time zone in Outlook keeps suddenly changing to Brussels (Europe)

Question

time zone in Outlook keeps suddenly changing to Brussels (Europe)

M.R. Lanford 20

Ever since the last Windows update (a few days ago), my time zone in Outlook keeps suddenly switching to "Brussels" time zone (GMT +2.00), when I am actually on CDT in the US (GMT -5.00). I have had Outlook settings on "set time zone automatically", but even when I turned that off & changed it to "set time manually", the time zone continues to switch to GMT +2.00 suddenly & arbitrarily. And it changes EVERYTHING (times) on my calendar. Please tell me there is a fix. (p.s. I am not a tech whiz, but I am familiar with Outlook).

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Answer 1

Nghia-P 1,470 Microsoft External Staff Moderator

Hi M.R. Lanford,

Welcome to Microsoft Q&A Forum!

Thank you for reaching out and sharing the details of the time zone issue you're experiencing in Outlook. I understand how frustrating it can be when calendar times shift unexpectedly especially after a system update.

Just to make sure Outlook isn’t syncing incorrect time zone info from your system, could you kindly check your Windows time zone settings as well?
Even if Outlook is set manually, Windows might still override it if it’s set to auto.
Here’s a quick guide to help you check:

1. Set the Time Zone Manually in Windows

Go to Start → Settings → Time & Language → Date & Time
Turn off “Set time zone automatically”
Manually select the correct time zone (e.g., (UTC -05:00) Central Time (US & Canada) for CDT

2. Set the Time Zone Manually in Outlook

Open Outlook
Go to File → Options → Calendar
Scroll to the Time Zones section
Choose the correct time zone (e.g., CDT)

3. Restart Both Windows and Outlook: After making the changes, restart your computer and reopen Outlook to ensure the settings are applied correctly.

4. If the Issue Persists: Try creating a new Outlook profile to check if the issue is related to your current user configuration.

5. Please double-check your Microsoft account time zone setting: This helps ensure your account settings aren’t overriding Outlook or Windows.

Go to https://myaccount.microsoft.com
Sign in
Navigate to Settings & Privacy → Region
Make sure the Time zone is set correctly

We truly appreciate your patience and the steps you've already taken. If the issue continues or if you need help with any of the instructions above, please don’t hesitate to let us know. We’re here to support you every step of the way.

If the answer is helpful, please click "Accept Answer" and kindly upvote it. If you have extra questions about this answer, please click "Comment".

Note: Please follow the steps in our documentation to enable e-mail notifications if you want to receive the related email notification for this thread.

M.R. Lanford 20 Reputation points

2025-06-25T20:50:55.3433333+00:00

All three (Windows, MS, and Outlook) were already set to CDT. I have restarted my device & programs, and I will see if the problem persists.
Nghia-P 1,470 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2025-06-26T23:39:13.7533333+00:00

Hi M.R. Lanford
Thanks for trying the steps I suggested! I look forward to hearing back from you soon to confirm if the issue is resolved.
If there’s any update, please don’t hesitate to let us know.

And if my reply helped resolve your issue, kindly consider marking it as “Accepted Answer”.

Warm Regards.
M.R. Lanford 20 Reputation points

2025-06-27T00:25:27.38+00:00

Sadly, the problem has recurred. It seems to change the time on my device once or twice a day. I am clueless. Thank you for helping. Please let me know if there is anything else I can try. I would be most appreciative.
Nghia-P 1,470 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2025-06-27T07:24:49.5+00:00
Hi @M.R. Lanford,
I hope you're doing well. I understand how frustrating it can be when Outlook keeps switching to the wrong time zone, and I truly appreciate your patience as we work through this.

To help us get to the bottom of the issue, could you kindly confirm the following:

Have you manually set the time zone in both:

Outlook (via File → Options → Calendar → Time Zones)?

Windows desktop settings (via Settings → Time & Language → Date & Time)?

Was VPN active at any point while the “Set time zone automatically” option was enabled?

We’ve seen cases where VPN usage can cause the system to detect a different location, which may lead to Outlook switching to a time zone like Brasilia. Your confirmation will help us narrow down the cause and find the best solution for you.

Please let me know at your earliest convenience. I’m here to support you every step of the way.
M.R. Lanford 20 Reputation points

2025-06-28T18:59:19.0633333+00:00

I was not using VPN at any of the times that it changed time zones. And yes, I can confirm that both Windows and Outlook settings have been manually set to CDT (Central Daylight). It has not yet changed the time zone today - yet!
Nghia-P 1,470 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2025-06-30T08:26:01.6866667+00:00

Hi @M.R. Lanford,
First of all, I’m truly sorry for the inconvenience this issue has caused. I completely understand how frustrating it must be when everything is set up correctly, yet the time zone still changes unexpectedly especially when it disrupts your schedule and workflow. I really appreciate your patience and the time you’ve taken to provide these details.

It’s a positive sign that the time zone hasn’t changed so far today, but I completely understand your concern that it might happen again. Please rest assured that I’m continuing to look into this on our end and will do everything I can to help identify the root cause.

If the issue does occur again, please don’t hesitate to let me know right away even a quick screenshot or the exact time it happens would be incredibly helpful for our investigation.

Thank you again for your cooperation and understanding. I’m here to support you every step of the way, and we’ll work through this together. If my answer has been even partially helpful, please consider marking it as “Accepted Answer” so others facing similar issues can find it more easily.
M.R. Lanford 20 Reputation points

2025-06-30T22:10:42.76+00:00

It's now been 36 hours without a time zone change! I'm choosing to stay hopeful. If that changes, I'll let you know asap. Thank you for your prompt responses.
Nghia-P 1,470 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2025-07-02T06:44:46.6066667+00:00

Hi @M.R. Lanford,

I'm really glad to hear the time zone issue has stabilized 36 hours is a great sign! Thank you for staying hopeful and for keeping me updated. I know how frustrating these kinds of glitches can be, and I truly appreciate your patience and persistence throughout.

If my answer has been even partially helpful in guiding you toward a solution, it would mean a lot if you could mark it as the “Accepted Answer.” This helps others facing similar issues find the information more easily, and it also lets the support community know the workaround was useful.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out if anything changes. I’m here to help anytime. Warm Thanks.

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time zone in Outlook keeps suddenly changing to Brussels (Europe)

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