SharePoint Document Issues

How to Set Date Format to dd-mm-yyyy in Microsoft Lists

Kushani Nimanthika Oct 7, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to change the displayed date format in Microsoft Lists to dd-mm-yyyy.

How to Set Date Format to dd-mm-yyyy in Microsoft Lists

Product: Microsoft Lists
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Viewing and organizing records in Microsoft Lists where dates must appear in the specific dd-mm-yyyy regional format.
Observed behavior: Changing local Windows settings or the general Microsoft account region does not update the date format in Microsoft Lists, as it defaults to the SharePoint site's locale.

Before you start

Verify that you have Site Administrator permissions for the SharePoint site connected to your Microsoft List, as standard user accounts cannot alter site-wide regional settings.

Solution 1Recommended

Update the SharePoint Site Regional Settings

Microsoft Lists inherits its date formatting from the connected SharePoint site. A site administrator must update the locale to a region that uses the dd-mm-yyyy format.

Because Microsoft Lists are hosted on SharePoint infrastructure, they do not read your local computer's clock or date settings. To fix date formatting permanently, the site's default locale must be adjusted.

Log in as Site Administrator

Open your web browser and navigate to the SharePoint site where your Microsoft List is hosted, ensuring you are signed in with administrator credentials.

Access Site Settings

Click the gear icon (Settings) in the top right corner of the page, select 'Site information', and then click 'View all site settings' at the bottom of the pane.

Open Regional Settings

Under the 'Site Administration' category on the Site Settings page, click on 'Regional settings'.

Change the Locale

Find the 'Locale' dropdown menu and select a region that natively formats dates as dd-mm-yyyy, such as 'English (United Kingdom)' or 'English (Australia)'.

Save Changes

Scroll to the bottom of the page and click 'OK'. Return to your Microsoft List and refresh the page to see the dates updated to the dd-mm-yyyy format.

Update the SharePoint Site Regional Settings

Permissions Required: If you do not see 'Site information' or 'View all site settings', your account lacks administrative access. You will need to contact your organization's IT support to make this change.

Solution 2

Adjust Microsoft Account Region for Personal Lists

Use this solution if your Microsoft List is stored in your personal OneDrive account rather than an enterprise SharePoint site.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Easily Customize Data Formats with WPS Office

While Microsoft Lists restricts format changes behind administrator settings, WPS Office offers a powerful, lightweight Spreadsheet application where you can customize dates instantly. It serves as a highly compatible, free alternative to the Microsoft Office ecosystem.

1. Open your data in WPS Spreadsheet: Launch WPS Office and open your spreadsheet or list data file.
2. Select the date column: Highlight the specific cells or column containing the dates you wish to reformat.
3. Apply Custom Date Format: Right-click and select 'Format Cells'. Go to the 'Number' tab, click 'Custom', and type 'dd-mm-yyyy' to instantly apply your desired format.

Instantly apply dd-mm-yyyy or custom date formats without requiring admin rights.Fully compatible with Microsoft Excel (.xlsx, .xls) and CSV formats.Lightweight, fast-loading, and completely free to use.Familiar user interface ensuring seamless migration from Microsoft Office.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why didn't changing my Windows OS date format affect Microsoft Lists?

Microsoft Lists stored on a SharePoint site inherit their regional settings directly from the cloud server environment, not your local computer. Therefore, modifying your Windows Control Panel date settings will not override the SharePoint site's configured locale.

Can I change the date format for just one specific list without affecting the rest of the site?

No, date formats are determined by the regional settings at the site level. Updating the locale will apply the new date format to all lists, libraries, and pages hosted on that specific SharePoint site.

What should I do if I don't have administrator permissions?

If you lack site administrator rights, you cannot access the 'Site settings' menu required to change the locale. You must contact your IT department or the designated SharePoint site owner and request that they update the site's regional settings to support the dd-mm-yyyy format.

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