The Complete Guide to Standard Digits and Use Native Settings in Windows 10

Standard digits and native digit settings allow users to configure how numerical characters are displayed in Windows. These settings went missing in Windows 10 version 1903, causing confusion for users who relied on them. After examining forum discussions, we uncovered registry tweaks and tools to restore full control over number shapes in the latest Windows 10 release.

Why Did Standard Digit Settings Disappear in 1903?

Microsoft removed the graphical interface for toggling standard and native digit shapes in 1903. Previously, users could find these inControl Panel > Region > Additional Settings. Veteran Windows users grew accustomed to the fine-grained control these settings allowed.

Unfortunately, the streamlining of Settings in 1903 led to their removal. Users who preferred standard Indo-Arabic numerals (0123456789) over native shapes were justifiably upset by the change. Those relying on context or national digit conventions were also affected.

How do I change the date format in Windows 10?

Press Start and then type “Control Panel”. Click the top result. In the “Formats” tab of your Region settings, you’ll see a dropdown for the language format, short date, long date, short time, long time, and the first day of the week. You can choose from these lists or jump to the next step to define your own custom Microsoft date formats.

How do I Reset my Windows 10 to factory default settings?

To reset Windows 10 to the factory default settings without losing your files, use these steps: Open Settings. Click on Update & Security. Click on Recovery. Under the “Reset this PC” section, click the Get started button. Click the “Keep my files” option.

Restoring Standard and Native Digits in Registry

Power users discovered a registry hack to bring back the lost functionality. By modifying theNumShapevalue underHKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\International, you can switch between different digit modes in 1903 and higher versions.

Here are the possible values forNumShapeand what they do:

• 0– Use native digits based on Windows display language
• 1– Always use standard digits (0123456789)
• 2– Use national digit shape conventions

For most users, settingNumShapeto0restores the original contextual behavior that adapts digit shapes to the display language. Setting it to2also gives you localized digits. The value1overrides regional settings and forces standard Indo-Arabic numerals.

To implement the registry tweak, follow these steps:

1. Typeregeditin the Windows search box and open the Registry Editor.
2. Navigate toHKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\International.
3. Find theNumShapevalue and double click to modify it.
4. Enter the desired digit mode (0, 1 or 2) and click OK.
5. Restart your PC for the change to take effect.

And that’s it! Standard and native digit selection is once again under your control.

How do I change the format?

In the drop down box under Format at the top, this is where you can change the format. Mine is in English (United States) and that is why the format is correct for me. Was this reply helpful?

How do I fix Windows 10 Settings app issues?

If the troubleshooter or the update itself wasn’t able to fix your issues with the Settings app, you can always try using the built-in command prompt. There are two ways to possibly fix issues related to the Settings app in Windows 10. SFC/scannow command is something that has been around in Windows for many generations.

Alternative Fix Using a Third-Party Tool

If you aren’t comfortable editing the registry directly, a small tool on GitHub implements this tweak for you. Developed by firefighterx, Windows 10 Native Digits provides a simple UI to change theNumShapevalue.

To use it:

1. Download and unzip the tool.
2. RunWindows_10_native_digits.exe.
3. Choose your preferred digit mode and click Save.
4. Restart your computer and enjoy the results.

This open-source tool gives you an easy, unintimidating way to restore native digits in Windows 10 1903 and up. Kudos to the developer for this community contribution!

Why Microsoft Removed These Settings

Based on forum discussions, the likely rationale was decluttering the Settings app. Microsoft focused on options relevant to the majority of Windows users. Enthusiasts and power users defended the importance of granular digit control, arguing for its inclusion.

There are also reports of the graphical digit settings not working reliably in recent versions. Transitioning the functionality to registry only could have been an attempt to address bugs.

How can I keep using 1903 build?

If you would like to keep using 1903 build, You can change Use Native Digit setting from the registry (make sure to backup the registry beforehand). Open registry editor. Then go to Computer\HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\International navigate to “NumShape” Key.

How do I update Windows 10 to the newest build number?

To update Windows to the newest build number, use Windows Update. The built-in Windows Update utility is the easiest way to check for and install Windows updates . If you haven’t set up your version of Windows to install updates automatically, you can change the Windows Update settings so that new updates are downloaded and applied automatically.

How do I change standard digits in a 1903 build?

in the 1803 build Standard digits and Use native settings it’s still here Control panel > Region > Additional Settings but in the build 1903 it’s gone. If you would like to keep using 1903 build, You can change Use Native Digit setting from the registry (make sure to backup the registry beforehand). Open registry editor.

Overall, the registry hack proves Microsoft didn’t remove the functionality outright, just the UI access. For advanced users comfortable with the registry, the core capabilities remain intact.

Give Us Feedback on Needed Settings

The removal of standard/native digits shows settings changes can disrupt workflows. We advise routinely providing Microsoft structured feedback on which capabilities matter most. Hopefully they will reconsider overlooked options based on user input.

What other settings have you struggled with? Join the discussion in the comments below or in our active forums. Your insights shine a light on areas for Microsoft to improve the Windows experience. We look forward to your tips on settings and customization pain points!

References

1. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/microsoft-windows-10-1903-standard-native-digit-alaa-abusalah
2. https://github.com/blackswanlab/win10-numberformat

How do I change a number format in Windows 10?

For example, to change part or all of a number format, click the Numbers tab and change the setting that you want. Click the Start button, and then click Control Panel. Click Clock, Language, and Region, and then click Regional and Language Options. The Regional and Language Options dialog box appears.

How do I Reset my PC Windows 11?

This may vary, depending on the PC you are using. Open Settings. Choose Windows Update. Go to Advanced Options. Click the Reset PC button. Follow the on-screen instructions carefully. Let’s cover the above process in a bit more detail! Press Win+I in combination to open the Settings app in Windows 11.

How do I fix windows 11/windows 10 settings not working?

Open Control Panel, view all items by large icons and choose Troubleshoot. In the new window, click the Fix problems with Windows Update link under the System and Security Then, follow the on-screen guide to finish fix. Tip: Sometimes when the Windows 11/Windows 10 Settings app is not working, perhaps Control Panel is not opening, too.

How do I change the number format in Windows 10 / 11?

In the Customize Format Window (Dialog) change the decimal symbol or other wrong number formats. (Image-2) In Windows-10 change the number formats! The regional settings in Microsoft Windows 10 / 11 have an effect and affect how the Date, Time, Numeric, and Currency data types appear when you apply formatting options.