How to Change the Time and Date in Windows

It’s actually a very important setting

An incorrect clock in Windows can lead to system-wide anomalies and break apps that rely on internet connectivity. We will show you how to set it to the correct date and time again.

By default, Windows keeps the system clock in sync with Microsoft’s time servers. If that fails, you must manually change the time and date or forcibly synchronize the clock with a local time server. This tutorial will help you learn how to change the time, date, and region in Windows 11 and 10.

Manually Change Time and Date in Windows

The default date and time configuration in Windows keep the system time in sync with an internet time server. It could also use location services to set your region when traveling between different time zones. However, you can always manually adjust the time, date, and region if the clock is incorrect or you want to advance or roll back it for another reason.

Right-click theClockon the taskbar and selectAdjust date and time.Or, open theStart menuand selectSettings>Time & language>Date & time.
On the Settings window that launches, disable the switch next toSet time automatically. Also, turn off theSet time zone automaticallysetting (if active).
Select the drop-down menu next toTime zoneand set the correct region.
Select theChangebutton next toSet date and time manually.
Adjust theDateandTimefields as needed and selectChange.

Note: If you live in a region with daylight savings time, you can disable theAdjust for daylight saving time automaticallysetting if you don’t mind making the adjustments yourself.

Automatically Set Time and Date in Windows

Despite being able to set the time and date on your own, letting Windows sync the date and time with an internet time server is the best way to ensure the accuracy of the system clock. When automatic time-syncing fails, the following actions might get it working again.

Right-click theClockon the taskbar and selectAdjust date and time.
Disable the switch next toSet time automatically. Then, wait for a couple of seconds and turn it on again. That should prompt Windows to pull the correct time again.

Note: If the time zone always appears incorrectly, make sure to disable the switch next toSet time zone automatically, select your region manually, and then toggle theSet time zone automaticallyswitch off, then on.

If the issue persists, scroll down toAdditional settings(Windows 11) orSynchronize your clock(Windows 10) and select theSync nowbutton That will forcibly sync the time and date with Microsoft’s time server.

Other Ways to Change Windows’ Date and Time

You’ve got a couple of alternative ways to change the time and date on your PC. One method involves the traditional Date and TimeControl Panelapplet, and the other isCommand Prompt-based. Use them if you havetrouble accessing the Settings app in Windows.

You can set the PC time and date manually or automatically using the Date and Time applet. To access and use it:

PressWindows Key+R, typetimedate.cpl, and pressEnter.
Use theChange date and timeandChange time zone buttonsto set the correct date and time.
Select theInternet Timetab on the top of the Date and Time window and selectChange settings. If you want Windows to set the correct time automatically, make sure that the box next toSynchronizewith an Internet time serveris active.

Note: If Microsoft’s time server always sets the wrong time, open the menu next toServer, select the server from the National Institute of Standards and Technology—time.nist.gov—and selectUpdate now.

Surprisingly, setting the time and date using the Command Prompt console is relatively straightforward. To do that:

Open theStart menu, typecmd, and selectRun as administrator.
SelectYeson the User Account Control pop-up.
Typetimeand pressEnter. Then, enter the correct time in thehh:mm:ss.msformat and pressEnter. Next, run thedatecommand and set the correct date in themm-dd-yyformat.

Note: Disable automatic time-syncing via the Settings app or the Date and Time applet if you want to prevent Windows from adjusting your changes afterward.

The Correct Time and Date Matters

Many Windows issues stem from incorrectly setting the time and date, so don’t forget to manually adjust or force-sync the clock periodically with Microsoft’s time servers. Even if you intentionally change the time and date (such as to get an old program to work or speed up the in-game clock in a video game), it’s best to change that back quickly once you’re done.

However, if the time and date in Windows continue to appear wrong, it could be due to several reasons. For example, you might be dealing with a malware infection, an outdated operating system orBIOS/UEFI, or a dead CMOS battery. Check ourcomplete guide to fixing the system clock in Windowsto troubleshoot the issue.

Dilum Senevirathne is a freelance tech writer and blogger with three years of experience writing for online technology publications. He specializes in topics related to iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and Google web apps. When he isn’t hammering away at his Magic Keyboard, you can catch him binge-watching productivity hacks on YouTube.Read Dilum’s Full Bio

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How to Change the Time and Date in Windows#

Manually Change Time and Date in Windows#

Automatically Set Time and Date in Windows#

Other Ways to Change Windows’ Date and Time#

The Correct Time and Date Matters#