How to Make Windows Use UTC Time by Editing the Registry
Learn how to configure Windows to use UTC time by editing the registry with this step-by-step guide.
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To make Windows use UTC time, you need to edit the Windows registry. Here’s how: Press Win + R, type regedit, and press Enter. Navigate to `HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\TimeZoneInformation`. Right-click on the TimeZoneInformation key, select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value, and name it RealTimeIsUniversal. Double-click it and set the value to 1. Restart your computer. Be cautious when editing the registry; incorrect changes can cause system issues. It's advisable to back up the registry before making changes.
FAQs & Answers
- What is UTC time and why should Windows use it? UTC (Coordinated Universal Time) is the primary time standard by which the world regulates clocks and time. Using UTC in Windows ensures consistent timekeeping, especially useful for dual-boot setups or across different time zones.
- Is it safe to edit the Windows registry to change time settings? Editing the registry can affect system stability if done incorrectly. It’s recommended to back up the registry before making changes and follow instructions carefully.
- How do I revert the Windows time back to local time from UTC? To revert to local time, delete the 'RealTimeIsUniversal' DWORD value from the registry path or set its value to 0, then restart your computer.