Set time zone automatically defaults to wrong time

Question

Set time zone automatically defaults to wrong time

Annie 0

Once time Zone is set, if i toggle the set time zone automatically, the time changes to another country

Joseph Orori 40 Reputation points

2026-04-07T13:23:32.6633333+00:00

it changes to the time zone one swithes to example for my case i use EAT

4 answers

Your answer

Joseph Orori 40 Reputation points

2026-04-07T13:23:32.6633333+00:00

it changes to the time zone one swithes to example for my case i use EAT

Answer 1

Arlene D 36,225 Independent Advisor

Hello, are you connected to a VPN or using location services on your device?

Open Settings > Time & language > Date & time, turn off Set time zone automatically, then manually select your correct time zone from the list. Next go to Settings > Privacy & security > Location, turn on Location services, and click Set default under default location to choose your region. After that, restart your PC and avoid turning the automatic time zone back on unless your location is detected correctly, this ensures Windows uses your chosen region instead of detecting the wrong one.

Annie 0 Reputation points

2026-04-05T23:34:33.02+00:00

Thanks, i have done all those things, numerous times. I’ve even gone into the Registery Editor to check settings. Everything is set up correctly.

The problem is the SetTime Zone Automatically setting. As soon as the switch is toggled on, it instantly reverts to Istanbul, Turkiye (and I am in Australia). The only option is to leave it toggled off, but I was wanting it on because later in the year we are going to be travelling a lot across different time zones. I thought there may be some kind of known fault that could be fixed. I’m using a brand new laptop running latest version of Windows 11
Mzwandile Nkomo 0 Reputation points

2026-04-07T12:07:47.9266667+00:00

Apparently this is a known Windows 11 issue where automatic time‑zone detection locks onto an incorrect geolocation (e.g. Istanbul) due to Microsoft location service data; there is currently no client‑side fix, and the recommended workaround is to keep automatic time‑zone disabled and set it manually. Microsoft will eventually release a fix, its not a setting problem.

Answer 2

_AW_ 69,121 Volunteer Moderator

I'm just curious as to whether this only started in the last week? The same was happening to me and changing to Dublin time until I turned off automatic time zone detection.

Annie 0 Reputation points

2026-04-05T23:24:17.51+00:00

This week - I just bought a new laptop a few days ago and the problem is there from when i first set it up.
_AW_ 69,121 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator

2026-04-06T01:06:01.6833333+00:00

I'm also in Australia and having the same problem. For the time being I think you will have to use manual time zone selection until Microsoft fix it on their end.

Answer 3

Arlene D 36,225 Independent Advisor

I see, it switches to Istanbul when turned on. Please open Services (press Win + R, type services.msc), find Windows Time and Geolocation Service, set both to Automatic, then start or restart them. Test again.

Annie 0 Reputation points

2026-04-07T11:35:11.39+00:00

No, it did not solve the problem. I have tried this method about six times, spent probably half a day overall trying various fixes. The issue appears to be my actual laptop communicating with my Modem/Router. If I hotspot the laptop to my phone, everything works fine. All other computers and devices working off my Modem work perfectly. It is only the new laptop when it is used with my modem. I have even logged into my TP-Link modem and followed instructions to update all modem settings.

Answer 4

G Mac 0

Go to Settings > Privacy & security > Location, scroll down to "Default location", click on "Set default", enter your desired location (City, State), and click on the magnifying glass icon at the right, verify your desired location is correct, and click Save.

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