FIXED: Non-Admin Users Can’t Change Time Zone in Windows 11

In Windows 11, many users have reported that non-admin accounts cannot change the time zone settings. This issue can be frustrating, especially when keeping your system’s time accurate across different locations. If you’re facing this issue, you’re not alone; fortunately, there are solutions to resolve it.

Fortect will provide the causes of this issue and a step-by-step guide to help you fix it. Whether you’re an IT administrator or a regular user, these solutions will allow non-admin users to change the time zone in Windows 11.

Why Can’t Non-Admin Users Change Time Zone in Windows 11?

When a non-admin user tries to modify the time zone in Windows 11, they often encounter restrictions. This is because Windows manages time zone settings under the system’s administrative systems. Only accounts with administrator privileges can change specific system-wide settings, including the time zone.

The reasons behind this issue may include:

• User account control (UAC) settings limiting access
• Group policy settings restricting changes to system preferences
• Lack of necessary permissions assigned to non-admin users

Now, let’s go through some troubleshooting steps to fix this issue.

How to Allow Non-Admin Users to Change Time Zone in Windows 11

Follow the troubleshooting steps below to allow non-admin users to change the time zone settings on Windows 11. These solutions involve modifying system settings to grant the necessary permissions.

1. Modify Group Policy Settings

Windows 11 allows administrators to control system-wide settings using Group Policy. You may need to adjust the Group Policy settings to allow non-admin users to change the time zone.

• Win + R to open the Run dialog box.
• Type gpedit.msc and press Enter to open the Group Policy Editor.
• Navigate to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > System.
• Double-click Change time zone on the right panel.
• Select Enabled and click Apply, then OK.

Once you’ve made this change, your users should be able to modify the time zone settings. However, this option is only available on Windows 11 Pro and higher editions.

2. Adjust User Account Control (UAC) Settings

User Account Control (UAC) settings in Windows 11 help protect the system by prompting users for permission when making system changes. If the UAC settings are too strict, they may prevent non-admin users from altering the time zone.

To adjust UAC settings:

• Press Win + S and type UAC in the search bar, then click on Change User Account Control settings.
• Move the slider to the second option (Notify me only when apps try to make changes to my computer).
• Click OK to save changes and exit.

After adjusting UAC settings, non-admin users should have more flexibility to modify the time zone without administrative restrictions.

3. Grant Permissions via Local Security Policy

Sometimes, the issue lies with the security permissions associated with non-admin accounts. You can manually adjust the Local Security Policy to grant these users the necessary rights.

Follow these steps:

• Press Win + R, type secpol.msc, and press Enter.
• In the Local Security Policy window, navigate to Local Policies > User Rights Assignment.
• Find Change the system time, and double-click it.
• Add the non-admin user account to the list of allowed users.
• Click Apply and OK.

This step ensures that non-admin users have the right to modify time-related settings.

4. Use the Command Prompt to Change Time Zone

If other methods don’t work, you can use Codon’t Prompt to change the time zone for non-admin users. While this solution requires some administrative intervention, it can be a quick workaround.

• Right-click the Start menu and select Command Prompt (Admin) or Windows Terminal (Admin).
• Type the following command to view available time zones: tzutil /l
• Once you have the correct time zone, use the following command to set the time zone: tzutil /s “TimeZon” ame”
• For example, to set the time zone to Pacific Standard Time, usetzutil /s “Pacific Standard Time”

This method allows administrators to set the time zone for non-admin users, but it’s worth noting that non- users will still need administrative permission to execute the command.

5. Run a System File Check

Corrupted system files can cause various issues in Windows 11, including the inability of non-admin users to change the time zone. Running a System File Check (SFC) can repair any corrupted files that might be preventing this action.

To run an SFC scan:

• Press Win + X and select Windows Terminal (Admin) or Command Prompt (Admin).
• Type the following command and press Enter: sfc /scannow
• Wait for the scan to complete, which may take several minutes.
• Once the scan is finished, restart your PC.

Check whether non-admin users can change the time zone if any issues were detected and fixed.

Conclusion

If non-admin users cannot change the time zone in Windows 11, the issue is likely due to system restrictions related to permissions and settings. You can quickly fix this issue by modifying the Group Policy, adjusting User Account Control (UAC) settings, and granting necessary permissions through the Local Security Policy. Additionally, Command Prompt offers a quick solution for administrators to change the time zone on behalf of non-admin users.

Following these troubleshooting steps, you can resolve your zone issue and allow non-admin users to manage their system settings without further obstacles.