Alberta’s Time Zone Is Changing November 1:
What Windows and Outlook Users Need to Know
Beginning November 1, 2026, Alberta will stop changing its clocks seasonally and remain on UTC-6 year-round.
To support this change, Microsoft has released an updated Alberta time zone for Windows and provided guidance for Microsoft Outlook users.
For Alberta businesses and computer users, there are two important things to be aware of:
- Windows needs to be updated so your computer has the new Alberta time zone available.
- Microsoft Outlook may require additional attention, particularly for appointments and recurring meetings scheduled beyond November 1.
Here’s what you need to know:
Make Sure Windows Has the Alberta Time Zone Update
Microsoft has released an update to accommodate Alberta’s move away from seasonal time changes. Once the appropriate Windows update has been installed, Windows will have the new Alberta-specific time zone available.
The new time zone is: (UTC-06:00) Mountain Time (Alberta)
Businesses using managed Windows devices should ensure their computers are receiving current Windows updates. Computers that have been offline or have not recently received updates should be checked before November 1.
Not sure whether your computers are ready?
Check your Windows time zone settings for“(UTC-06:00) Mountain Time (Alberta).” If that option isn’t available, your computer may not yet have the required Windows update.
Don’t Forget About Microsoft Outlook
Updating Windows is only part of the change.
Microsoft advises Outlook users in Alberta to change their Outlook calendar time zone to the new Alberta time zone and to verify upcoming appointments and meetings, particularly events scheduled in advance and recurring meetings that continue beyond November 1, 2026.
If an existing calendar item continues to use the previous Mountain Time (US & Canada) time zone, it could appear one hour off after November 1.
New Outlook for Windows
To update your time zone in New Outlook:
- Open Settings in Outlook.
- Select Calendar and then View.
- Scroll down to Time zones.
- Under Display my calendar in time zone, select:(UTC-06:00) Mountain Time (Alberta)
- Select Save.
Classic Outlook for Windows
If you’re using Classic Outlook:
- Select File.
- Select Options, then Calendar.
- Scroll down to Time zones.
- From the Time zone dropdown, select:(UTC-06:00) Mountain Time (Alberta)
- Select OK.
Outlook on the Web
For Outlook on the web:
- Open Settings.
- Select Calendar, then View.
- Scroll down to Time zones.
- Under Display my calendar in time zone, select:(UTC-06:00) Mountain Time (Alberta)
- Select Save.
What About Existing Meetings and Appointments?
This is perhaps the most important part of the change for businesses.
Microsoft recommends checking upcoming appointments and meetings created before the time zone change, especially recurring meetings extending beyond November 1. Updating your Outlook calendar’s default time zone does not necessarily mean every previously created calendar item will require no further attention.
If an appointment appears at the wrong time, open the event and change its time zone to the new Mountain Time (Alberta) zone.
For meetings involving other people, only the meeting organizer can make this change. Once the organizer updates and sends the meeting, attendees will receive an updated invitation.
For recurring meetings, Microsoft also cautions that changing the time zone of the series can reset exceptions to that series, such as an individual occurrence that had previously been moved to a different time. Those exceptions may need to be recreated afterward.
What Should Alberta Businesses Do Before November 1?
Our recommendation is straightforward:
Before November 1:
- Ensure Windows computers are up to date.
- Confirm(UTC-06:00) Mountain Time (Alberta) is available and selected where appropriate.
- Update Outlook’s calendar time zone to Mountain Time (Alberta).
- Review important appointments and recurring meetings that extend beyond November 1.
- Pay particular attention to meetings involving customers, vendors, employees or participants outside Alberta.
After November 1:
If an appointment suddenly appears an hour early or late, don’t assume the meeting itself has changed. Check the time zone associated with the Outlook calendar and the individual meeting or appointment first.
For most users, the Alberta time zone change should be relatively straightforward.
However, businesses with many computers, remote workers, shared calendars and recurring meetings may want to ensure their systems are properly updated before November 1.
Partek IT Solutions can help verify that your Windows computers have received the required updates and assist with Outlook calendar or time zone issues related to the change.
Existing Partek clients can contact Partek Support for assistance.
Additional Information from Microsoft
For the latest technical information and guidance, refer to Microsoft’s official resources:
Alberta 2026 time zone update available now | Microsoft Community Hub
Outlook Time Zone Changes for Alberta and British Columbia | Microsoft Support
