How to Check or Change Your Computer's Time Zone

Overview

If your computer displays the incorrect time or your Outlook calendar shows meetings and appointments at the wrong time, your computer's time zone settings may need to be updated.

For Cedar Crest College users, the correct time zone is (UTC-05:00) Eastern Time (US & Canada). This setting automatically adjusts between Eastern Standard Time (EST) and Eastern Daylight Time (EDT).

Follow the instructions below for your computer's operating system.

Windows 11

Check Your Time Zone Settings

  1. Right-click the date and time displayed in the lower-right corner of your taskbar.
  2. Select Adjust date and time.
  3. Under Date & time, locate the Time zone setting.
  4. Verify that the time zone is set to (UTC-05:00) Eastern Time (US & Canada).

Change Your Time Zone

If the time zone is incorrect:

  1. Turn Set time zone automatically to Off, if enabled.
  2. Under Time zone, select (UTC-05:00) Eastern Time (US & Canada) from the dropdown menu.
  3. Verify that Set time automatically is turned On.
  4. Under Additional settings, click Sync now, if available, to synchronize your computer's clock.

Your computer should now display the correct local time.

Note: If the time zone setting is grayed out or cannot be changed, your computer may be managed by Cedar Crest College. Contact the IT Help Desk for assistance.

Windows 10

Check or Change Your Time Zone

  1. Right-click the date and time in the lower-right corner of your taskbar.
  2. Select Adjust date/time.
  3. Locate the Time zone setting.
  4. Verify that (UTC-05:00) Eastern Time (US & Canada) is selected.
  5. If the time zone is incorrect, turn Set time zone automatically to Off and select the correct time zone.
  6. Make sure Set time automatically is turned On.
  7. Click Sync now under Synchronize your clock, if available.

macOS

Check or Change Your Time Zone

  1. Click the Apple menu in the upper-left corner of your screen.
  2. Select System Settings.
  3. Click General → Date & Time.
  4. Locate the Time Zone settings.
  5. Verify that your time zone is set to Eastern Time, with a location such as New York.
  6. If the time zone is incorrect:
    • Turn off Set time zone automatically using your current location.
    • Select the correct time zone using New York as the location.
  7. Make sure Set time and date automatically is enabled.

Note: Depending on your version of macOS, the settings may appear slightly different. Older versions may use System Preferences → Date & Time → Time Zone.

Additional Information

  • Daylight Saving Time: Eastern Time automatically adjusts between EST (UTC-05:00) and EDT (UTC-04:00).
  • Outlook Calendar: If Outlook continues to display incorrect meeting times, you may also need to verify your Outlook time zone settings.
  • College-Managed Computers: Some date and time settings may be controlled by Cedar Crest College IT and cannot be changed without assistance.
  • Traveling: If you are traveling outside the Eastern Time Zone, your computer may automatically update its time zone depending on your settings.

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Need Additional Help?

If your computer continues to display the incorrect time or you are unable to change your time zone settings, contact the Cedar Crest College IT Help Desk at helpdesk@cedarcrest.edu.

When contacting the Help Desk, please include your computer's operating system (Windows or macOS) and a description of the issue.

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