired configuration, we click on the buttons "Apply " y "To accept".
It doesn't matter which method we choose, the important thing is that changing the date and time format in Windows 11 is very simple. Ultimately, it is about changing only some of the parameters from the System Configuration menu in order to adapt them to our preferences and needs. Perhaps the most complicated thing is deciding which format we really need.