TL;DR
- In model-driven apps, open Settings (gear) > Personal settings > General > Time Zone, select your zone, then Save. This changes display for your user only. See Microsoft guidance: Personal settings.
- Dataverse stores date/time in UTC and converts to your time zone at display time. Columns have three behaviors (User local, Date only, Time-zone independent) documented by Microsoft: Date and time behavior.
- If Time Zone is unavailable, an admin can set your
timezonecodevia the Dataverse Web API user options endpoint: Set user options.
Change Your Personal Time Zone
To change how dates and times display for you in model-driven Dynamics 365 apps, use in-app personal settings and choose your time zone. This affects rendering across model-driven apps in the same environment for your user only, and does not change stored data or other users. Follow Microsoft’s user settings guide. Personal settings.
- Select the gear icon in the app header.
- Choose Personal settings (or Preferences).
- On the General tab, open Time Zone and select your zone.
- Save and refresh the app.
Tip: If you work in multiple environments, set your time zone once per environment.
Admin Options When Users Can’t Change It
If the Time Zone control is missing or centrally managed, administrators can set a user’s time zone by updating the Dataverse User Settings timezonecode via supported APIs. This adjusts only that user’s display zone and can be scripted for many users when policy or compliance requires central control. Set user options.
Admin paths that are supported and auditable:
- Use the Dataverse Web API to update
usersettings/timezonecodefor a user. Set user options. - Retrieve valid time zone definitions and codes before updating. TimeZoneDefinition table.
Governance notes:
- Document the mapping from business locations to time zone codes.
- Notify users that a sign out and sign in may be required for changes to appear everywhere.
Why Times Look Different: UTC and Behaviors
Dataverse stores date and time values in UTC, converting to each user’s configured time zone for display. Behavior on a column controls how values are interpreted and shown: User local, Date only, and Time-zone independent. Using the right behavior prevents unexpected shifts when users sit in different regions. Date and time behavior.
- User local: stored in UTC, converted to the user’s time zone at display. Good for appointments and activities.
- Date only: stored without a time component. Good for birthdays, close dates, and non-time-sensitive dates.
- Time-zone independent: stored and shown as-is, no conversion. Good for fixed hours or codes that should not shift.
Troubleshoot Time Zone Mismatches
If times still look wrong, verify your personal time zone, confirm each column’s behavior, and check automation that writes timestamps. Power Automate and server code typically use UTC; convert times explicitly to avoid surprises. Test with two users in different zones to validate fixes. Date and time behavior and convertTimeZone.
Quick checks:
- Re-open Personal settings and confirm Time Zone matches your location. Personal settings.
- Inspect the column’s behavior in the table schema; switch to Date only or Time-zone independent if conversion is not desired. Date and time behavior.
- In Power Automate, use
convertTimeZone()when composing emails or updating records that users in multiple regions will read. convertTimeZone.
Bulk Update Many Users
For large-scale changes, retrieve valid time zones, map users to the right code, and update timezonecode for each user’s settings via the Web API or SDK. Validate a pilot group first, then roll out and communicate sign-out guidance so caches refresh cleanly. Set user options and TimeZoneDefinition.
Implementation outline:
- Query
timezonedefinitionto list available zones and their codes. TimeZoneDefinition. - Build a mapping from office location to zone code.
- Update each user’s
usersettings/timezonecodevia the Web API. Set user options.
Need help aligning time behavior across apps and automation? Our team can assess schema, flows, and plug-ins, then implement a safe rollout plan. Dynamics 365 consulting.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can administrators update the default time zone setting for all users in Dynamics 365?
As an admin, I often get asked about changing time zones for everyone. It's done through the System Settings. Go to Settings > Administration > System Settings. Look for the "Set the default time zone" option. Select the desired time zone and save. This sets it for new users, but existing users keep their current settings.
What steps are required to synchronize time zone information with daylight saving changes within Dynamics 365?
Dynamics 365 handles daylight saving changes automatically. It uses the Windows time zone database. I always recommend keeping your system updated. This ensures you have the latest time zone definitions. No manual steps are needed for daylight saving adjustments.
Can individual users set their own time zone preferences in Dynamics 365, and if so, how?
Yes, users can set their own time zones. I guide them to their personal options. Click on the gear icon, then "Personal Settings". Under "Formats", they can choose their preferred time zone. It's simple and gives users control over their experience.
Where can I find the list of time zone codes available for use in Dynamics 365?
The time zone codes in Dynamics 365 match those in Windows. For a full list, I usually direct people to Microsoft's documentation. It's comprehensive and up-to-date. These codes are useful when working with the API or customizations.
How do you adjust Date Only fields to reflect changes in time zone settings in Dynamics 365?
Date Only fields are time zone independent. They don't change with time zone settings. This can be confusing at first. I often explain that these fields store just the date, without any time information. They appear the same regardless of the user's time zone.
How do you set the time zone for a legal entity in Dynamics 365?
Setting a legal entity's time zone is crucial for accurate reporting. Here's how to do it: - Navigate to Organization administration > Organizations > Legal entities. - Select the legal entity and find the "Time zone" field. - Choose the appropriate time zone and save. This affects system-generated reports and documents for that entity.
Daniel Harper
AuthorDaniel is a senior Microsoft Dynamics 365 consultant with years of hands-on experience implementing ERP and CRM solutions across manufacturing, retail, healthcare, and professional services. He specializes in Business Central implementations, data migrations, and custom integrations using Power Platform and third-party tools.
