How to Change Your Computer Date Display

You might be aware that you can change the date on your computer by double-clicking the clock on your taskbar and making changes in the “Date and Time Properties” dialog. But you also can change the way your computer displays dates.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Computer with Microsoft Windows

1. Click “Start” and then click on “Control Panel." If you are using an older version of Windows you will click “Start," point to “Settings” and then click on “Control Panel."

2. If your “Control Panel” is in “Category View," click the option in the task pane that says “Switch to Classic View."

3. Double click “Regional and Language Options” in your “Control Panel."

4. Make sure you are on the “Regional Options” tab. Under “Standards and Formats," click “Customize."

5. Click on the “Date” tab, and specify any changes you want to make.

6. When you are finished, click “Apply” and “OK” on the “Customize Regional Options” dialog. Then click “Apply” and “OK” on the “Regional and Language Options” dialog box.

Tips & Warnings

• To display the full name of the day or month type four characters. For example, type "dddd" for the day setting and "MMMM" for the month.
• These settings will affect the way all Microsoft programs on your computer display times.