Where to Find the Time Settings on Your Computer

The fastest way to change your computer's time depends on whether you use Windows or Mac. On a Windows computer, right-click the time display in the bottom-right corner of your screen and select "Adjust date and time." On a Mac, click the Apple menu in the top-left corner, select "System Settings" (or "System Preferences" on older versions), then click "General" and find "Date & Time."

Both operating systems also let you access time settings through the main settings menu. On Windows, open Settings, go to "Time & language," then click "Date & time." On Mac, the path is the same: Apple menu > System Settings > General > Date & Time. Either method takes about 30 seconds once you know where to look.

Key Takeaways

  • Right-click the time in your system tray (Windows) or click the Apple menu (Mac) to reach time settings in seconds.
  • Turn off "Set time automatically" before you manually change the hour, minute, or time zone.
  • Your computer may reset the time on its own if automatic time sync is still enabled after you change it.
  • Daylight saving time changes happen automatically on most computers if you keep automatic updates turned on.
  • If your time keeps reverting, check whether a network time server is overriding your manual change.

Turning Off Automatic Time Sync Before Making Changes

Your computer is probably set to update its time automatically using a network time server. This means any manual change you make will revert within seconds or minutes. Before you adjust the time, you must turn off this automatic sync.

On Windows, in the Date & time settings window, look for a toggle labeled "Set time automatically" and switch it to Off. On Mac, in Date & Time settings, uncheck the box next to "Set date and time automatically." Once this is disabled, your manual changes will stick. You can turn automatic sync back on later if you want your computer to keep its time accurate without your help.

Manually Setting the Hour and Minute

After you disable automatic time sync, the time fields become editable. On Windows, click on the time display or look for an "Edit" button in the Date & time window. The hour and minute fields will highlight, and you can type the correct values directly or use arrow buttons to adjust them.

On Mac, click the lock icon in the Date & Time window to unlock it (you may need to enter your password), then click the time field. A small editor will appear where you can change the hour and minute. Type the new time or use the up and down arrows. Make sure you are using the correct format — most computers default to 24-hour time (13:00 for 1 p.m.) or 12-hour time with AM/PM, depending on your region settings.

Changing Your Time Zone

If you moved to a different time zone or your computer is showing the wrong time because it is set to the wrong zone, you can change it separately from the hour and minute. On Windows, in the Date & time settings, scroll down to "Time zone" and click the dropdown menu. Select your current time zone from the list.

On Mac, in the Date & Time window, click the "Time zone" tab and search for your city or region. The list updates as you type, so typing "Denver" or "London" will narrow the options quickly. Changing your time zone does not change the hour you set — it adjusts what time the computer displays based on your location.

Common Mistakes That Prevent Time Changes From Sticking

The most common reason a time change does not stick is forgetting to disable automatic time sync first. If you change the time and it reverts within a minute, go back to settings and confirm that "Set time automatically" is Off (Windows) or unchecked (Mac).

Another frequent problem is changing the time but not explore or saving the change. On Windows, click "explore" and then "OK" at the bottom of the settings window. On Mac, close the System Settings window after making your change — the system saves automatically. If you are still seeing the old time after closing settings, restart your computer. Sometimes the display does not update until the next boot.

A third issue occurs when a network time server overrides your manual change even after you disable automatic sync. This can happen on work computers that are managed by an IT department. If your time keeps changing back despite disabling automatic sync, your computer may be syncing with a server you cannot control. Contact your IT support or network administrator in that case.

Turning Automatic Time Sync Back On

Once your time is correct, you can turn automatic time sync back on so your computer stays accurate without your help. On Windows, return to Date & time settings and toggle "Set time automatically" back to On. On Mac, go back to Date & Time settings and check the box next to "Set date and time automatically."

With automatic sync enabled, your computer will pull the correct time from a network server and adjust for daylight saving time changes on its own. This is the easiest way to keep your clock accurate long-term, especially if you travel between time zones. You only need to disable it if you have a specific reason to run your computer on a different time than your actual location.

What to Do If Your Computer's Clock Is Way Off

If your computer's time is hours or days behind, the problem may be a dead or dying CMOS battery — a small battery inside your computer that keeps the clock running when the power is off. When this battery fails, the computer loses track of time and reverts to a default date (often sometime in the 1990s or 2000s).

If you see a date from years ago when you start your computer, manually set the time and date to today, then restart. If the time resets to the old date again after restart, the CMOS battery is likely failing. On a desktop computer, this requires opening the case and replacing a coin-sized battery — a task for someone comfortable with hardware. On a laptop, contact the manufacturer or a repair shop. In the meantime, you can keep automatic time sync on and your computer will correct itself each time it connects to the internet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my computer time keep changing back after I set it?

Automatic time sync is still enabled. Go to Date & time settings and turn off "Set time automatically" (Windows) or uncheck "Set date and time automatically" (Mac) before you change the time. If it still reverts, a network administrator or time server may be overriding your change — contact your IT support.

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

Not usually. The change takes effect when ready on most computers. If the display does not update right away, close and reopen the settings window or restart the computer. A restart guarantees the new time will display correctly.

What is the difference between changing the time and changing the time zone?

Changing the time adjusts the hour and minute your computer displays. Changing the time zone tells your computer what region you are in, so it knows what time to show based on your location. If you move to a new time zone, change the time zone setting, not the hour.

Can I set my computer to a different time than the actual time?

Yes, you can disable automatic time sync and set any time you want. However, this will cause problems with email timestamps, file dates, and scheduled tasks. Keep automatic sync on unless you have a specific reason to run your computer on a different time.

What if I cannot find the time settings on my computer?

On Windows, right-click the time in the bottom-right corner and select "Adjust date and time." On Mac, click the Apple menu and select "System Settings," then "General," then "Date & Time." If those paths do not work, your computer may be running an older operating system — search "change time" in your system settings search box.