Computers in the Same Building Automatically Set to Incorrect Time Zone

Question

I am encountering an issue where computers in the same building are being automatically set to an incorrect time zone. The time zone should be UTC+8:00, but it is being changed to UTC-8:00.

After investigating devices in the building, I found a Unifi Wi-Fi AP managed by a Unifi Controller that was configured with the incorrect time zone (UTC-8:00). However, this controller operates on a different subnet from the affected computers.

Three days ago, I corrected the time zone on the Unifi Controller to UTC+8:00, but the computers in the building are still being automatically set to the wrong time zone. Interestingly, Google Maps correctly detects my location.

Is there a way to determine which device or configuration is influencing the computers’ time zones?
Alternatively, how can I ensure that the computers correctly update to the correct time zone?

Answer 1

Hello

Greetings!

This is an interesting situation, as time zone settings can be influenced by various factors such as network configuration, or third-party software. Here are several steps you can take to troubleshoot this issue:

1. Review NTP Server Configuration:

Network Time Protocol (NTP) servers synchronize the clocks of network devices. Check that the NTP server your computers are using is correctly configured and set to the right time zone. On Windows machines, you can do this by checking the w32tm /tz command on working machine and non-working machine.

2. Check Local Time Zone Settings:

Manually verify the time zone settings on a few affected computers to ensure they didn't revert or were manually set incorrectly.

On Windows, go to Settings -> Time & Language -> Date & Time, and verify the time zone is set to UTC+8:00.

3. Audit Network Devices:

Even though you corrected the Unifi Controller, it would be wise to double-check all networking equipment in the building (such as routers, switches, and other access points) to ensure none of them are still pushing the incorrect time zone. Access each device's settings to confirm the time zone configurations.

4. Check for Third-Party Software:

Some third-party applications or management software can enforce time settings. Review installed software on the affected machines to ensure none of them are configured to set the time zone automatically.

5. Event Viewer Logs:

Check the Windows Event Viewer logs for any entries related to time changes. Open Event Viewer (eventvwr.msc). Navigate to Windows Logs -> System and look for any warnings or errors related to time or time zone changes.

6. Isolation Testing:

Disconnect one of the affected computers from the network and manually configure the correct time zone. Monitor it to see if the time zone changes back when reconnected. This can help determine if the issue is network-related.

7. Location Services:

Ensure that location services are enabled and functioning correctly on the affected computers. Sometimes, the operating system can use GPS or other location data to set the time zone. On Windows, go to Settings -> Privacy -> Location, and ensure it is turned on.

Best Regards,
Daisy Zhou

Answer 2

Hello Verdipeng,

Thank you for posting in Microsoft Community forum.

Are these machines in domain? If so, are these domain machines in the same OU?

Please check if these machines applied time zone via GPO setting below.

https://www.neant.ro/windows/setting-the-time-zone-on-domain-computers-through-group-policy.html

https://thehomelab.org/setting-your-enterprise-timezone-using-group-policy/

For checking Computer Configuration within gpresult, you can follow steps below.

Logon this machine using administrator account.

Open CMD (run as Administrator).

Type gpresult /h C:\gpo.html and click Enter.

Open gpo.html and check gpo setting under "Computer Details".

I hope the information above is helpful.

If you have any question or concern, please feel free to let us know.

Best Regards,

Daisy Zhou

Answer 3

Hello Daisy,

Thank you for your response.

These computers are not part of a domain, including my personal computer, which is entirely standalone. When connected to the network in that building, its time zone also changes after a while, even though Google Maps correctly detects my location.

I ran gpresult /r on my personal computer, and the domain type shows as "Local Computer," with no GPO applied.

Based on this, I believe the issue is neither related to location services nor caused by OU configurations.

Is there a way to identify which device or configuration is influencing the time zone changes?

Thank you for your assistance!