How to Change Time and Date on Windows 10/11

Usually, Microsoft's Windows does a great job handling the time and date on your computer. Inaccurate date or time is an issue that comes up once in a while. You can change the date and time on your Windows 10/11 computer following the steps outlined in this article.

Usually, Microsoft's Windows does a great job handling the time and date on your computer. However, once in a while, it could run into a glitch. This can be jarring, especially if you are used to them always being accurate.

This issue can show up due to a number of reasons, including your Windows time being out of sync or right after you install a software update on your computer. Also, if you move to a different time zone, your PC may not automatically adjust.

The wrong time and date on your computer can negatively affect apps that rely on them. For instance, software that depend on web-based services or internet-based authorization schemes may not allow you access to those resources.

Thankfully, Windows operating systems allow users to adjust the time and date settings both manually and automatically. Keep reading, and I'll show you how.

How to Change Date and Times on Windows 10

When set to manual, the time and date settings will depend on whatever you set yourself. However, if you prefer it to be automatic, both settings will synchronize to the Windows Time service.

The methods below will show you how to configure your date and time settings manually. Afterward, you will see how to set them to change automatically.

Change Date and Time via Taskbar

The first method allows you to change the time and date from your taskbar.

Step 1. Right-click the time display on the bottom-right corner of the taskbar. Navigate to "Adjust time/date" and click it.

Step 2. If "Set time automatically" is enabled, click to toggle it off.

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

Step 4. In the window that displays, manually input the accurate time and date in the provided fields. Click "Change" to apply and save your changes.

Change the Date and Time in Settings

Alternatively, you can change the date and time via the computer's settings menu. Here's how:

Step 1. Click the Windows Start icon at the bottom-right corner of your taskbar and select "Settings"

A Windows shortcut exists for this. On your keyboard, click the Windows button and the I key at the same time.

Step 2. In the Windows Settings screen that displays, click "Time & Language."

Step 3. Click "Set time automatically" to toggle it off so you can make manual changes.

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

Step 5. On the window that displays, accurately tweak the available options to the accurate time and date. Click "Change" to apply and save your changes.

How to Change Time Zone on Windows 10

If the time or date on your Windows 10 computer is inaccurate, it could be because your computer's time zone is wrong. When this happens, you will be an hour (or more) ahead or behind the actual time in your time zone. You could even be set erroneously to a different day.

That said, you also can change the time zone settings manually.

Step 1. Access the Settings page.

Step 2. Click "Time & Language."

Step 3. Scroll down to the "Time zone" section. Click the drop-down arrow and select your time zone on the menu.

If you live in a region where Daylight Saving time is applicable, then you can configure your computer's clock to adjust automatically. To do so, click to toggle on "Adjust for daylight saving time automatically."

Extra Tips: How to Set Your Time Automatically

We have now discussed how to set your time and date manually. If you prefer the alternative, Windows can automatically adjust your device's clock to display the accurate time. I recommend this option, as there is room for error when setting the time or date yourself.

Microsoft enables the automatic setting by default on all Windows 10 and Windows 11 computers. However, you (or someone else) may have turned it off in the past. If that's the case, here are the simple steps you should follow to enable it again.

Step 1. Access the Settings page.

Step 2. Click "Time & Language."

Step 3. Directly under the current date and time is the option to "Set time automatically." Click on the toggle button to enable it.