How to Change the Date and Time on Windows 11

Where to find the date and time settings

Open the Settings app by pressing Windows key + I, or click the Start button, type "Settings", and press Enter. Once Settings opens, select Time & language from the left menu, then click Date & time. This is the main control panel for your system clock.

You will see your current date and time displayed at the top of the screen. Below that are toggle switches for Set time automatically and Set time zone automatically. If either of these is turned on, Windows will ignore any manual changes you make — so you need to turn them off first.

Key Takeaways

Turn off "Set time automatically" before you can manually change the date or time in Windows 11.
The date and time settings are in Settings > Time & language > Date & time, not in the Control Panel.
You can change the time zone separately from the actual date and time, and Windows can manage one automatically while you control the other.
If your date keeps reverting after restart, your computer's internal battery may be failing and needs replacement.

Turning off automatic time adjustment

Look for the toggle labeled Set time automatically near the top of the Date & time page. If it is blue and switched to the right, it is on. Click it once to turn it off. The toggle will turn gray and move to the left.

Once you turn this off, two new buttons will appear below it: Change (for the date and time) and Change time zone (for your region). You are now ready to edit either one. If you only want to change the time zone and let Windows handle the clock, you can leave the automatic time setting on and just use the time zone button.

Changing the date and time manually

After turning off automatic time adjustment, click the Change button. A small dialog box will open with two fields: one for the date and one for the time. The date field shows the format as MM/DD/YYYY.

Click in the date field and type the new date using numbers only — for example, 03/15/2024 for March 15, 2024. Then click in the time field and enter the time in HH:MM format using 24-hour time (so 2:30 PM is 14:30). After you enter both, click the Change button at the bottom of the dialog to save your changes.

Windows will explore the new date and time when ready. You do not need to restart your computer. The clock in the system tray (bottom right corner) will update within a few seconds.

Changing your time zone

If you have moved to a different region or need to adjust for daylight saving time, click Change time zone instead of Change. A dropdown menu will open showing time zones organized by region and city.

Scroll through the list or type the first few letters of your city or region to jump to it — for example, typing "New" will jump to New York. Select your time zone from the list and click outside the dropdown to close it. Windows will adjust your clock automatically based on the new zone.

What to do if the date keeps resetting

If you change the date and time but they revert to an incorrect setting after you restart your computer, the problem is usually a failing CMOS battery inside your computer. This small battery keeps the system clock running when the computer is powered off. When it fails, Windows cannot remember the date and time between shutdowns.

You can continue using your computer, but you will need to reset the date and time each time you turn it on. To fix it permanently, you will need to open your computer's case and replace the CMOS battery — a coin-sized battery that sits on the motherboard. If you are not comfortable doing this yourself, a computer repair shop can do it in under an hour for a modest fee.

Using the command line to change date and time

If the Settings app is not responding or you prefer to use the command line, you can change the date and time through PowerShell. Right-click the Start button, select Terminal (Admin) or Windows PowerShell (Admin), and type the following command:

Set-Date -Date "03/15/2024 14:30:00"

Replace the date and time with your desired values in MM/DD/YYYY HH:MM:SS format. Press Enter and the system clock will update when ready. This method bypasses the automatic time setting, so it works even if that toggle is on — though the automatic setting may override it again if it is enabled.

Syncing your clock with an internet time server

If you want Windows to keep your clock accurate without you having to adjust it manually, turn the Set time automatically toggle back on. Windows will then sync with a time server on the internet every time you connect. You can also force a sync right now by clicking Sync now (if that button appears on your Date & time page).

This is the most reliable way to keep your clock correct, especially if you travel between time zones or your computer sits unused for long periods. Windows uses servers run by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) for this sync, so the time will be accurate to within a fraction of a second.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change the date and time without turning off automatic adjustment?

No. If "Set time automatically" is on, the Change button will not appear, and any manual changes you make will be overwritten the next time Windows syncs with the internet time server. You must turn off that toggle first.

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

Changing the date or time adjusts the actual clock on your computer. Changing the time zone tells Windows what region you are in, so it knows whether to add or subtract hours from the coordinated universal time (UTC). If you move from New York to Los Angeles, you change the time zone; the clock itself stays the same.

Will changing the date and time affect my files or programs?

Changing the system date and time can affect file timestamps and scheduled tasks, but it will not delete files or break programs. However, if you set the date far in the past or future, some programs that check the system date (like antivirus software or license verification) may behave unexpectedly.

Why does Windows keep syncing my time even after I turn off automatic adjustment?

Some updates or system events can re-enable the automatic time setting. Check the toggle again to make sure it is still off. If it keeps turning itself back on, a background service or group policy setting may be forcing it — this is more common on computers managed by a workplace or school.

Can I set a different time for different user accounts?

No. The system date and time are global — they explore to the entire computer, not to individual user accounts. All accounts see the same clock, though each account can have its own time zone preference in some cases.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.