Windows 11 depends on online time servers to keep the date and time updated. This is why the date and time on Windows 11 are accurate and don’t change.

By default, Windows 11 is configured to set the time zone automatically, but for some reason, the feature may get disabled. You can enable the feature manually from Settings, but recently, a few users reported that they can’t do so.

Set Time Zone Automatically Greyed Out

Several factors can contribute to Time Zone settings being greyed out on Windows 11 like programs installed on your device may be preventing you from changing the feature.

It could also be possible that the Local Services are disabled, system files are corrupted, or there are incorrect settings in the Registry and Group Policy Editor.

Whatever the reason, the greyed-out Set Time Zone Automatically option problem can be easily fixed by following some general workarounds.

If you want Windows 11 to set your time zone automatically, try these troubleshooting steps.

1. Make sure the Location Services are Enabled

If the Location Services are disabled, you won’t be able to turn on the feature ‘Set Time Zone Automatically’ via Settings. Hence, you need to make sure that the location services are enabled on your PC.

1. Launch the Settings app on your Windows 11 PC.

2. When the Settings app opens, switch to the Privacy & Security tab.

3. On the App permissions section, click on Location.

4. On the Location screen, make sure the toggle for Location Services is enabled.

After making the changes, restart your PC and try enabling the Set Time Zone automatically feature.

2. Disable Location Based Apps or Try Clean Boot

Location based apps often conflict with the time servers and prevents them from exchanging the information.

Some location related apps may even prevent you from changing the time settings. So, if you have recently installed any location-based apps, you should disable and try them.

Otherwise, you can try performing a clean boot and enabling the ‘Set time zone automatically’ feature. Here’s what you need to do.

1. Press the Windows Key + R button on your keyboard. This will open the RUN dialog box.

2. On the RUN dialog box, type msconfig and press Enter.

3. Switch to the Services tab and check the ‘Hide all Microsoft Services’ box.

4. Once done, click on Disable All.

5. Open Task Manager and switch to the Startup tab.

6. Right click on the third-party Startup programs and select Disable.

7. Next, restart your PC to enter the clean boot state. Try enabling the Set time zone automatically option from the Windows 11 Settings.

3. Fix the Corrupted System Files

System File Corruption could be another reason you’re unable to turn on the Set Time Zone automatically option. So, you need to rule out this possibility as well by following these steps.

1. Type Command Prompt in the Windows 11 Search. Next, right-click on the Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.

2. When the Command Prompt opens, execute this command:

sfc /scannow

3. If the SFC command returns with an error, try executing these commands one by one:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealthDISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealthDISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

After making the changes, restart your Windows 11 PC.

4. Install the Pending Windows 11 Updates

Keeping your Windows 11 PC or laptop up to date is the best thing you can ever do. This not only brings stability but also new features and bug fixes.

Windows 11 updates will also install the needed drivers and optional features, rule out the possibility of system file corruption, and more.

So, if the problem is still not fixed, head to Settings > Windows Update > Check for Updates. If an update is available, download and install it.

5. Enable the Set Time Zone Automatically via Registry

Don’t panic if you’re still unable to enable the feature; as there’s a way to enable the option by modifying the Windows Registry. Here’s how you can modify the Windows Registry to enable the Set time zone automatically option on your PC.

1. Type in Registry Editor on the Windows 11 Search. Next, open the Registry Editor app from the list of best match results.

2. When the Registry Editor opens, navigate to this path:

ComputerHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESYSTEMCurrentControlSetServicestzautoupdate

3. On the right side, find and double click on the Start value.

4. To enable the Set time zone automatically, enter 3 in the Value data field. To disable it, enter 4.

Once you’ve done this, close the Registry editor and restart your PC. After the restart, move to Settings > Time & Language > Date & Time and check whether the Set the time zone automatically option is enabled.

These are a few simple ways to fix Set the time zone automatically option greyed out the problem on Windows 11. Let us know if you need more help on this topic in the comments. Also, if you find this guide helpful, don’t forget to share it with your friends.