How to change the time zone in Windows Server?

When attempting to change the time zone, some users may encounter an error:  
Operation could not be completed. You do not have permission to perform this task. Contact your network administrator.

There are two ways to resolve this issue:

First metjod. Change time zone via Control Panel as Administrator. Click Start, type timedate.cpl in the search bar, and press Enter. Right-click on the Date and Time window and select Run as administrator;. Adjust the time zone settings as needed and save the changes.

Second method. Grant user rights via Group Policy^

  1. Click Start, type gpedit.msc, and launch the Group Policy Editor;
  2. Navigate to: Computer Configuration → Windows Settings → Security Settings → Local Policies → User Rights Assignment;
  3. Find the policy titled Change the time zone;
  4. Double-click it;
  5. Add the Admin user (or the relevant user account), and confirm.
  6. Save the settings and reboot the Virtual Machine for changes to take effect;
  7. After completing either method, you will be able to change the time zone successfully.
Updated Date 29.12.2025
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