Windows 11 normally sets the clock automatically from an internet time server, so you only need to change it by hand when the time is wrong, you are offline, or you are testing something. To edit it manually, you first turn off automatic time, then use the Change button.
Quick Answer
Open Settings, go to Time and language, then Date and time. Turn off Set time automatically, click Change next to Set the date and time manually, enter the new time, and click Change.
How to Change the Time on Windows 11
- Right-click the clock on the taskbar and choose Adjust date and time, or open Settings, Time and language, Date and time.
- Turn off Set time automatically.
- Click Change next to Set the date and time manually.
- Enter the correct date and time, then click Change.
- If the time is off because of your location, check the Time zone setting on the same page instead.
Date and Time Settings
| Setting | What it controls |
|---|---|
| Set time automatically | Syncs the clock with an internet time server |
| Set time zone automatically | Uses your location to pick the zone |
| Set the date and time manually | Lets you type a specific time |
| Sync now | Forces an immediate time sync |
Troubleshooting
- The Change button is greyed out: turn off Set time automatically first. On a work PC, the setting may be locked by your organization.
- The clock drifts after a restart: the motherboard battery may be weak, so turn automatic time back on and click Sync now.
- Wrong by exactly one or more hours? See how to change the time zone in Windows 11.
- Prefer a 24-hour clock? Read how to change time to 24-hour format in Windows 11.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need admin rights to change the time?
Yes, changing the system time usually requires an administrator account.
Will changing the time break anything?
A wrong clock can cause certificate errors in browsers and sign-in problems, so switch automatic time back on when you are done.
Why does my clock keep resetting?
Automatic time is on and overriding your change, or the PC syncs with a domain time server at work.
Summary
- Open Settings, Time and language, Date and time.
- Turn off Set time automatically.
- Click Change and enter the new time.
- Turn automatic time back on afterward if possible.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.