More often than not, it’s important to always keep the time on our personal computers accurate. This is especially true if we have appointments or if we’re constantly connected to the internet where websites require the right time to function properly. If you’re using Windows 10 and you’re wondering how to change the time, then you’re in the right place. In this article, we will guide you through the step-by-step process of changing the time in Windows 10.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Change Time in Windows 10
Step 1: Click on the Date and Time in the Taskbar
To change the time in Windows 10, first click on the date and time in the taskbar at the bottom right corner of your screen. This will open up the time and calendar settings.
Step 2: Click on “Date and Time Settings”
After clicking on the date and time in the taskbar, click on the “Date and Time Settings” option located at the bottom of the window that pops up.
Step 3: Toggle “Set Time Automatically” On or Off
On the “Date and Time” window, toggle “Set Time Automatically” on or off depending on your preference. If turned on, your computer will automatically update the time based on your time zone and internet connection. If turned off, you will have to manually set the time.
Step 4: Set the Time Zone
Under the “Timezone” section, select your desired time zone from the drop-down menu.
Step 5: Click on “Change Date and Time”
Click on the “Change Date and Time” button located below the time zone section.
Step 6: Adjust the Time
On the “Set Date and Time” window, adjust the time by clicking on the “up” and “down” arrows for the hour, minute, and seconds sections.
Step 7: Choose the Correct Date
Select the correct date by clicking on the calendar icon located on the right side of the “Set Date and Time” window.
Step 8: Save Changes
After adjusting the time and date, click on the “OK” button to save your changes.
Step 9: Correct Your Time Format
If you wish to change the time format to 24-hour or 12-hour format, click on the “Change Date and Time Formats” option located at the bottom of the “Date and Time” window.
Step 10: Adjust Your Time Synchronization Settings
If you decide to keep the “Set Time Automatically” option turned on, then adjust your time synchronization settings by clicking on the “Additional date, time, & regional settings” option located at the bottom of the “Date and Time” window.
Step 11: Restart Your Computer
After making all the necessary changes, restart your computer to ensure that the time and date settings take effect properly.
Step 12: Verify Your New Time Settings
Confirm that your new time and date settings are updated by clicking on the date and time in the taskbar again.
Additional Tips and Tricks
Tip #1: Use a Time Sync Tool
If you have trouble keeping your time accurate, then consider using a time sync tool like “NetTime” to keep your computer synchronized to other time sources.
Tip #2: Automatically Change Time Zones
If you travel often, then enable the “Set Time Zone Automatically” option so that your computer automatically updates your time zone based on your location.
Tip #3: Use the Command Prompt
If you prefer using the command prompt, then use the command “net time /set” to set your computer’s time.
Tip #4: Set Your Time to Military Time
To switch to military time, open the “Region” settings in the control panel, click on “Additional Settings,” and change your time format to “HH:mm:ss.”
Tip #5: Check for Errors
Always check for errors after changing your time and date settings to avoid any discrepancies that may arise.
Tip #6: Set Time Reminders
If you have trouble remembering appointments, then use the “Alarms & Clock” app to set up time reminders.
Tip #7: Keep Your BIOS Time Accurate
Check and make sure your BIOS time is accurate if you have trouble keeping your time synchronized.
Tip #8: Consider Using a NTP Server
Network Time Protocol (NTP) servers can keep your computer’s time synchronized across networks and devices.
Tip #9: Use a Time-Tracking App
To keep track of your work or study hours, use a time-tracking app like “Toggl” or “Harvest.”
Tip #10: Keep Your Time Zone Up-to-Date
Check your time zone periodically to ensure that it hasn’t changed due to daylight saving time or any other factors.
In conclusion, changing the time in Windows 10 might seem like a daunting task, but with these easy steps, it’s a breeze. Keeping your personal computer’s time accurate is important for various reasons. With these tips and tricks, you can be sure that your computer’s time will always be up-to-date and accurate.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Changing Time in Windows 10
Advantages:
1. Ensures that your computer’s clock is accurate and up-to-date.
2. Helps you stay on schedule for important appointments and meetings.
3. Allows you to adjust the time according to your location and time zone.
4. Enables you to choose between a 12-hour or 24-hour format.
5. Makes it easier to synchronize files and folders across different devices.
6. Helps improve overall system performance by ensuring that all time-related functions are working correctly.
7. Can prevent issues with software and applications that rely on accurate timestamps.
8. Streamlines the process of setting reminders and alarms.
9. Can be customized to display additional information such as the date, day, and calendar events.
10. Changing the time is a simple and straightforward process that can be done in a few short steps.
Disadvantages:
1. Changing the time incorrectly can cause issues with other devices and networks that rely on accurate timestamps.
2. If the time is not updated regularly, it can cause confusion and missed appointments.
3. Adjusting the time zone can sometimes lead to unexpected changes in other settings.
4. Setting the clock to the wrong time can cause issues with time-sensitive software and applications.
5. Changing the time too frequently can be a hassle and can cause unwanted disruptions.
6. Some devices, such as cameras and security systems, rely on an accurate computer clock to function correctly.
7. Incorrectly set clocks can cause issues with file timestamps, which can affect backups and version control.
8. Changing the clock on a virtual machine can sometimes cause issues with software licensing and activation.
9. If the time is not synchronized correctly, it can cause issues with security certificates and online transactions.
10. In rare cases, changing the time can cause conflicts with other system settings and preferences.
FAQ
1. How do I change the date and time on Windows 10?
To change the date and time on Windows 10, go to Settings > Time & Language > Date & time. From there, you can manually adjust the date and time or turn on automatic time synchronization.
2. Can I change the time zone in Windows 10?
Yes, you can easily change the time zone on Windows 10 by going to Settings > Time & Language > Date & time and selecting the appropriate time zone from the drop-down menu.
3. What if my computer clock is wrong?
If your computer clock is wrong, first check to make sure that the time zone and internet time settings are correct. If those are correct and your clock is still off, you may need to replace the CMOS battery on your computer’s motherboard.
4. How do I turn on automatic time synchronization?
To turn on automatic time synchronization, go to Settings > Time & Language > Date & time and toggle the “Set time automatically” switch to the On position. This will synchronize your computer’s clock with internet time servers.
5. Can I set a custom date and time format?
Yes, you can set a custom date and time format on Windows 10 by going to Settings > Time & Language > Date & time and selecting “Change date and time formats”. From there, you can choose from a variety of options to customize your date and time display.
6. How do I change the clock display to 24-hour format?
To change the clock display to 24-hour format, go to Settings > Time & Language > Date & time and toggle the “Short time” switch to the “HH:mm” format.
7. Can I customize the date and time display in the taskbar?
Yes, you can customize the date and time display in the taskbar by right-clicking on the taskbar, selecting “Taskbar settings”, and toggling the “Use small taskbar buttons” switch to the On position.
8. How do I change the time on my laptop?
The process for changing the time on a laptop is the same as for a desktop computer. Go to Settings > Time & Language > Date & time and adjust the time as needed.
9. How can I create a clock widget on my desktop?
There are many clock widget applications available for Windows 10 in the Microsoft Store. Simply search for “clock widget” in the Store and choose the application that best suits your needs.
10. How do I sync my computer clock with a network time server?
To sync your computer clock with a network time server, go to Settings > Time & Language > Date & time and toggle the “Set time automatically” switch to the On position. This will automatically synchronize your computer’s clock with a network time server.
11. What is the Windows Time Service?
The Windows Time Service is a built-in service in Windows 10 that synchronizes your computer’s clock with internet time servers.
12. Can I use a third-party time synchronization service?
Yes, you can use a third-party time synchronization service if you prefer. Simply disable the Windows Time Service and install the third-party software of your choice.
13. How do I know if my computer clock is accurate?
You can check the accuracy of your computer clock by going to Settings > Time & Language > Date & time and clicking the “Sync now” button. This will synchronize your computer’s clock with internet time servers and ensure that it is accurate.
How to Change Time in Windows 10
Changing the time and date in Windows 10 is a quick and simple task, which only takes a few steps. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to change time in Windows 10:
Conclusion and Closing
That is how you can change the time and date in your Windows 10 operating system easily. By following these steps, you can customize your system settings to match your current location or simply make sure that your system is running on the right time zone and date. Always ensure that your system time is correct, especially if you need to schedule meetings or appointments, as it will avoid any delays or confusions.
We hope that this quick guide was helpful in making your system set up a breeze. If you have any further queries or concerns, feel free to reach out to Microsoft or consult the Windows 10 support page. Thank you for reading, and see you soon!