How to Add World Clock Time Zones in Windows 10 and 8.1

World Clock Time Zones for Windows ⁄₈.1: Easy Setup GuideKeeping track of different time zones is essential for remote teams, travelers, international meetings, and anyone who coordinates across borders. Windows 10 and Windows 8.1 include built-in tools to view multiple time zones, plus there are reliable third-party apps and widgets that add extra features. This guide explains how to set up, customize, and troubleshoot world clocks on Windows 10 and Windows 8.1, plus tips for choosing third‑party alternatives.

Why add multiple time zones?

Adding multiple clocks saves time and prevents scheduling errors. Instead of mentally converting time or opening a web browser, you can glance at your system tray or desktop to see local times for colleagues, clients, or destinations.

Built-in options in Windows 10 and 8.1

Both Windows versions let you add additional clocks to the Date & Time settings and (in Windows 10) use the Alarms & Clock app. Windows 8.1 has more limited built-in visual options but still supports additional clocks via the Control Panel.

Add extra clocks using Date & Time settings (Windows 10 & 8.1)

1. Open Date & Time settings:

   • Windows 10: Right-click the clock in the taskbar and choose “Adjust date/time”, or open Settings > Time & Language > Date & time.
   • Windows 8.1: Open Control Panel > Clock, Language, and Region > Date and Time.

2. In the Date & Time window, select “Add clocks for different time zones” (Windows 10) or the “Additional Clocks” tab (Windows 8.1).

3. Enable up to two additional clocks by checking the box for each “Show this clock.”

4. For each clock, pick a time zone from the dropdown and enter a display name (for example, “London — Team A”).

5. Click OK or Apply to save.

Notes:

• Built-in additional clocks are accessible when you click the taskbar clock or open the full Date and Time dialog.
• Windows supports only two extra clocks this way. If you need more, use third-party apps or widgets.

Use Alarms & Clock app (Windows 10)

The Alarms & Clock app includes a World Clock feature that’s more visually oriented and supports multiple locations.

1. Open the Start menu and type “Alarms & Clock” (or open from Apps).
2. Select the World Clock tab (globe icon).
3. Click the plus (+) button to add cities by name or time zone.
4. Reorder or remove locations as needed.

Alarms & Clock is useful for quickly viewing many locations and is more flexible than the two-clock limit in Date & Time settings.

Third-party tools and widgets

If you need more clocks, advanced features (daylight saving alerts, meeting planner, analog/digital styles), or desktop widgets, consider third‑party tools. Below is a quick comparison of common types.

Popular, well-reviewed options include:

• World Time Buddy (web + Windows app): great for scheduling and comparing multiple zones.
• 8GadgetPack or ModernGadgets: brings back desktop gadgets and clocks.
• Qlock or Sharp World Clock: powerful tray/desktop clocks with many customization options.

When choosing third‑party software, download from official sites, check reviews, and ensure compatibility with Windows ⁄₈.1.

Customization tips

• Names: Use short, clear labels like “NYC — Sales” or “Tokyo — Dev” so each clock is immediately recognizable.
• Daylight Saving: Most clocks automatically adjust for daylight saving time based on the selected zone; double-check when scheduling around DST changes.
• Time format: Switch between 12-hour and 24-hour formats in Settings > Time & Language > Date & time (Windows 10) or Region settings (Windows 8.1).
• Visual placement: If you rely heavily on multiple clocks, use desktop widgets for always-visible reference; otherwise use the taskbar for quick access.

Scheduling across time zones

• Convert appointment times using Alarms & Clock or a web-based world clock grid. Enter the local time and verify the corresponding time in other selected zones.
• When setting calendar events, set the event time zone explicitly (in Outlook or Google Calendar) to keep participants’ calendars accurate.
• For recurring meetings across DST transitions, confirm whether the calendar service preserves local time or absolute UTC time.

Troubleshooting

• Clock shows wrong time zone: Check Settings > Time & Language > Time zone and ensure the correct zone is selected.
• Additional clocks missing or not saving: In Windows 8.1, use Control Panel > Date and Time > Additional Clocks. In Windows 10, try running Settings as administrator or check that Group Policy isn’t restricting changes.
• Time keeps drifting: Enable “Set time automatically” or check Windows Time service (w32time) is running. For persistent issues, sync manually: Settings > Date & time > Sync now (Windows 10) or use “Internet Time” tab in Control Panel.
• App compatibility: Older gadgets or widgets may need compatibility packs like 8GadgetPack for Windows 10.

Security and performance considerations

• Limit gadgets/widgets from unknown sources; they can pose security risks or cause system instability.
• Prefer portable or UWP apps from reputable developers or the Microsoft Store for better security and easier removal.
• Keep clock-related apps updated for DST updates and bug fixes.

Quick checklist — set up world clocks

1. Use built-in additional clocks for up to two extra zones (Date & Time settings).
2. Use Alarms & Clock (Windows 10) to add many locations quickly.
3. Install a third-party app or widget for more than two persistent desktop clocks.
4. Label clocks clearly and verify DST behavior.
5. For meetings, set event time zones explicitly in your calendar app.

World clocks make international coordination simple. Use the built-in settings for basic needs, Alarms & Clock for quick multi-location views in Windows 10, and consider third-party tools when you need persistent, highly customizable clocks or team scheduling features.