Change the time in Windows Settings

The fastest way to change your PC's time is through the Settings app. Click the clock in the bottom right corner of your screen, then select "Change date and time settings." This opens the Date & Time panel where you can manually set the hour, minute, and second. Windows will also show you your current time zone — make sure it matches your location, because the wrong time zone will reset your clock even after you change it.

If you do not see a clock in the bottom right corner, your taskbar may be hidden or configured differently. Press the Windows key and type "Settings," then open the app and search for "Date and time" in the search box at the top. This takes you directly to the same panel.

After you change the time, Windows saves it when ready. You do not need to restart your PC. The new time will appear on your clock within a few seconds.

Key Takeaways

  • Click the clock in the bottom right corner and select "Change date and time settings" to open the Date & Time panel where you can type in a new time manually.
  • Check your time zone setting at the same time, because an incorrect time zone will override any manual time change you make.
  • If you want Windows to set the time automatically using an internet time server, toggle on "Set time automatically" in the Date & Time settings.
  • Some programs and network connections may reset your time if your PC's internal clock battery is failing, so repeated time changes suggest a hardware problem.

Turn on automatic time synchronization

Windows can set your time automatically by connecting to a time server on the internet. This is usually the better option if your time keeps drifting or if you travel between time zones. In the Date & Time settings panel, look for the toggle labeled "Set time automatically" and turn it on.

When this setting is on, Windows syncs with a Microsoft time server every time you connect to the internet. The sync happens in the background and you will not see it happen. If your PC is offline, Windows uses the time stored in your computer's internal clock until it connects again.

Automatic time is especially useful if you use programs that depend on accurate time — email clients, banking apps, or security software all work better when your clock is correct. If you turn automatic time off, you become responsible for keeping it accurate yourself.

Adjust your time zone

Your time zone setting controls what time Windows displays, even if the internal clock is set correctly. If you moved to a new location or your time zone is wrong, click "Change" next to your current time zone in the Date & Time settings. A dropdown list shows all available time zones — scroll to find yours and click it.

Windows also offers a toggle for "Adjust for daylight saving time automatically." If this is on, Windows will shift your clock forward one hour in spring and back one hour in fall, depending on your time zone. Most people leave this on, but if you live in a place that does not observe daylight saving time, you can turn it off.

After you change your time zone, your clock updates within a few seconds. Any programs running in the background will see the new time zone when ready.

Sync time with an internet time server manually

If you turned off automatic time synchronization but want to sync with an internet time server right now, you can do it manually. Right-click the clock in the bottom right corner and select "Adjust date/time." In the Date & Time settings, scroll down and click "Sync now" under the "Additional settings" section.

Windows will contact a time server and update your clock to match. This usually takes a few seconds. If the sync fails, check that your internet connection is working — your PC cannot reach a time server if it is offline.

Manual sync is useful if you just changed your time zone and want to make sure your clock is accurate right away, or if you suspect your clock has drifted and you want to correct it without waiting for the automatic sync to happen.

Use the Control Panel method (older Windows versions)

If you are using an older version of Windows or prefer the Control Panel, you can change the time there instead. Right-click the clock and select "Adjust date/time," or open the Control Panel, go to "Clock and Region," and click "Date and Time."

In the Date and Time window, click the "Change date and time" button. A smaller window opens where you can set the date and time by clicking the up and down arrows next to each field. Click "OK" when you are done, then click "OK" again to close the main window.

This method works the same way as the Settings app — your changes take effect when ready and do not require a restart.

Common mistakes and what to check if the time keeps changing

The most common mistake is forgetting to check your time zone. You can set the time to 3:00 PM, but if your time zone is wrong, Windows will display a different time. Always verify that your time zone matches your location before assuming the time itself is wrong.

If your time keeps changing on its own, check whether "Set time automatically" is turned on. If it is, Windows is syncing with an internet time server and overriding your manual changes. Turn it off if you want to keep a specific time, or leave it on and let Windows manage the time for you.

If your time drifts slowly over hours or days, your PC's internal clock battery may be failing. This battery keeps time even when your PC is unplugged. A failing battery means your clock will lose time whenever your PC is off. If you notice this pattern, contact a technician — the battery is inside your PC and requires opening the case to replace.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my time change back after I set it?

Windows is probably syncing with an internet time server. Check the Date & Time settings and look for "Set time automatically." If it is on, turn it off to keep your manual time setting. If it is already off, check your time zone — an incorrect time zone will make Windows display a different time than what you set.

Can I change the time format from 24-hour to 12-hour?

Yes. In the Date & Time settings, scroll down and click "Change date and time formats." You will see options for how the time appears on your clock and in notifications. Select the format you prefer and it takes effect when ready.

What happens to my programs if I change the time?

Most programs will not be affected. However, programs that depend on accurate time — like email clients, security software, or banking apps — may behave strangely if your clock is very far off. Changing the time by a few minutes is usually harmless, but changing it by hours or days can cause problems.

Do I need to restart my PC after changing the time?

No. Windows saves time changes when ready and applies them without restarting. Your clock will show the new time within a few seconds.

What is the difference between manual time and automatic time?

Manual time means you set the clock yourself and it stays at that time until you change it again. Automatic time means Windows connects to an internet time server and updates your clock regularly to keep it accurate. Automatic is better for most people because it prevents your clock from drifting.