Changing the date and time on Windows 11 is usually pretty straightforward, but sometimes it can be a bit fiddly—like the clock just won’t update or keeps resetting itself. It’s especially annoying if your PC’s clock is out of whack and messing with your calendar, backups, or VPN connections. The aim here is to run through some real-world fixes, whether it’s a glitch with the automatic clock or a permissions headache. These tweaks should get your system time back in sync and keep everything ticking along smoothly. Sometimes Windows can be a bit overcomplicated about this stuff, so don’t be surprised if it takes a couple of goes or needs a quick restart of a service or two.
How to Change the Date and Time in Windows 11
Fix 1: Check the Time & Language Settings and Turn on Internet Time Sync
Why it helps: Sometimes Windows can’t set the clock properly because of dodgy settings or if sync is turned off. Making sure automatic sync is switched on can sort it out without much drama. This is handy when your clock keeps drifting or shows the wrong time.
What to expect: Once you turn on internet time sync, Windows will ping an online time server to keep your clock accurate. If it’s already on but isn’t working, switching it off and back on can sometimes do the trick.
Here’s what to do:
- Right-click the clock in the system tray and choose Adjust date and time.
- Scroll down to Additional settings and click on Sync now.
- Or go to Settings > Time & Language > Date & Time.
- Make sure Set time automatically and Set time zone automatically are switched on.
- If not, turn them on and click Sync now. If it still doesn’t work, switch them off, wait a sec, then flick them back on.
This usually does the trick because Windows will grab the correct time from the internet, especially if the CMOS battery is a bit flaky or manual adjustments aren’t sticking.
Fix 2: Run the Windows Date and Time Troubleshooter
Why it helps: Windows has built-in troubleshooters that can sniff out and fix common clock issues. Sometimes it’s just a service not running properly or a tiny setting gone astray.
What to expect: Running the troubleshooter can restart or reset key services and fix quirks that stop manual or automatic time changes. It’s a bit odd, but it does work on some setups when other fixes fail.
Here’s how:
- Open Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
- Find Date and Time troubleshooter and click Run.
- Follow the prompts—Windows will try to diagnose and fix the issue automatically.
Sometimes, this resets the background service, like Windows Time, which is vital for keeping your clock correct.
Fix 3: Reset the Windows Time Service Manually
Why it helps: If the Windows Time service is acting up or stuck, your clock won’t sync properly—even if all the settings seem fine. Restarting it resets its state and can fix the problem.
What to expect: After this, Windows should be able to sync with internet time servers or accept manual changes without fuss.
Here’s what to do:
- Open PowerShell as admin (Win + X > pick Windows Terminal (Admin) or PowerShell (Admin)).
- Stop the service:
Stop-Service w32time - Then restart it:
Start-Service w32time - Force a resync:
w32tm /resync /force
This fix is handy if your clock keeps playing up after Windows updates or restarts. Sometimes it takes a reboot or a retry, but it usually sorts things out, even if Windows tries to make it complicated.
Fix 4: Check and Correct Your Time Zone Settings
Why it helps: If your time zone is set wrong, your clock might be correct but showing the wrong local time. This is especially common if you’re travelling or using a VPN that masks your location.
What to expect: Setting the right time zone ensures your system clock matches where you are. No more confusion like “it’s 3 pm but your PC says 2 pm.”
Quick steps:
- Go to Settings > Time & Language > Language & Region.
- Under Time zone, pick the correct zone. Check the box for Adjust for daylight saving time automatically if it applies.
A lot of problems come down to having the wrong time zone selected, which throws off your clock even if everything else seems fine.
Fix 5: Set the Date and Time Manually When Automatic Won’t Play Nice
Why it helps: Sometimes the automatic sync goes belly up due to bugs or network issues. Manually setting the date and time can at least get things back on track until a proper fix is available.
What to expect: Your clock will change immediately, but you’ll want to re-sync or check later to keep it accurate.
Here’s how:
- Go to Settings > Time & Language > Date & Time.
- Switch off Set time automatically.
- Click Change under Set the date and time manually.
- Enter the correct date and time, then click Change.
Sometimes, this gets stuck if permissions are dodgy or if you’re on a domain, so make sure you’ve got admin rights.
Quick Recap
- Toggle internet time sync on and off if needed.
- Run the Windows date and time troubleshooter.
- Restart the Windows Time service with PowerShell commands.
- Make sure your time zone is correct.
- Set the date and time manually if auto isn’t working.
Wrap-Up
Fixing time glitches on Windows 11 can be a bit of a hassle, but these tips usually cover most common dramas. Sometimes it’s just a matter of restarting a service or tweaking a setting, but at other times, permissions or network quirks get in the way. Restarting the Windows Time service and double-checking your sync settings will usually do the trick. Keep in mind some fixes might need a reboot or two, and if you’re on a corporate system, policies might limit what you can do. Hopefully, these tips help someone get their clock sorted — nothing worse than missing a meeting because your PC is saying it’s the weekend when it’s not!