How to Change the Time Zone on a Softdrive Computer

Overview

Softdrive computers default to the GMT time zone to ensure consistency across environments where users may be located in different regions.

This article explains how to adjust the time zone on a Softdrive computer for individual users or across your organization.

Applies To

• Softdrive Platform
• Softnet Portal
• Windows 10 / Windows 11 Softdrive Computers

Resolution / Procedure

Option 1: Change Time Zone on a Single Computer

1. Log in to the Softdrive computer.
2. Open Settings.
3. Navigate to Time & Language.
4. Select Date & Time.
5. Disable Set time zone automatically (if enabled).
6. Select the correct Time zone from the dropdown.

Option 2: Set Time Zone Using Group Policy (Organization-Wide)

1. Open Group Policy Management.
2. Create or edit an existing Group Policy Object (GPO).
3. Navigate to:
   Computer Configuration → Administrative Templates → System → Time Zone
4. Configure the desired time zone setting.
5. Apply the policy to the appropriate organizational units (OUs).

Validation / Expected Result

• The Softdrive computer displays the correct local time.
• Applications reflect the updated system time.
• Users no longer experience time-related inconsistencies.

Troubleshooting

• Ensure the user has permission to change system settings.
• Confirm Group Policy has applied successfully (gpupdate /force).
• Verify the computer is syncing time correctly with Windows Time Service.
• If issues persist, contact your IT administrator or Softdrive Support.

Best Practices

• Use Group Policy for consistency across multiple users.
• Avoid manual changes on fleet (non-persistent) computers, as settings may reset.
• Validate time zone settings as part of template configuration when creating new images.