How to Change the Time on Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

By / October 4, 2025

Have you ever noticed that your Windows 11 computer is showing the wrong time or date? Maybe it’s a few minutes off, or it’s set to the wrong time zone altogether. A mismatched clock can cause problems with apps, email syncing, or even internet browsing. Luckily, fixing the issue is simple once you know where to look.

In this guide, we’ll cover how to change the time on Windows 11 step by step using different methods. Whether you want Windows to update automatically or prefer setting the time manually, this guide has you covered.

🔑 Key Takeaways

  • Windows 11 allows you to change time via Settings, Control Panel, Command Prompt, and PowerShell.

  • You can enable automatic time sync to keep your clock accurate.

  • The time zone setting matters—incorrect zones often cause wrong time displays.

  • Administrator access may be required for certain methods.

Why Changing the Time on Windows 11 Matters

Having the wrong time on your PC might seem like a small issue, but it can cause big problems:

  • ⏰ Missed schedules — Calendar and reminders won’t trigger at the right time.

  • 🌐 Internet connection issues — Some secure websites require accurate time to work.

  • 📧 Sync problems — Email apps and cloud services may fail to update.

  • 🖥️ Software errors — Programs relying on time stamps may crash or misbehave.

Method 1: Change Time via Windows Settings

The most common way to adjust the time is through the Settings app.

Steps:

  1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.

  2. Go to Time & language > Date & time.

  3. Toggle Set time automatically to Off (if you want manual control).

  4. Click Change under Set the date and time manually.

  5. Adjust the time and date → click Change to confirm.

✅ Done! Your PC will now display the time you set.

Method 2: Change Time Zone in Windows 11

Sometimes, the time is wrong because the time zone is incorrect.

Steps:

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

  2. Under Time zone, select the correct zone from the dropdown menu.

  3. Toggle Set time zone automatically if you travel often.

This ensures your PC adjusts automatically when moving between regions.

Method 3: Sync Time Automatically with Internet Servers

Windows can sync with online servers to keep the time accurate.

Steps:

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

  2. Scroll down and click Sync now under Additional settings.

  3. Windows will connect to Microsoft’s time server and update your clock.

This option is best for users who want accurate, hassle-free updates.

Method 4: Change Time Using Control Panel

If you prefer the classic interface:

Steps:

  1. Press Windows + R, type control, and press Enter.

  2. Go to Clock and Region > Date and Time.

  3. Click Change date and time.

  4. Adjust as needed and click OK.

This method looks familiar if you’ve used older Windows versions.

Method 5: Change Time with Command Prompt

For advanced users, Command Prompt offers a quick solution.

Steps:

  1. Open Command Prompt as administrator (search for cmd, right-click, select Run as administrator).

  2. To set the time, type:

    time HH:MM:SS

    Example:

    time 15:30:00

    This sets the time to 3:30 PM.

Method 6: Change Time Using PowerShell

PowerShell gives more flexibility.

Steps:

  1. Open PowerShell as administrator.

  2. Type the following command:

    Set-Date -Date "MM/DD/YYYY HH:MM:SS"

    Example:

    Set-Date -Date "10/04/2025 14:45:00"

    This sets the date to October 4, 2025, 2:45 PM.

Troubleshooting: Why Won’t My Time Update?

If your time still isn’t correct, here’s why:

  • ⛔ Automatic sync is disabled → Turn on time sync.

  • 🔄 Wrong time zone → Check and adjust settings.

  • 🌐 No internet connection → Time sync requires online access.

  • 🛠️ Corrupted Windows Time Service → Restart it using Command Prompt:

    net stop w32time
    net start w32time

Best Practices for Accurate Time on Windows 11

  • Enable automatic time sync for hassle-free accuracy.

  • Use the correct time zone to avoid mismatches.

  • Restart your PC if changes don’t apply immediately.

  • If using a laptop, check your BIOS/UEFI clock—it might affect Windows time.

Comparison Table: Ways to Change Time in Windows 11

Method Difficulty Best For
Settings Easy Everyday users
Control Panel Easy Users familiar with older Windows
Command Prompt Medium Power users, quick edits
PowerShell Medium IT pros, scripting automation

Conclusion

Changing the time on Windows 11 is quick and straightforward. Whether you prefer the modern Settings app, the classic Control Panel, or command-line tools like Command Prompt and PowerShell, you have plenty of options.

To avoid future issues, enable automatic syncing with internet time servers and double-check your time zone. With the right setup, your PC’s clock will always stay accurate.

❓ FAQs About Changing Time in Windows 11

1. Why does my Windows 11 clock keep resetting?
It could be a dead CMOS battery on your motherboard, or disabled time sync.

2. Can I change the time without admin rights?
No, administrator privileges are usually required.

3. What happens if my time zone is wrong?
Apps, emails, and scheduled tasks may show incorrect times.

4. How often does Windows 11 sync time automatically?
By default, once a week. You can force sync anytime in Settings.

5. Can I make Windows use a different time server?
Yes, in Control Panel under Internet Time Settings, you can add custom servers.

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