How to change region settings on Windows 10

If you need to set the correct location of your device or adjust the date, time, and currency formats, you can now change these settings using the Settings app on Windows 10.

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Region settings on Windows 10

On Windows 10, the region settings allow the operating system and apps (for example, Microsoft Store) to personalize the experience showing you content based on your location. In addition, based on your location Windows 10 can also show the correct format for dates, times, and currency automatically.

In the past, you needed to use Control Panel to change region settings, such as the first day of the week, currency, and date and time formats. However, you can now adjust these options using the “Region” settings page using the Settings app.

In this guide, you’ll learn the steps to change the location on Windows 10, and set the correct regional formats.

Change location and regional formats settings on Windows 10

To adjust the region settings, use these steps:

  1. Open Settings on Windows 10.

  2. Click on Time & Language.

  3. Click on Region.

  4. Under the “Region” section, use the drop-down menu to set your correct location.

  5. Under the “Regional format” section, use the drop-down menu to decide if Windows 10 should configure date and time formats based on your language and regional settings.

  6. Under the “Regional format data” section, click the Change data formats option.

    Regional data formats on Windows 10 version 1809
    Regional data formats on Windows 10 version 1809

  7. Select your language options:

    • Calendar.
    • First day of the week.
    • Short date.
    • Long date.
    • Short time.
    • Long time.
    • Currency.

    Change region data formats on Windows 10
    Change region data formats on Windows 10

Once you complete the steps, the region settings will reflect your preferences. However, you may need to close and re-open some apps for the settings to take effect.

While the page includes most region settings, if you need to adjust the language for non-Unicode programs, or you need to make a copy of the settings, on the right-side of the Region page, under “Related settings,” click the Additional date, time, & regional settings option. The link will open the “Clock and Region” settings in Control Panel, where you can access the “Region” settings to change the Administrative preferences.

Update August 11, 2020: This guide has been updated to reflect the changes on the latest version of Windows 10.