Alberta's New Time Zone: What You Need to Know About Outlook and Your Calendar
Effective November 1, 2026, Alberta will move to permanent Alberta Time (UTC−6), eliminating seasonal clock changes. While Microsoft has released updates to support this transition, some existing Outlook appointments and recurring meetings may be affected.
Here's what you need to know and how to prepare.
What's changing, and what has Ascent3 IT done?
Microsoft has introduced a new Windows time zone specifically for Alberta:
(UTC−06:00) Mountain Time (Alberta)
Ascent3 IT has already rolled out the necessary Windows updates to our managed clients' devices. If you haven't restarted your computer recently, please do so. This will help ensure any pending updates are completed.
Although these updates prepare your computer for the change, your time zone settings and existing calendar appointments may still require attention.
Why are some Outlook appointments shifting by an hour?
Some Outlook users are already noticing that appointments scheduled for November and beyond are displaying one hour later than originally scheduled. This can happen when appointments were created using the previous Mountain Time (US & Canada) setting. With Alberta's new time zone rules, those appointments may display at a different local time. October appointments may appear correctly while November appointments have shifted. This doesn't necessarily mean the Microsoft update has failed, but it does mean you should review your upcoming calendar.
Step 1: Check your device's time zone
Your device should be updated and configured for Alberta's new time zone.
Windows 10 and Windows 11
Open Settings → Time & language → Date & time.
Locate the Time zone setting.
Select (UTC−06:00) Mountain Time (Alberta).
If the option is unavailable after restarting, contact Ascent3 IT.
Mac computers
Open System Settings → General → Date & Time.
Ensure your macOS software is up to date.
Confirm your time zone is set to Edmonton, either automatically or manually.
Step 2: Check your Outlook time zone
Outlook may have a separate time zone setting from your computer, so it's important to check both.
New Outlook and Outlook on the web
Open Settings → Calendar → View.
Locate Time zones.
Select (UTC−06:00) Mountain Time (Alberta), where available.
Save your changes.
Classic Outlook for Windows
Open File → Options → Calendar.
Scroll to Time zones.
Select Mountain Time (Alberta).
Click OK.
Outlook for Mac
Open Outlook → Settings → Calendar.
Review your time zone settings.
Select the updated Alberta time zone, where supported.
Note: Menu names and available time zones may vary depending on your Outlook version and installed updates.
Step 3: Review and correct affected appointments
Review your Outlook calendar for November and beyond, paying particular attention to recurring meetings and appointments that may have shifted by an hour.
For individual appointments or meetings you organized:
Open the affected appointment.
Display the Time Zones option.
Change the time zone from Mountain Time (US & Canada) to Mountain Time (Alberta).
Confirm the start and end times are correct.
Save the appointment or send an updated meeting invitation.
If someone else organized the meeting, contact them to make the correction.
Important: Recurring meetings
Recurring meetings require extra care. If you organized an affected recurring meeting:
Open the entire meeting series.
Select Edit Recurrence.
Change the time zone to Mountain Time (Alberta).
Verify the meeting times and send the update to attendees.
Be aware: Changing a recurring series may reset individual appointments that were previously moved or modified. Make note of any exceptions before updating the series, and review them afterward. If you're unsure, contact Ascent3 IT before making changes.
Why can't IT correct every appointment automatically?
Although Ascent3 IT can manage Windows updates and system settings, existing calendar appointments contain their own scheduling information. Changing your computer or Outlook time zone does not automatically correct every appointment. In addition, only the meeting organizer can update invitations for all attendees.
That's why reviewing your own calendar is an important part of preparing for this change.
Need assistance?
If you're unsure about your time zone settings, notice appointments displaying incorrectly or need help updating recurring meetings, please contact the Ascent3 IT support team.
Taking a few minutes to restart your computer, confirm your settings and review your November calendar can help prevent scheduling disruptions.
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