How to Change the Time Zone in Windows Using Control Panel

If your computer clock is showing the wrong time, or you've moved to a different region, you may need to update your time zone. This article walks you through changing the time zone in Windows 11 using Control Panel.

Note: On work-managed or domain-joined computers, your IT administrator may have restricted time zone settings. If you are unable to make changes, contact your IT helpdesk.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Open the Start Menu. Click the Start button (the Windows icon) in the centre of your taskbar, or press the Windows key on your keyboard.

2. Open Control Panel. Type Control Panel in the search bar at the top of the Start Menu and click the Control Panel app in the results.

3. Go to Clock and Region. In Control Panel, click Clock and Region. If you are in Small icons or Large icons view, look for Date and Time instead and skip to step 5.

4. Open Date and Time. Under Clock and Region, click Date and Time.

5. Click "Change time zone…" On the Date and Time tab, you will see your current time zone displayed below the clock. Click the Change time zone… button.

6. Select your new time zone. Use the dropdown list to scroll to your region and select the correct time zone.

7. Click OK to confirm. Click OK in the Time Zone Settings dialog, then click OK again in the Date and Time dialog to save your changes.

Your system clock will immediately update to reflect the new time zone. No restart is required.

Automatically Adjust for Daylight Saving Time

In the Time Zone Settings dialog, you will see an option labelled "Automatically adjust clock for Daylight Saving Time." It is recommended to leave this checkbox enabled so that Windows 11 updates the clock automatically when daylight saving time begins or ends in your region.

Note: Not all time zones observe daylight saving time. If your region does not use it, this option may be greyed out or absent.

Troubleshooting

The time is still wrong after changing the time zone

The time zone only changes the offset displayed — it does not correct the underlying clock time. If the time itself is incorrect, return to the Date and Time dialog and click Change date and time… to set it manually, or click the Internet Time tab and select Change settings… to sync with an internet time server.

The "Change time zone" button is greyed out

This usually means your computer is managed by an organisation and time zone changes have been restricted by policy. Contact your IT administrator to request the change on your behalf.

I can't find Control Panel

Press Windows + R, type control, and press Enter to open Control Panel directly. Alternatively, you can change the time zone via Settings > Time & Language > Date & Time.