If your Windows PC shows the wrong date, time, or time zone, you can update it manually from the Settings app. This guide shows you how to manually set the time and time zone in Windows 11 and Windows 10. You’ll also learn how to update the date and change the time and date format if needed.

Why Set the Time or Time Zone Manually?

You may need to manually set the time or time zone if:

The system clock shows the wrong time or date. Windows may occasionally fail to sync with an internet time server, causing the clock to display incorrect information.
Your PC isn’t connected to the internet. Without internet access, Windows can’t automatically update the date, time, or time zone.
You’re traveling or changing regions. The time zone may not switch automatically after moving to a different location.
Daylight Saving Time (DST) isn’t applied correctly. In some regions, you may need to manually adjust daylight saving settings.
Some apps or Windows services aren’t working properly. An incorrect system clock can affect Windows Update, Microsoft Store, security certificates, browsers, and other online services.

How to Set the Time and Time Zone Manually in Windows

Follow these steps to manually set the time or time zone on your Windows PC.

Windows 11

Open Settings by pressing Win + I.
Go to Time & language > Date & time.
Turn off Set time automatically.
Click Change next to Set the date and time manually.
Select the correct date and time, then click Change.
To manually set the time zone, turn off Set time zone automatically. Then choose your region from the Time zone drop-down list.
If required, turn Adjust for daylight saving time automatically on or off.

Tip: Right-click the clock on the taskbar and select Adjust date and time to open these settings instantly.

Windows 10

Press Win + I to open Settings.
Go to Time & language > Date & time.
Turn off Set time automatically.
Under Set the date and time manually, click Change.
Select the correct date and time, then click Change.
To manually set the time zone, turn off Set time zone automatically. Then select your preferred time zone from the drop-down list.
Enable or disable Adjust for daylight saving time automatically, if needed.

How to Set the Time Format to 12-Hour or 24-Hour

Windows lets you switch between the 12-hour (AM/PM) and 24-hour clock. Here’s how to change the time format:

Open Settings by pressing Win + I.
Go to Time & language > Language & region.
Scroll down to Related settings and click Administrative language settings.
In the Region window, open the Formats tab and click Additional settings…
Switch to the Time tab.
Under Time formats, choose one of the following:
- h:mm tt for the 12-hour clock with AM/PM.
- HH:mm for the 24-hour clock.
Click Apply, then OK.

How to Change the Date Format in Windows

Windows also lets you choose how the date appears, such as dd/MM/yyyy, MM/dd/yyyy, or another format.

Open Settings (Win + I).
Go to Time & language > Language & region.
Under Related settings, click Administrative language settings.
On the Formats tab, click Additional settings….
Open the Date tab.
Choose your preferred Short date and Long date format.
Click Apply, then OK.

That’s it. Your Windows PC will now use the date, time, time zone, and display format you’ve selected. If Windows changes the clock automatically again, simply turn off the automatic time or time zone option before making manual changes.