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
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.
Automatically Set Time and Date in Windows
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.
Other Ways to Change Windows’ Date and Time
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 Time Control Panel applet, and the other is Command Prompt-based. Use them if you have trouble accessing the Settings app in Windows.
Date and Time Applet
You can set the PC time and date manually or automatically using the Date and Time applet. To access and use it:
Command Prompt Console
Surprisingly, setting the time and date using the Command Prompt console is relatively straightforward. To do that:
The Correct Time and Date Matters
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 or BIOS/UEFI, or a dead CMOS battery. Check our complete guide to fixing the system clock in Windows to troubleshoot the issue.
