OVERVIEW
This article describes how to change your device's time zone setting to Pacific Canada Time (PCT) to accommodate B.C.'s new time zone.
WHAT YOU'LL NEED
- A Windows computer with the latest update installed: Windows Update Oct 2026 (KB5127648)
- Or, a Mac computer with the latest update installed.
STEPS FOR WINDOWS
1. Open Date & Time Settings
On your
search bar, enter "time zone" and select
Date & time settings.
2. Change your time zone to Pacific Time (British Columbia)
Under
time zone, select your current time zone. Then, select
(UTC-7:00) Pacific Time (British Columbia) from the list of time zones.
STEPS FOR MAC
Open System Settings
Select the
Apple Menu 
on the top-left corner. Then, select
System Settings.
Navigate to Date and Time
Select
General 
on the sidebar. Then, select
Date & Time.
Enable Set Time Zone Automatically using your current location
Ensure that
Set time zone automatically using your current location is
enabled. Your Mac will automatically adopt the new B.C. time zone starting November 1.
Restart your Mac
Restart your Mac. Any time zone updates will silently take place.
WHAT TO EXPECT
On Sunday, November 1, 2026, at 2:00 a.m., the time on your device should not shift.
IF SOMETHING GOES WRONG
FOR WINDOWS:
the new time zone doesn't exist
For SFU-managed devices: Find
Software Center from your Start Menu
to see if you have any updates. Install those updates and restart your computer.
For personal-owned devices: Enter "Windows Update" on your
Search Bar to see if you have any pending Windows updates. Select
Restart now to install those updates.
Settings are greyed out / unable to change settings
For SFU-managed devices: Find Software Center from your Start Menu to see if you have any updates. Install those updates and restart your computer. The latest update to your computer allows users to change their settings.
For personal-owned devices: Be sure that you're using an Administrative account. If issues persist, contact Microsoft support for assistance.