Although Windows 11 can automatically detect and adjust the date and time based on your location, the system may not show the correct information for many reasons. For instance, it could happen you're traveling to a different region, and the system is failing to detect the current location. The time may be out of sync with the Microsoft servers. Or you are in an area that observes daylight saving time, but the computer has problems reflecting the seasonal time change.
Regardless of the reason, Windows 11 includes dedicated settings to configure the system to set time, daylight saving, and time zone automatically. The page also consists of the options to change the date and time settings manually and even to resync time if it's out of sync with the time server.
In this how-to guide, I'll walk you through the steps to manage your computer's date and time settings on Windows 11.
How to set time automatically on Windows 11
To allow Windows 11 to set the time automatically, use these steps:
- Open Settings.
- Click on Time & language.
- Click the Date & time page on the right side.
- Turn on the "Set time automatically" toggle switch.
Once you complete the steps, the system will configure the time automatically.
How to change time manually on Windows 11
To change the Windows 11 time manually, use these steps:
- Open Settings.
- Click on Time & language.
- Click the Date & time page on the right side.
- Turn off the "Set time automatically" toggle switch.
- Click the Change button for the "Set the date and time manually" setting.
- Change the date and time as necessary.
- Click the Change button.
Once you complete the steps, the time will adjust according to your configuration.
How to manage time zone on Windows 11
On Windows 11, you can manage the time zone manually or automatically through the Settings app.
Change time zone manually
To change the time zone manually on Windows 11, use these steps:
- Open Settings.
- Click on Time & language.
- Click the Date & time page on the right side.
- Turn off the "Set time zone automatically" toggle switch (if applicable).
- Select the correct time zone using the "Time zone" drop-down menu.
- Turn on the "Adjust for daylight saving time automatically" toggle switch (if applicable).
After you complete the steps, the time zone will be set on Windows 11.
Change time zone automatically
To change the time zone setting automatically, use these steps:
- Open Settings.
- Click on Time & language.
- Click the Date & time page on the right side.
- Turn on the "Set time zone automatically" toggle switch.
Once you complete the steps, Windows 11 will be able to set the time zone and daylight time saving automatically according to your location.
How to change time and date format on Windows 11
Windows 11 now shows a shorter format for the time and date in the Taskbar by removing the AM/PM and year for the view. However, if you want to show the full format, you can follow these steps:
- Open Settings.
- Click on Time & language.
- Click the Date & time page on the right side.
- Click the "Show time and date in the System tray" setting.
- Clear the "Show abbreviated time and date" option.
- (Optional) Check the "Show seconds in system tray clock" option.
After you complete the steps, the System Tray will display the full format for date and time.
You can also turn off the "Show time and date in the System tray" to remove the clock completely from the Taskbar.
How to resync time on Windows 11
To sync the time of your computer, use these steps:
- Open Settings.
- Click on Time & language.
- Click the Date & time page on the right side.
- Click the Sync now button.
After you complete the steps, the system will sync the time with Microsoft's time servers to show the correct date and time on your computer.
How to show calendars in Taskbar on Windows 11
To show the Chinese calendar in the Taskbar, use these steps:
- Open Settings.
- Click on Time & language.
- Click the Date & time page on the right side.
- Use the "Show additional calendars in the taskbar" drop-down menu and select one of the options:
- Don't show additional calendars.
- Simplified Chinese (Lunar).
- Traditional Chinese (Lunar).
Once you complete the steps, the calendar you selected will appear in the System tray calendar.
More resources
For more in-depth insights, troubleshooting tips, and the latest updates on Windows 11 and 10, be sure to explore these resources:
