To change the time zone in Windows 10, open Settings > Time & Language > Date & time, turn off Set time zone automatically, and pick your zone from the Time zone list. The clock updates right away. If you travel often, leave the automatic option on so Windows switches zones for you when location services are allowed.
Windows 10 reached end of support on October 14, 2025. Consumer Extended Security Updates (ESU) now run until October 12, 2027. On Windows 11 the setting is under Settings > Time & language > Date & time.
Quick Answer
Settings > Time & Language > Date & time > turn off Set time zone automatically > choose a Time zone.
Change the Time Zone in Settings
- Right-click the clock on the taskbar and choose Adjust date/time. (Or open Settings > Time & Language > Date & time.)
- Turn off Set time zone automatically.
- Open the Time zone drop-down and select your zone.
- Make sure Adjust for daylight saving time automatically is on if your area uses it.
Other Ways to Set the Time Zone
| Method | How |
|---|---|
| Control Panel | Control Panel > Clock and Region > Date and Time > Change time zone |
| Command Prompt | tzutil /l lists zone names; tzutil /s “Eastern Standard Time” sets one |
| Extra clocks | Date & time > Add clocks for different time zones, to see other zones on hover |
To keep a laptop awake, see how to turn off sleep.
Troubleshooting
- Time zone option is grayed out: Turn off Set time zone automatically first. On work PCs, your organization may lock it.
- Automatic time zone is wrong: It relies on location. Turn on location in Settings > Privacy > Location, or set the zone manually.
- Clock is off by minutes: That’s a time sync issue, not the zone. Click Sync now under Synchronize your clock. See changing date and time on Windows 10.
- Time resets after restart: The motherboard’s CMOS battery may be failing on older desktops.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does changing the time zone affect my files?
No. File times are stored in universal time and simply display in your new zone.
Why does my calendar show meetings at the wrong time?
Calendar apps may have their own time zone setting. Check it matches Windows.
Summary
- Settings > Time & Language > Date & time.
- Turn off Set time zone automatically.
- Choose your time zone.
- Keep daylight saving adjustment on if needed.
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.