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Windows Client Machine Set Time Zone Automatically option greyed out

ZTS 60 Reputation points
2025-08-21T10:29:30.71+00:00

Set Time Zone Automatically option greyed out and asking for user id and password for changing the option if anyone trying to change.

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Steps performed:

  1. Issue Identified
    • On Windows machines, “Set time zone automatically” is greyed out for most users.
    • Some users see it but get prompted for Admin credentials when toggling.
    • For some, it worked prior to July Cumulative Update.
  2. Verification Done
    • Group Policy checked → No policies configured for time zone.
    • Intune checked → No configuration profiles enforcing timezone.
    • Registry checked → tzautoupdate = 3 (Enabled).
  3. Scenario Testing
    • Scenario 1: Non-admin user, location service off → Enabling location turned on the setting but still greyed out.
    • Scenario 2: User 1→ Setting active but toggle prompts for Admin creds.
    • Scenario 3: User 2→ Could toggle before July CU, now requires Admin creds.
  4. Microsoft Documentation Reference
    • Confirms setting is greyed out for non-admin users.

What is the cause and how to identify it?

Windows for business | Windows Server | User experience | Other

1 answer

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  1. Quinnie Quoc 1,620 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2025-08-21T14:04:50.1833333+00:00

    Hi ZTS,

    Based on current Microsoft documentation and recent updates, the “Set time zone automatically” option is intentionally restricted to users with administrative privileges. This change was introduced as part of Windows security enhancements, notably following the July Cumulative Update.

    Although location services must be enabled for the feature to function, non-admin users will still see the setting greyed out or be prompted for admin credentials when attempting to toggle it. Your checks confirm that no Group Policy, Intune configuration, or registry misconfiguration is causing the issue.

    This behavior is expected and aligns with Microsoft’s design to ensure system-level settings are managed securely. If automatic time zone configuration is required for standard users, we recommend implementing a managed solution via Intune or a scheduled task with elevated permissions.

    Please let us know if you need assistance with deployment options.

    Best regards,

    Quinnie Quoc.

    1 person found this answer helpful.

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