Change time format on Welcome screen
Why does my Lock screen show a 12-hour clock when I start Windows, but a 24-hour clock when resuming from sleep or a locked computer? How can I make both settings match each other?
[ STEVE COX ]
Ian Sleightholm replies: This problem occurs because the Lock screen at startup takes its settings from the system account, not your personal account. To bring both into sync:
Locate settings to correct: Click ‘Start > Settings’ and navigate to ‘Time & language > Region & language’. Once there, click ‘Additional date, time & regional settings’ to open the Control Panel. Then click ‘Change date, time or number formats’ under Region.
Change Lock screen settings: From the Formats tab, set the ‘Short time’ format to your chosen setting, which affects the time format shown on the Lock screen: the ‘H’ and ‘HH’ options set a 24-hour clock, ‘h’ and ‘hh’ set a 12-hour clock. Click Apply when you’re happy with your choices.
Verify settings: Press ‘Win-L’ on your keyboard to verify the Lock screen now shows the time as you want it to appear. As things stand, this will only affect it when you sleep or lock your PC — the Lock screen at startup is linked to the main system account.
Set start-up lock screen: Once you’re happy with your settings, switch to the Administrative tab and click ‘Copy settings...’ A new pop-up window will appear. Tick ‘Welcome screen and system accounts’ and click OK to complete the switch. Reboot to test.