Revamp Your Windows 10/11: Mastering Time and Date Settings

Maintaining the accurate time and date on your computer is important for several reasons. Although Windows operating systems typically handle this task seamlessly, occasionally, a glitch may cause errors. This can be a jarring experience, especially if you always rely on your device's clock precision.

The issue of incorrect date and time on your device may arise from several factors, including your Windows time being out of sync, or immediately after installing a software update. Moving to a different time zone can also cause your computer not to automatically adjust.

Incorrect time and date settings can have a negative impact on apps that depend on them. For instance, software that relies on web-based services or internet-based authorization systems may deny your access to these resources.

Fortunately, Windows provides two ways to adjust your device's clock, manually or automatically. Keep reading to learn how to make these changes.

How to Change Date and Time on Windows 10

You can configure your date and time settings manually depending on your preferences. Alternatively, you can choose to set them automatically by synchronizing with the Windows Time service.

Change Date and Time via Taskbar

One way to change the date and time settings is through the taskbar.

Step 1. Click on the time display on the bottom-right corner of the taskbar, select "Adjust time/date," and then click it.

Step 2. If the "Set time automatically" feature is enabled, toggle it off.

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

Step 4. Manually fill in the provided fields with the accurate time and date, and then click "Change" to save your changes.

Change the Date and Time in Settings

Alternatively, you can change the date and time settings through the computer's settings menu.

Step 1. Click the Windows Start icon at the bottom-right corner of your taskbar and select "Settings" or use the Windows button and the I key simultaneously.

Step 2. Select "Time & Language" on the Windows Settings screen that displays.

Step 3. To make manual changes, toggle off "Set time automatically."

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

Step 5. Adjust the available options to the accurate time and date on the window that displays, and then click "Change" to save your changes.

How to Change Time Zone on Windows 10

Sometimes, an inaccurate device clock occurs due to incorrect time zone settings. This problem may result in your device's time being ahead or behind the actual time of your current time zone. You can correct this issue by following these steps to change your device's time zone.

Step 1. Access the settings page.

Step 2. Click "Time & Language."

Step 3. Scroll down to the "Time zone" section, and click the drop-down arrow to select your time zone.

If you live in a region with daylight saving time, you can adjust your computer's clock automatically by toggling on "Adjust for daylight saving time automatically."

Extra Tips: How to Set Your Time Automatically

While it is possible to set your device's clock manually, choosing to set it automatically is highly recommended. To achieve this, your device will synchronize with Windows Time service, reducing the risk of errors when adjusting the time or date manually.

Get Automatic Time on Windows Computers

Never be Late Again with Automatic Time on Your Windows Computer

How to Enable Automatic Time on Windows 10 or 11

Step 1. First things first, you need to get to the Settings page.

Step 2. Once you've reached the Settings page, navigate to the "Time & Language" option.

Step 3. Underneath the current date and time is the "Set time automatically" option. Make sure it's toggled on, and voila! You'll never have to worry about manually adjusting your computer's clock again.

Remember, Microsoft has enabled the automatic setting by default on all Windows 10 and 11 computers, but if someone has deactivated it previously - these quick steps will have you up and running in no time.