How to Change the Time Manually on Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

Setting the correct time on your computer is crucial for various tasks, such as scheduling, file management, and maintaining accurate system logs. While Windows 11 usually sets the time automatically based on your time zone, there may be instances where you need to adjust the time manually.

Whether it's due to traveling, system issues, or personal preference, manually changing the time on Windows 11 is a straightforward process. This guide will walk you through the steps to do so.

How do I change the time on Windows 11?​

1. Access the Date & Time Settings​

The first step to manually changing the time on Windows 11 is to access the Date & Time settings. Here's how:

1. Open the Settings App:
   • Click on the Start button or press Windows + I to open the Settings app.
2. Navigate to Time & Language:
   • In the Settings window, select Time & language from the left-hand menu.
3. Open Date & Time Settings:
   • Click on Date & time to access the settings where you can adjust the time manually.

2. Turn Off Automatic Time Setting​

To manually change the time, you need to disable the automatic time setting feature:

1. Disable Set Time Automatically:
   • In the Date & time settings, locate the Set time automatically option.
   • Toggle this option Off to enable manual time adjustment.

With this option turned off, the fields for setting the date and time will become editable.

3. Change the Time Manually​

Now that you've disabled automatic time setting, you can manually set the time:

1. Click on the Change Button:
   • Under the Set the date and time manually section, click the Change button next to the Set the date and time manually option.
2. Enter the New Time:
   • A new window will pop up allowing you to adjust the date and time.
   • Use the drop-down menus or type in the correct date and time.
   • Once you've entered the desired time, click Change to apply the new settings.

Your system clock will immediately update to reflect the changes you've made.

4. Adjust the Time Zone (Optional)​

If you're changing the time due to being in a different location, you might also need to adjust the time zone:

1. Set Time Zone Manually:
   • In the Date & time settings, locate the Set time zone automatically option.
   • Toggle this option Off to allow manual time zone selection.
2. Select Your Time Zone:
   • Use the drop-down menu under Time zone to select your current time zone.

Adjusting the time zone ensures that your computer correctly interprets the time in relation to your location, which is particularly important for scheduled tasks and meeting reminders.

5. Sync Your Clock with an Internet Time Server (Optional)​

If you want to ensure your manually set time stays accurate, you can sync your clock with an internet time server:

1. Access Additional Sync Options:
   • In the Date & time settings, scroll down to the Additional settings section and click on Sync now under Synchronize your clock.
2. Verify Sync with Internet Time Server:
   • Ensure that your clock is synchronized with the correct time by verifying that the sync was successful.

This feature is particularly useful if you're concerned about your manually set time drifting from the actual time.

6. Verify the Changes​

After making these adjustments, it's a good idea to verify that your changes have taken effect:

1. Check the Taskbar Clock:
   • Look at the clock in the bottom-right corner of your taskbar to ensure it displays the correct time and date.
2. Restart Your Computer (Optional):
   • To ensure the changes are fully applied, you might want to restart your computer and check the time again after the reboot.

You can also change time settings via the Control Panel

1. Click the Search button on the taskbar.
   
2. Type control and choose Control Panel from the list of results.
   
   
   
   
3. Click on the Clock and Region option.
4. Select Date and Time.
   
5. Click on the Change date, time.. button.
6. You will now be able to adjust this parameter as per your liking.
   
7. Finally, don’t forget to hit the OK button once you’re done in order to confirm and apply the modifications.
   

Manually changing the time on Windows 11 is a simple task that can be done through the Date & Time settings. Whether you're adjusting the time due to a system error, personal preference, or a change in time zones, following these steps will ensure your system clock is accurate.