How to Set the Time Zone in SharePoint for All Sites? From A to Z Guide
Managing the sites and subsites is not enough for a smooth workflow in SharePoint, setting up the correct time zone is also crucial. Configuration of the correct time zone helps to monitor the actions based on their occurred time. So, in this article, you will find out how to set the time zone in SharePoint Online for all sites. But before delving into the steps to achieve the same. Let’s take a look at the different pros of setting up time zones.
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Importance of Configuring Time Zone in SharePoint Online
Here are some key benefits of configuring the time zone in SharePoint sites.
- Correct time zone ensures the accuracy of tracking the actions or modifications in SharePoint.
- To get the correct alerts from the calendar, setting up the time zone is crucial as per the location of the users.
- SharePoint manages some of the workflows based on the time-triggers. So, an incorrect time zone can create delayed execution of the workflows.
What is the Default Time Zone in SharePoint?
SharePoint uses the US Pacific Standard Time or UTC/GMT-8 as a default time zone. It is because of the location of Microsoft’s headquarters which is in Redmond United States. So, users who belong to that time zone do not need to set it up but the rest need to be configured it.
Impact of Time Zone on SharePoint Sites
Misconfiguration of time zone settings affects the date/time showing for data type columns such as created, modified, etc. The users who own the Microsoft 365 license can adjust their time zone by the account settings.
On the other hand, users who do not have Microsoft 365 licenses or external users, are not able to set the time zone in their profile settings.
So, let’s start discussing the methods for successful time zone configurations for both cases.
Method 1. How to Set the Time Zone in SharePoint Using Profile Settings?
You can go with the below steps for modifying the time zone if the users have an Office 365 license.
- Step 1. Open the SharePoint.
- Step 2. Move to your profile and hit View account.
- Step 3. Click on Settings & Privacy and then choose the Time Zone option under Region.
- Step 4. Now, press the Change Time Zone button.
- Step 5. Pick the time zone that you want to add and hit Select.
Method 2. Steps to Configure the Time Zone for All SharePoint Sites
Execute the below steps to set the time zone in SharePoint for sites irrespective of licensed or external users.
- Step 1. Open the Microsoft 365 App Launcher.
- Step 2. Now hit on Admin Centers and then SharePoint Admin Center.
- Step 3. Go to Settings and hit the Site creation option.
- Step 4. Choose your time zone from the Default time zone drop-down.
- Step 5. Finally, hit on the Save option to apply the changes.
Method 3. How to Change the Time Zone in SharePoint Online Using PowerShell?
Below are the commands that you can execute if you are good at PowerShell commands and SharePoint technicalities. Otherwise, opt for the above methods.
Add-Type -Path "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\Web Server Extensions\16\ISAPI\Microsoft.SharePoint.Client.dll"
Add-Type -Path "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\Web Server Extensions\16\ISAPI\Microsoft.SharePoint.Client.Runtime.dll"
$URLofYourSite = "enter here"
$NameofTimeZone ="(UTC+04:00) Abu Dhabi, Muscat"
$Details= Get-Credential
$Credentials = New-Object Microsoft.SharePoint.Client.SharePointOnlineCredentials($Details.Username, $Details.Password)
$Cotx = New-Object Microsoft.SharePoint.Client.ClientContext($URLofYourSite)
$Cotx.Credentials = $credentials
$Timezones = $Cotx.Web.RegionalSettings.TimeZones
$Cotx.Load($Timezones)
$Cotx.ExecuteQuery()
$NewTimeZone = $Timezones | Where {$_.Description -eq $NameofTimeZone}
$Cotx.Web.RegionalSettings.TimeZone = $NewTimeZone
$Cotx.Web.Update()
$Cotx.ExecuteQuery()
Is Time Zone Matters During Migration – Take a Look
If you need to perform migration due to any reason such as an organization’s merger or rebranding. Then you can use the Efficient SharePoint Migration Tool.
By using this tool, you can perform SharePoint tenant to tenant migration. You do not need to know how to change the time zone in SharePoint Online while using this tool, because it does not consider it while migration. Additionally, this tool does not require any technical knowledge, therefore a non-tech user can also operate this tool.
Concluded Words
In this detailed write-up, we have elaborated on the multiple methods to set the time zone in SharePoint Online. Now, you can easily change the time zone in SharePoint to maintain a seamless workflow. We have also suggested a prominent tool for migration without considering time zones.
