How to change the date, time and time zone on Windows 11

2 min read · 6 steps · Updated 2 October 2026

A PC with the wrong time shows certificate warnings on websites, cannot sign in to some services and gives files wrong dates. Windows normally keeps the clock right by itself, as long as the two automatic switches are on.

These steps are for Windows 11. The pictures are simplified diagrams of the Settings window, not screenshots, so colours and spacing on your PC look a little different.

Step by step

1. Open Settings, Time & language, Date & time

   Press Windows + I and click Time & language. You can also right-click the clock on the taskbar and choose Adjust date and time.

   Done

2. Switch on Set time automatically

   Windows then takes the time from a time server on the internet.

   Done

3. Switch on Set time zone automatically

   This uses the location of the PC. If the switch is greyed out, turn on Location services under Privacy & security, Location.

   Done

4. Or choose the time zone yourself

   Switch Set time zone automatically off and pick the zone from the Time zone list. Leave Adjust for daylight saving time automatically on.

   Done

5. Or set the clock by hand

   Switch Set time automatically off, click Change next to Set the date and time manually, enter the values and click Change.

   Done

6. Show or hide the clock

   On the same page you decide whether time and date are shown in the system tray, and whether the clock shows seconds.

   Done

Good to know

If the time is wrong by exactly one or more hours, the time zone is wrong and the clock itself is fine.

A PC that is hours or years off after every start has an empty battery on the mainboard. A repair shop replaces it in a few minutes on a desktop PC.

If the clock is only a little off, click Sync now under Additional settings on the same page.

The same on other devices: Mac showing the wrong time or date: how to fix it and iPhone showing the wrong time: how to fix the date and time.

In short: Settings, Time & language, Date & time, Set time automatically, Set time zone automatically, or choose the zone and click Change to set it by hand.