How to Change Time on Windows 10: A Step-by-Step Guide

Have you ever noticed your computer clock showing the wrong time — maybe a few minutes off, or even an entire day ahead? Having the correct time on your Windows 10 PC is more important than you might think. It affects everything from file synchronization and scheduled tasks to emails, meetings, and security updates.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll show you exactly how to change time on Windows 10 — step by step. Whether your computer’s clock is out of sync, set to the wrong time zone, or you just prefer using the 24-hour format, you’ll find every solution right here.

Let’s dive in and make sure your system clock is perfectly accurate.

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Why It’s Important to Set the Correct Time in Windows 10

Before we jump into the steps, it helps to understand why accurate timekeeping matters.

So, if your clock’s off — even by a few minutes — it’s worth correcting right away.

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How to Change Time on Windows 10 (4 Easy Methods)

Windows 10 makes adjusting the time simple through its Settings, Control Panel, and command-line tools. Below are four effective ways to change or fix the time on your PC.

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Method 1: Change Time Using the Windows Settings App (Easiest Way)

This is the simplest and most beginner-friendly way to change time manually.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Click the Start menu and select Settings ⚙️

2. Go to Time & Language → Date & time

3. Turn off the toggle for Set time automatically

4. Under Set the date and time manually, click Change

5. Adjust the date and time as needed

6. Click Change again to save your settings

💡 Tip: If you turn the automatic setting back on later, Windows will overwrite your manual changes.

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Method 2: Change the Time Zone (If Time Is Correct but Zone Is Wrong)

Sometimes, the issue isn’t the time itself — it’s the time zone. For example, your clock may show 3 PM instead of 5 PM because Windows is using the wrong region.

Follow these steps:

1. Open Settings → Time & Language → Date & time

2. Under Time zone, select your correct region from the dropdown list

3. If you travel often, toggle Set time zone automatically to On

4. Make sure Adjust for daylight saving time automatically is also enabled (if applicable)

✅ Pro Tip:
If you use a VPN, Windows might sometimes detect a different time zone — double-check it after connecting.

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Method 3: Change Time via Control Panel (Classic Method)

If you prefer the traditional Control Panel interface, you can still use it to adjust your PC’s time.

Here’s how:

1. Press Win + R → type control → hit Enter

2. Go to Clock and Region → Date and Time

3. In the Date and Time tab, click Change date and time…

4. Use the pop-up window to set the correct date and time

5. Click OK to save changes

From this same window, you can also:

• Click Change time zone… to select your region

• Click Internet Time → Change settings… to sync with a time server (covered in the next method)

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Method 4: Sync Time with an Internet Time Server (Recommended for Accuracy)

If your clock keeps drifting or resetting, syncing it with an Internet time server ensures it always stays accurate automatically.

To sync your time:

1. Open Control Panel → Clock and Region → Date and Time

2. Click the Internet Time tab

3. Select Change settings…

4. Check the box for Synchronize with an Internet time server

5. Choose a server (e.g., time.windows.com or pool.ntp.org)

6. Click Update now → OK

🔁 What this does:
Windows will automatically check and correct your system clock regularly by comparing it to a trusted server.

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How to Automatically Set Time and Time Zone

If you don’t want to worry about manual changes, Windows 10 can automatically set both the time and time zone for you.

To enable automatic settings:

1. Open Settings → Time & Language → Date & time

2. Turn On the toggles for:

   • Set time automatically

   • Set time zone automatically

✅ Tip:
This works best if your device has location services enabled. You can check that under Settings → Privacy → Location.

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How to Change Time Format (12-Hour or 24-Hour Clock)

Do you prefer military (24-hour) time instead of AM/PM format? Here’s how to customize it.

Change time format via Settings:

1. Go to Settings → Time & Language → Region

2. Under Regional format data, click Change data formats

3. Find Short time and Long time

4. Choose:

   • h:mm tt for 12-hour format

   • HH:mm for 24-hour format

Example:

• 2:30 PM → 14:30 (in 24-hour format)

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How to Change Date and Time from Taskbar

Windows 10 also allows you to change time directly from the taskbar, which is super convenient.

Steps:

1. Right-click the clock in the bottom-right corner of your screen

2. Choose Adjust date/time

3. You’ll be taken directly to the Date & time settings

4. Make your changes as described above

This is the fastest way to access time settings without opening the full Settings app.

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How to Change Time Using Command Prompt (Advanced Users)

If you love command-line tools, you can also change time and date directly using the Command Prompt.

Set time manually:

1. Open Command Prompt as administrator (Win + X → Command Prompt (Admin))

2. Type:

   time HH:MM


   Example:

   time 09:45


3. Press Enter

Set date manually:

Type:

Example:

💬 Note: You’ll need admin rights to change system time via Command Prompt.

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How to Fix “Can’t Change Time” in Windows 10

If you’re unable to adjust the time manually, it might be due to permissions or system settings. Here’s how to troubleshoot:

1. Check Administrator Rights

Only administrators can change the system time.

• Log in with an admin account.

• Or right-click the Settings/Control Panel shortcut → Run as administrator.

2. Restart Windows Time Service

The Windows Time service manages synchronization. If it stops, your time may freeze or reset.

Steps:

1. Press Win + R, type services.msc, and hit Enter

2. Scroll down to Windows Time

3. Right-click it → Properties

4. Set Startup type to Automatic

5. Click Start, then Apply

3. Disable Group Policy Restrictions

If your PC is part of a network (like at work or school), time changes might be restricted. Contact your system administrator.

4. Replace CMOS Battery

If your computer keeps losing time even after shutdown, the CMOS battery (on the motherboard) might be dead. Replacing it often solves persistent time issues.

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How to Change the Time Server (for Better Accuracy)

Windows defaults to time.windows.com, but you can choose other reliable servers.

Alternative time servers:

How to change:

1. Go to Control Panel → Date and Time → Internet Time

2. Click Change settings…

3. Enter your preferred server

4. Click Update now → OK

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How to Change Time via PowerShell

PowerShell offers more advanced control than Command Prompt.

To set time:

To sync with an online server manually:

If successful, you’ll see a confirmation message like:

“The command completed successfully.”

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What to Do If Windows Time Keeps Changing Automatically

Sometimes your PC’s time keeps resetting after restart or reboot. Here’s why:

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Bonus Tip: Display Seconds on Taskbar Clock

Want your taskbar clock to show seconds too? It’s hidden by default but easy to enable.

1. Press Win + R, type regedit, hit Enter

2. Navigate to:

   HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced


3. Right-click → New → DWORD (32-bit) Value

4. Name it: ShowSecondsInSystemClock

5. Double-click it → set Value data to 1

6. Restart Windows Explorer or your PC

Now your taskbar clock will display hours, minutes, and seconds ⏱️.

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Conclusion: Keep Your Windows 10 Clock Accurate and Reliable

By now, you’ve learned how to change time on Windows 10 using several different methods — from the Settings app to advanced PowerShell commands. Whether you’re fixing a wrong time zone, syncing with an Internet server, or simply switching to a 24-hour clock, these steps will keep your system time precise.

✅ Remember:

• Turn on automatic time and time zone settings for convenience.

• Use Internet time synchronization for accuracy.

• Replace your CMOS battery if time resets after shutdown.

With a properly configured system clock, you’ll avoid missed meetings, sync errors, and other frustrating time-related issues.

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FAQs About Changing Time in Windows 10

1. How do I manually change the time on Windows 10?

Go to Settings → Time & Language → Date & time, turn off Set time automatically, then click Change under “Set the date and time manually.”

2. Why can’t I change the time on my computer?

You might not have administrative privileges or the Windows Time service could be disabled. Enable it under services.msc.

3. How do I change my clock from 12-hour to 24-hour format?

Go to Settings → Time & Language → Region → Change data formats, then select HH:mm for 24-hour format.

4. How do I sync my time with the Internet?

Open Control Panel → Date and Time → Internet Time → Change settings, then click Update now.

5. Why does my computer keep showing the wrong time after restart?

Your CMOS battery may be failing or your PC’s time zone settings are incorrect. Replace the battery or verify your settings.

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Summary: Key Takeaways

Keeping accurate time on Windows 10 isn’t just about convenience — it’s about maintaining smooth performance and reliability across your entire system.