Changing the date format in Excel from dd/mm/yyyy to mm/dd/yyyy on Windows 10 is pretty straightforward. You need to adjust the date format settings in both Excel and your Windows system settings. This ensures that your dates are displayed correctly across all your applications.
How to Change Date Format in Excel from dd/mm/yyyy to mm/dd/yyyy in Windows 10
By following these steps, you can easily switch the date format in Excel from dd/mm/yyyy to mm/dd/yyyy. This is especially useful if you are working with international data or need to standardize your dates.
Step 1: Open Excel
First, open your Excel application.
Make sure you have the spreadsheet open that contains the dates you want to reformat. You can’t change the date format without having a file open.
Step 2: Select Date Cells
Highlight the cells that include the dates you want to reformat.
You can do this by clicking and dragging your mouse over the cells, or by holding down the Ctrl key and clicking each cell you want to select.
Step 3: Open Format Cells Window
Right-click on the selected cells and choose "Format Cells."
This will open a new window where you can change the formatting options for these cells.
Step 4: Choose Custom Format
In the Format Cells window, click on the "Number" tab, then select "Custom" from the list on the left.
This will allow you to enter a custom date format rather than choosing from the preset options.
Step 5: Enter New Date Format
In the "Type" field, enter mm/dd/yyyy and click "OK."
This will change the format of the selected cells to show the dates in the mm/dd/yyyy format.
Step 6: Adjust Windows Date Format
Go to your Windows 10 settings by clicking the Start menu and selecting "Settings."
This will open the Settings window where you can change various system preferences.
Step 7: Open Time & Language Settings
Click on "Time & Language" and then select "Region."
This will bring up options for changing your regional date and time format.
Step 8: Change Regional Format
Scroll down to "Regional format" and click the link that says "Change data formats."
Here, you can adjust the date format for your entire Windows system to mm/dd/yyyy.
Step 9: Select MM/DD/YYYY Format
Under "Short date," choose mm/dd/yyyy.
This will ensure that all dates in your system, not just in Excel, are displayed in this format.
After you complete these steps, all dates in your spreadsheet will now be displayed in the mm/dd/yyyy format. Additionally, any other applications that use the system date format will also show dates in this format.
Tips for Changing Date Format in Excel from dd/mm/yyyy to mm/dd/yyyy in Windows 10
- Always back up your Excel file before making bulk changes.
- Be aware that changing the system date format will affect all applications on your computer.
- Check that all your data still makes sense after changing the format.
- If you frequently switch between date formats, consider creating a custom template.
- Use the “Text to Columns” feature in Excel for more complex date conversions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I revert the changes in Excel?
To revert the date format back to dd/mm/yyyy, follow the same steps and enter dd/mm/yyyy in the "Type" field.
Will changing the Windows date format affect other applications?
Yes, changing the Windows date format will affect all applications that use the system date format.
Can I change the date format for just one Excel file?
Yes, the steps detailed affect only the selected cells in the open Excel file, but the Windows settings will affect all files.
What if my dates don’t change after following these steps?
Double-check to make sure you selected the correct cells and entered the format correctly. If the issue persists, re-open Excel.
Is it possible to create a custom date format?
Yes, you can create a custom date format using the "Custom" option in the Format Cells window.
Summary of Steps
- Open Excel.
- Select Date Cells.
- Open Format Cells Window.
- Choose Custom Format.
- Enter New Date Format.
- Adjust Windows Date Format.
- Open Time & Language Settings.
- Change Regional Format.
- Select MM/DD/YYYY Format.
Conclusion
There you have it! By following these steps, you can easily change the date format in Excel from dd/mm/yyyy to mm/dd/yyyy on Windows 10. This is particularly useful if you’re dealing with international data or need consistency in your reports. Remember to back up your files before making bulk changes and double-check your data afterward to ensure everything looks right.
If you found this guide helpful, why not share it with colleagues or friends who might also benefit? For further reading, consider exploring more advanced Excel formatting tips or delving into how regional settings can affect other applications on your system. Happy formatting!
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.