How to set correct time zone on Windows 10

Is Windows 10 displaying the wrong time? It's probably because your device has the incorrect time zone configured — Here's how to fix it.

Time zone settings on Windows 10
Time zone settings on Windows 10

Windows 10 configures the default time zone on a new installation to display the correct time on your computer. Although the system is very accurate in detecting your location to use the correct settings, sometimes your computer may not have the right configuration for the local time, especially if you’re traveling.

Thankfully, Windows 10 offers many ways to change the time zone on your device, and there is even an option in the Settings app to let the OS set the time zone automatically.

In this guide, you will learn the steps to set the correct time zone on your Windows 10 device using the Settings app and Control panel.

Set time zone manually on Windows 10

To change the time zone on Windows 10, use these steps:

  1. Open Settings.

  2. Click on Time & Language.

  3. Click on Date & time.

  4. Use the “Time zone” drop-down menu to select the correct time zone.

    Chand time zone manually

Once you complete the steps, Windows 10 will use the selected time zone.

Set time zone automatically on Windows 10

To let Windows 10 set the time zone automatically, use these steps:

  1. Open Settings.

  2. Click on Time & Language.

  3. Click on Date & time.

  4. Turn on the Set time zone automatically toggle switch.

    Change time zone automatically

Once you complete the steps, the “Time zone” drop-down menu will be grayed out, and Windows 10 will set the correct for your location.

Set time zone using Control Panel

To change the time zone settings with Control Panel, use these steps:

  1. Open Control Panel.

  2. Click on Clock and Region.

  3. Click the Change the time zone option.

    Control Panel change time zone

  4. Click the Change time zone button.

    Control Panel date and time settings

  5. Select the correct time zone for your location on Windows 10.

    Control Panel set time zone

  6. Click the OK button.

  7. Click the Apply button.

After you complete the steps, the computer will use the selected time zone. Also, note that you can choose the option to adjust the clock for Daylight Saving Time automatically.

About the author

Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 14 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 20 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me.