Incorrect output time

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Posted on by Fletchd1

Using a cloud flow to auto-stamp a date/time field in a Microsoft List when a column has a specific value. Flow runs without error but gives time 4 hours earlier than it should be. Included a convert time function but does not resolve. Used Copilot to assist since I'm an amateur user recommended updating expression to Eastern Time (from Eastern Standard Time) to account for daylight savings but returns an error that the time zone is not valid. Changed back to EST then added a compose action after trigger and before Update Item but with the same incorrect time. Tried using Copilot to assist but giving circular answers without resolution. Checked regional settings and are correct.

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Building flows

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Valantis 1,971 on at

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Hi @Fletchd1,

The issue is that Power Automate uses Windows time zone IDs, and “Eastern Time” is not valid.

The correct ID is Eastern Standard Time, and it automatically adjusts for daylight saving time.

If you’re still seeing a 4-hour offset, it means your source time is in UTC and you’re not converting it properly.

Try this i thing it will fix the problem:

Use the Convert time zone action or the convertTimeZone() expression.

Set:

Base time: Your original timestamp (likely from utcNow() or the trigger).

Source time zone: UTC

Destination time zone: Eastern Standard Time (this handles DST automatically).

If you need a specific format, add it as the fourth parameter.

If you’re updating a Microsoft List column, use this expression in the Update item action for the date field.

Power Automate only accepts Windows time zone names. Full list: Windows Default Time Zones.

check:

Run the flow and check the output of the Convert time zone action or Compose step. It should now show the correct local time with DST applied.

Source: Convert a time zone in Power Automate

Best regards,

Valantis

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11manish 457 on at

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This is a very common timezone issue in Microsoft Power Automate when working with Microsoft Lists / SharePoint.

Root Cause (Why you see 4 hours earlier)

utcNow() always returns UTC time

SharePoint stores datetime in UTC internally

Your region (Eastern Time) = UTC -4 (DST)

So:

UTC time is saved without proper conversion → appears 4 hours earlier

Why your current fix didn’t work

"Eastern Time" → Not a valid timezone ID

"Eastern Standard Time" → Correct ID

BUT:

If used incorrectly in expression → still wrong output

Correct Solution (use convertTimeZone properly)

Use this exact expression:

convertTimeZone(utcNow(), 'UTC', 'Eastern Standard Time')

This automatically handles:

Standard Time

Daylight Saving Time

Important: Where to use this

Use it in:

Update Item → Date column

NOT just in Compose (unless you pass it forward)

If you want correct format

Use:

formatDateTime(
convertTimeZone(utcNow(), 'UTC', 'Eastern Standard Time'),
'yyyy-MM-ddTHH:mm:ss'
)

Thanks

Manish

Visit my blog : https://powerappbuilder.blogspot.com/

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Kalathiya 1,568 Super User 2026 Season 1 on at

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Hello @Fletchd1,

You can fix it by converting the time using this expression:

Expression:

convertTimeZone(utcNow(), 'UTC', 'Eastern Standard Time')

If you’re still facing the issue, could you please share a screenshot of the error and your flow setup? That will help troubleshoot more accurately.

Hope this helps!

If this response resolves your issue, please mark it as the Verified Answer so it can help other community members as well.

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