Changing the date and time on Windows 11 is usually pretty straightforward, but sometimes things get tricky—like the clock stubbornly refuses to update or the system keeps resetting itself. It can be especially frustrating if your PC’s time is off and messing up calendar invites, backups, or even VPN connections. The goal here is to walk 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 in sync and keep everything running smoothly. Of course, sometimes Windows is a bit overly complicated about this stuff, so don’t be surprised if it takes a couple of tries or requires restarting a service or two.
How to Change Date and Time in Windows 11
Fix 1: Check the Time & Language Settings and Enable Internet Time Sync
Why it helps: Sometimes Windows can’t update the clock correctly because of misconfigured settings or disabled sync. Ensuring the automatic sync is turned on can fix it without much fuss. It applies when your clock keeps drifting or shows the wrong time.
What to expect: After enabling internet time synchronization, Windows will ping an internet time server to keep your clock accurate. If it’s already enabled but not working, toggling it off and back on can sometimes reset the process.
Here’s what to do:
- Right-click on the clock in the system tray and select Adjust date and time.
- Scroll down to Additional settings and click on Sync now.
- Alternatively, go to Settings > Time & Language > Date & Time.
- Ensure Set time automatically and Set time zone automatically are toggled on.
- If not, switch them on and click Sync now. If sync still fails, toggle the switches off, wait a few seconds, then back on.
This often helps because Windows will pull the correct time from the internet server, especially useful if your battery-powered CMOS clock is losing time or manual adjustments don’t stick.
Fix 2: Run the Windows Date and Time Troubleshooter
Why it helps: Windows has built-in troubleshooters that can automatically detect and fix common issues with the clock. Sometimes the problem is from services not running or small configuration glitches.
What to expect: Running the troubleshooter can reset or restart important services, fixing quirks that prevent manual or automatic adjustments. It’s kind of weird, but it works on some setups when other fixes fail.
Steps to try:
- Open Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
- Locate Date and Time troubleshooter and click Run.
- Follow the prompts—Windows will try to diagnose and fix issues automatically.
Sometimes, this resets the underlying service, like Windows Time, which is critical for keeping your clock synced.
Fix 3: Reset Windows Time Service Manually
Why it helps: If the Windows Time service is stuck or malfunctioning, your clock won’t update or sync properly—even if settings look fine. Restarting this service resets its state and might fix the issue.
What to expect: After restarting the service, Windows should be able to sync with internet time servers or accept manual adjustments without fuss.
To do this:
- Open PowerShell as administrator (Win + X > select Windows Terminal (Admin) or PowerShell (Admin)).
- Stop the Windows Time service:
Stop-Service w32time - Then start it again:
Start-Service w32time - Finally, force a resync:
w32tm /resync /force
This is a common fix for stubborn clock issues, especially after Windows updates or system restarts. On some machines, it fails the first time, then works after a reboot or retry. Because of course, Windows has to make it harder than necessary.
Fix 4: Check and Adjust Your Time Zone Settings
Why it helps: If your time zone is off, the clock might be correct but displaying the wrong local time. It’s especially confusing if you’re traveling or using a VPN that masks your location.
What to expect: Correctly setting the right time zone guarantees your system time matches where you are or need to be. No more “it’s 3 pm but your system says 2 pm” kind of mess.
Here’s the quick version:
- Go to Settings > Time & Language > Language & Region.
- Under Time zone, select your actual zone. Check the box for Adjust for daylight saving time automatically if applicable.
Most issues come from an incorrect setting here, which can throw off the clocks even if everything else looks fine.
Fix 5: Manually Set the Date and Time When Automatic Fails
Why it helps: Sometimes, automatic sync is broken due to a weird bug or network issue. Manually setting the date and time can at least restore some sanity until a proper fix is found.
What to expect: Your clock will update immediately, though you might need to re-sync or recheck later to keep it accurate.
Steps:
- Go to Settings > Time & Language > Date & Time.
- Turn off Set time automatically.
- Click Change under Set the date and time manually.
- Set the correct date and time, then press Change.
On some setups, this gets stuck if permissions are wrong or the system is in a domain environment, so make sure you have admin rights.
Summary
- Check the internet time sync and toggle it off/on if needed.
- Run the Windows Date and Time troubleshooter.
- Restart the Windows Time service with PowerShell commands.
- Make sure your time zone matches your location.
- Manually adjust the clock if automatic options aren’t cooperating.
Wrap-up
Fixing time issues on Windows 11 can be a bit of a pain, but these methods tend to cover most common snags. Sometimes, it’s just a matter of resetting a service or toggling a setting, but other times, permissions or network quirks get in the way. Not sure why it works, but restarting the Windows Time service and verifying your sync settings usually does the trick. Just keep in mind that some fixes might need a brave reboot or two, and in a corporate environment, you might be limited by admin policies. Fingers crossed, this helps someone get their clock back in order—nothing worse than planning a meeting when your system thinks it’s the weekend!