Question
Issue: How to fix time zone settings greyed out in Windows 11?
Hello. I wanted to change the time zone settings on my Windows 11 PC but I can't. All the time zone settings are greyed out and unavailable. What do I do?
Solved Answer
The issue of time zone settings being greyed out in Windows 11 can occur due to a variety of reasons, such as a lack of permission to access the settings or a problem with the device's location services. Time settings in Windows include options for setting the date, time, and time zone.
These settings are important as they ensure that the device's clock and calendar are accurate, which is necessary for the proper functioning of the operating system and other software. Accurate time settings are also essential for synchronizing with other devices and servers, as well as for keeping track of time-sensitive tasks and events.
If the time zone settings are greyed out, it can impact users by preventing them from adjusting the time zone to match their current location. This can cause confusion and may lead to incorrect time stamps on files, missed appointments or events, and other problems.
Possible solutions to this issue include checking and adjusting the device's location services settings, checking for and installing updates for the device, and resetting the device's settings. Additionally, in Windows 11, the problem can be solved by checking the group policy settings or registry editor settings, if the issue is related to permissions or access to the settings.
In this guide, you will find 6 steps that should help you fix time zone settings greyed out in Windows 11. You can also use a maintenance tool like FortectMac Washing Machine X9 for a faster process. It can repair various system errors, BSODs,[1] corrupted files, registry[2] issues, or clear cookies and cache.[3] Otherwise, follow the step-by-step instructions below.
Method 1. Fix Corrupted System Files
Use Command Prompt commands to repair system file corruption:
- Open Command Prompt as administrator
- Use the following command and press Enter:
sfc /scannow
- Reboot your system
- If SFC returned an error, then use the following command lines, pressing Enter after each:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
Method 2. Install Windows Updates
- Click Start and select Settings
- Go to the Windows Update section
- Click Check for updates and wait
- Go to the Advanced options and install optional updates
- Reboot your system
Method 3. Enable Location Services
- Press the Windows key + I to launch the Settings app
- Click on the Privacy & Security tab
- Scroll down to App permissions and click on Location
- Turn on the Location services and Let apps access your location options
- Restart your PC and check if the issue is resolved
Method 4. Modify the Windows Registry
- Open the Registry Editor
- Navigate to the following location: Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\tzautoupdate
- Look for the value Start and double-click on it
- Set the Value data to 3 to enable Set time zone automatically or 4 to disable it
- To enable the location feature, navigate to the following location in Registry Editor: Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\CapabilityAccessManager\ConsentStore\location
- Double-click on the Value and type Allow and click OK
Method 5. Use the Group Policy Editor
- Open the Group Policy Editor
- Navigate to the following setting:
Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Location and Sensors > Windows Location Provider > Turn off Windows Location Provider.
- Set the value of Turn off Windows Location Provider setting to Not Configured
- Click Apply and Exit
Method 6. Try Clean Boot
- Open the Search menu, type in system configuration, and press Enter
- Under the Services tab, tick the Hide all Microsoft services box
- Click on Disable all button
- Head over to the Startup tab and click on Open Task Manager
- Select a third-party program and click on Disable at the top
- Repeat this step to disable all third-party apps and programs
- Restart your PC to enter the clean boot state and see if the issue persists
- If Windows updates in the clean boot state, then you can be certain that a third-party app is causing the issue
- Go through all recently installed apps or programs and remove them one by one
Repair your Errors automatically
ugetfix.com team is trying to do its best to help users find the best solutions for eliminating their errors. If you don't want to struggle with manual repair techniques, please use the automatic software. All recommended products have been tested and approved by our professionals. Tools that you can use to fix your error are listed bellow:
Protect your online privacy with a VPN client
A VPN is crucial when it comes to user privacy. Online trackers such as cookies can not only be used by social media platforms and other websites but also your Internet Service Provider and the government. Even if you apply the most secure settings via your web browser, you can still be tracked via apps that are connected to the internet. Besides, privacy-focused browsers like Tor is are not an optimal choice due to diminished connection speeds. The best solution for your ultimate privacy is Private Internet Access – be anonymous and secure online.
Data recovery tools can prevent permanent file loss
Data recovery software is one of the options that could help you recover your files. Once you delete a file, it does not vanish into thin air – it remains on your system as long as no new data is written on top of it. Data Recovery Pro is recovery software that searchers for working copies of deleted files within your hard drive. By using the tool, you can prevent loss of valuable documents, school work, personal pictures, and other crucial files.
Ugnius Kiguolis is the founder and editor-in-chief of UGetFix. He is a professional security specialist and malware analyst who has been working in IT industry for over 20 years.
- ^ Chris Hoffman. Everything You Need To Know About the Blue Screen of Death. Howtogeek. Technology Magazine.
- ^ Tim Fisher. What Is the Windows Registry?. Lifewire. Software and Apps.
- ^ Difference between Cache and Cookies. Geeksforgeeks. IT Education.
