It’s never a dull moment as a Windows user, is it? Just when you thought the coast was clear after Microsoft’s latest Windows 11 24H2 rollout, along comes another bug that may leave you scratching your head, albeit this time, not pulling out your hair.
Microsoft's explanation is that this bug specifically impacts the Settings UI for adjusting time zones. This snag isn’t caused by user permissions, group policy settings, or other underlying technical reasons that some IT admins might blame at first glance. Simply put, it’s a glitch in the design plumbing of this latest update.
Time zone settings are crucial in several use cases—whether you’re booting up a new PC freshly delivered with a default Pacific Time setting or globe-trotting with your laptop and need to stay on top of your local clock. So, what can you do? Luckily, an old-school workaround is here to save the day.
In fairness, this time zone glitch is probably one of the more benign bugs that we’ve encountered in Windows updates. Previous troublesome issues in 24H2 caused significant interruptions, including ones severe enough to halt updates on some PCs entirely. On the bright side, Microsoft has addressed a myriad of serious matters during this month’s Patch Tuesday, so there’s hope that this one won’t linger too long.
The time zone snafu, seemingly minor, can still trip up travel-dependent users or non-technical individuals who might not think to excavate Control Panel from its semi-retired life. Moreover, it amplifies a larger conversation about whether Microsoft’s tighter update cycles leave enough room for thorough stress-testing, especially for fundamental features like system configuration tools.
Whether it’s a minor distraction like this time zone issue or something bigger (remember the infamous printer driver fiasco?), Windows users always benefit from having a toolbox of workarounds to stay productive.
Got thoughts on these bugs? Let’s hash it out in the comments below. Tell us if you’ve encountered this issue, your own take on why bugs like these emerge, or simply your personal strategy for surviving a Windows update hiccup!
Source: ZDNet Windows 11 24H2 hit by a brand new bug, but there's a workaround
What's the Issue?
The latest bug affecting Windows 11 version 24H2 puts a quirky little roadblock in front of those trying to adjust their system's time zone. If you're using an account that lacks administrative privileges, you might notice that the "Time Zone" option is completely missing from the "Date & Time" section in Settings. Sound annoying? Definitely. Is it catastrophic? Thankfully, not quite.Microsoft's explanation is that this bug specifically impacts the Settings UI for adjusting time zones. This snag isn’t caused by user permissions, group policy settings, or other underlying technical reasons that some IT admins might blame at first glance. Simply put, it’s a glitch in the design plumbing of this latest update.
Time zone settings are crucial in several use cases—whether you’re booting up a new PC freshly delivered with a default Pacific Time setting or globe-trotting with your laptop and need to stay on top of your local clock. So, what can you do? Luckily, an old-school workaround is here to save the day.
Workaround: Adjusting Time Zones the Retro Way
If you’ve bumped into this issue, fear not. You don't need admin rights for this method, and it’s a tried-and-tested interface from Windows’s past that bypasses the problem in Settings. Let it serve as a reminder that sometimes, the old ways aren't obsolete—they’re just tucked away in hidden corners.Simple Steps for Non-Admins to Change the Time Zone:
- Turn Back the Clock (to Control Panel):
- Open Control Panel (just type “Control Panel” into your Start Menu search bar).
- Use the search bar within Control Panel and type "time zone."
- Click the link for "Change the time zone," which brings you into the classic charm of the legacy Date and Time settings.
- Direct Route Using the Run Dialog:
- Press
Win + Rto launch the Run dialog box. - Type
timedate.cplinto the Open field, then press Enter. - Voilà! The trusty old Date and Time settings menu appears.
- Press
- Change the Time Zone:
- Once in the Date and Time window (accessible through either method above), click the "Change time zone" button.
- Select your desired time zone and click OK to set it.
What’s Next? Microsoft’s Promises & Patch Hopes
Microsoft has acknowledged this issue publicly (so it’s not just you!), and their team is reportedly on the case. The fix is expected to roll out in one of their upcoming updates, though no firm date has been given. Until then, stick with the Control Panel or thetimedate.cpl trick for any time zone updates.In fairness, this time zone glitch is probably one of the more benign bugs that we’ve encountered in Windows updates. Previous troublesome issues in 24H2 caused significant interruptions, including ones severe enough to halt updates on some PCs entirely. On the bright side, Microsoft has addressed a myriad of serious matters during this month’s Patch Tuesday, so there’s hope that this one won’t linger too long.
Bigger Picture: Why Glitches Like This Matter
Sure, this bug might seem small—a tiny fly in the Windows soup. But such issues highlight a persistent problem with modern operating system development: a heavy reliance on iterative updates that can occasionally disrupt basic usability. Yes, Microsoft has adopted a more agile development model with Windows 11, offering yearly feature updates like 24H2, but every new build is a potential playground for hidden bugs.The time zone snafu, seemingly minor, can still trip up travel-dependent users or non-technical individuals who might not think to excavate Control Panel from its semi-retired life. Moreover, it amplifies a larger conversation about whether Microsoft’s tighter update cycles leave enough room for thorough stress-testing, especially for fundamental features like system configuration tools.
Whether it’s a minor distraction like this time zone issue or something bigger (remember the infamous printer driver fiasco?), Windows users always benefit from having a toolbox of workarounds to stay productive.
TL;DR Recap: No Admin? No Problem!
- The Issue: Non-admin users on Windows 11 version 24H2 cannot adjust the time zone via Settings due to a UI bug.
- Root Cause: It’s not about permissions; it’s a glitch specific to the Date & Time interface in Settings.
- Workaround: Use the Control Panel or
Win + R > timedate.cplto access and change time zones in the legacy settings menu. - What’s Coming: Microsoft is working on a fix, which will likely arrive in an impending update.
Got thoughts on these bugs? Let’s hash it out in the comments below. Tell us if you’ve encountered this issue, your own take on why bugs like these emerge, or simply your personal strategy for surviving a Windows update hiccup!
Source: ZDNet Windows 11 24H2 hit by a brand new bug, but there's a workaround