How to Change Time Settings to 12 Hour Clock for Windows XP

Windows XP can display time in both 24 hour and 12 hour formats.

By default, some Windows XP systems are set in a 24 hour time format, also known as military time. In this setting the time ranges from 0:00 for midnight to 23:59 for 11:59 p.m. However, this can be changed to the 12 hour format found on most standard clocks, taking the guesswork out of converting military time to the format you may be used to.

Instructions

1. Click on the "Start" menu and click on the "Control Panel."

2. Locate the "Date, Time, Language and Regional Options" selection under "Control Panel." This option has an icon of a globe and calendar next to it.

3. Locate the option "Change format of numbers, dates and times." A new window will pop up.

4. Click on the "Customize" button next to the dropdown menu displaying your current country or region. Another new window will appear.

5. Select the "Time" tab from the tabs across the top of the new window.

6. Locate the "Time Format" box and change the uppercase "HH" to lower case "hh." Add "tt" to the end of the text string after "ss" to add the AM/PM designation. Click on "OK."

7. Click on "Apply" followed by "OK." Verify that the clock in the lower right of the Windows desktop is in the proper 12 hour format. For example, if it previously said 14:00 it should now say 2:00 PM.

References

• Pixel2Life: Changing Windows XP time format