How do I change the date and time in Windows 10/11?

Most of the time, Microsoft Windows will correctly handle the time and date on your computer. However, occasionally, things can go wrong. This can be unsettling, especially if you're used to them always being accurate.

This issue can occur for several reasons, including an incorrect system time or recent software updates installed on your computer. Additionally, if your PC has been moved from one time zone to another, it might not adjust automatically.

An incorrect time or date setting on your computer can affect apps that rely on them. For example, network services or online authentication might prevent you from accessing those resources.

Thankfully, Windows allows you to change the time and date settings both manually and automatically. Read on as I show you how.

How to Change the Date and Time on Windows 10

If set to Manual, the time and date will be up to you, but if you prefer to sync automatically, both will be set according to the Windows Time Service.

The following steps will show you how to set the date and time manually. Then, you'll see how to set them to change automatically.

Change the date and time from the taskbar

The first one lets you change the time and date from the taskbar.

Step 1. Right-click on the time display in the bottom right corner of the taskbar. Select “Adjust date/time” and click it.

Step 2. If Automatic date & time is enabled, tap it to turn it off.

Step 3: Click the "Change" button in the "Change date and time" settings.

Click on the Change button:

Step 4. In the window that pops up, manually enter the correct time and date in their respective fields. Click on “Change” to apply and save your changes.

Change the date and time in Settings

Or, you can change the date and time from your computer's Settings menu. Here's how:

Step 1: Click on the Windows Start icon located at the bottom right of the taskbar, then select "Settings."

Click the "Settings" button to start the countdown.

Press the Windows key and the I key simultaneously to open Settings.

Step 2. On the Windows Settings screen that appears, click Time & language.

Step 3: Click on "Set Automatically" to turn off the feature, allowing you to change the date and time manually.

Step 4: Click on "Change" under "Set date and time manually."

Click the Change button

Step 5: In the window that pops up, adjust the available options accurately to set the correct time and date. Click on "Change" to apply and save your modifications.

How to Change the Time Zone on Windows 10 Changing the time zone in the Windows 10 operating system is a straightforward process. Follow these steps: 1. Click on the clock display located at the bottom right corner of the screen. 2. From the menu that pops up, select "Date & Time settings." 3. On the "Date & Time" settings page, you'll find the "Time zone" option. 4. Click the drop-down menu next to "Time zone" and choose the correct time zone from the list. 5. After selecting, Windows 10 will automatically apply the new time zone setting. If you have scheduled events or reminders, it will ask if you want to adjust these items to the new time zone. 6. Once done, click the "Save" or "Apply" button at the bottom of the page to save your changes. If you are an administrator and need to change the system time zone for all users, you can do this through the Control Panel: 1. Search for "Control Panel" and open it. 2. In the Control Panel, locate and click on "Clock and Region." 3. In the "Region and Language" settings, choose the "Change time zone" option. 4. Proceed with steps 4 and 5 from the previous instructions to select the correct time zone and save your changes. After completing these steps, your Windows 10 system will be updated with the new time zone.

If the time and date on your Windows 10 computer aren't accurate, it's likely because your time zone settings are incorrect. When this happens, your time might be an hour ahead or behind the actual time in your time zone (or more). It may even be displaying the wrong date altogether.

Nevertheless, you can change the time zone setting manually.

Step 1: Enter the Settings menu.

Step 2. Click on “Time & Language”.

Step 3: Scroll down to the “Time Zone” section. Click the drop-down arrow and select your time zone from the menu.

If you live in an area that observes Daylight Saving Time, you can have your computer adjust for it automatically. To do this, click the “Automatically adjust for Daylight Saving Time” option.

Additional Tips: How to Set the Clock Automatically Part 3: Troubleshooting Atomic Clock Problems

We've already covered how to set the time and date manually, but if you prefer, Windows can automatically adjust your device's clock to show the correct time. I recommend this option, as setting the time and date manually can sometimes result in errors.

Microsoft sets this automatic setting to on by default on all Windows 10 and Windows 11 computers. However, you or someone else may have turned it off in the past. If so, follow these simple steps to turn it back on.

Step 1: Go to the “Settings” page.

Step 2: Click on “Time & language”.

Step 3. Directly below the current date and time, you'll see an "Automatic date & time" option. Tap the switch to turn it on.