Is the clock on your Windows PC showing the wrong time, even though Set time automatically is turned on? Does your computer keep displaying an incorrect time after restarting, connecting to the internet, or waking up from sleep? This can be frustrating, especially when you depend on your PC for work, online meetings, file management, or signing in to different accounts.
The automatic time synchronization feature in Windows is designed to keep your computer’s clock accurate by connecting to an internet time server. However, problems with time settings, time zones, Windows Time services, internet connectivity, or CMOS battery issues can prevent the clock from updating correctly.
In this guide, you will learn how to troubleshoot the issue step by step on Windows 11 and Windows 10.
Clock Is Not Updating Automatically in Windows 11 & 10
To Fix Automatic Time Sync issue on Windows PC:
- Open Date & time settings and turn on Set time automatically.
- Select the correct time zone and check whether Windows is using the right regional settings.
- Click Sync now to manually synchronize your PC’s clock with an internet time server.
- Restart the Windows Time service through the Services application.
- Check your internet connection and make sure your firewall is not blocking time synchronization.
- Use Command Prompt as an administrator to restart the Windows Time service and force a new synchronization.
- Check for Windows updates and restart your computer.
- If the clock keeps resetting after every shutdown, inspect the CMOS battery and consider professional assistance.
Follow the below steps in order, and check your clock after each step.
Step 1: Turn On Set Time Automatically
The first thing you should check is whether Windows is allowed to update the time automatically. Sometimes this setting becomes disabled after a system change, software installation, or manual adjustment.
On Windows 11, right-click the clock in the taskbar and select Adjust date and time. You can also open Settings by pressing Windows + I, then go to Time & language > Date & time.
On Windows 10, open Settings, select Time & Language, and choose Date & time from the left-hand menu.
Look for the Set time automatically option. If it is turned off, switch it on. This allows Windows to update your system clock using an available time synchronization service.
Next, check the Set time zone automatically option. If it is available and your location services are working correctly, you can turn it on. Otherwise, select your time zone manually from the Time zone menu.
For users in the United States, common time zones include Eastern Time, Central Time, Mountain Time, and Pacific Time. Select the zone that matches your actual location. Choosing the wrong time zone can make the clock appear incorrect even when synchronization is working.
After changing these settings, wait a moment and check whether the displayed time becomes accurate.
Step 2: Click Sync Now to Update the Clock
Windows 11 and Windows 10 include a Sync now option that lets you request a time update manually. This is useful when automatic synchronization is enabled but the clock has not updated recently.
Open Settings > Time & language > Date & time in Windows 11. In Windows 10, go to Settings > Time & Language > Date & time.
Under the time settings, locate the Sync now button. Depending on your Windows version, you may find it under a section such as Additional settings or near the internet time synchronization information.
Click Sync now and wait several seconds. Windows will attempt to contact its configured time server and adjust the system clock.
If the synchronization succeeds, Windows may display a confirmation message or update the last successful synchronization time. Check the taskbar clock to see whether the problem has been resolved.
If the button does not work, displays an error, or the clock remains incorrect, continue to the next step. The problem may involve your internet connection, time service, or selected time server.
Step 3: Check Your Internet Connection
Automatic time synchronization generally requires access to an internet time server. If your PC cannot reach that server, Windows may be unable to update the clock.
Start by checking whether your internet connection is working normally. Open a web browser and visit a few reliable websites. If pages load slowly or fail to open, troubleshoot your Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection first.
If you are connected through a VPN, temporarily disconnect it and try synchronizing the clock again. Some VPN configurations, corporate networks, or security policies can interfere with communication with time servers.
You should also check whether your network uses a restrictive firewall or proxy. Time synchronization commonly uses the Network Time Protocol, or NTP, which typically communicates through UDP port 123. A firewall or network policy that blocks this traffic can prevent Windows from contacting a time server.
If you are using a work or school computer, network restrictions may be managed by an administrator. In that situation, contact your IT department rather than changing security settings without permission.
Step 4: Restart the Windows Time Service
The Windows Time service is responsible for maintaining time synchronization on your computer. If this service is stopped, stuck, or experiencing an error, the clock may not update automatically.
To restart it, press Windows + R to open the Run dialog box. Type services.msc and press Enter.
The Services window will open. Scroll through the list until you find Windows Time. You can click the list and press the letter W to move closer to services beginning with that letter.
Double-click Windows Time to open its properties. Look at the Service status section. If the service is running, click Stop, wait a few seconds, and then click Start. If it is already stopped, click Start.
Next, check the Startup type setting. In many Windows installations, the Windows Time service uses a setting that allows it to start when needed. If your system requires the service to start automatically, select the appropriate startup option according to your Windows configuration.
Click Apply, then select OK. Restart your computer and check whether the clock begins synchronizing normally.
If you cannot change the service settings because of administrator restrictions, you may need to use an administrator account or contact the person who manages the computer.
Step 5: Select a Different Internet Time Server
Sometimes the problem is not with your PC but with the time server Windows is trying to contact. A server may be temporarily unavailable, slow to respond, or blocked by your network.
To check the available time server settings, open Control Panel. You can do this by pressing Windows + R, typing control, and pressing **Enter`.
In Control Panel, go to Clock and Region > Date and Time. In the Date and Time window, open the Internet Time tab and click Change settings.
Make sure Synchronize with an Internet time server is selected. You should see a server address in the dropdown menu.
Depending on your system, you may be able to select a different available server, such as time.windows.com or another recognized time server. Choose a server that is appropriate for your network and location.
Click Update now to test the connection. If Windows successfully synchronizes, click OK to save the setting.
If the update fails, the issue may be caused by network restrictions, a stopped Windows Time service, or a server that cannot be reached. Do not repeatedly change servers without checking your connection and service settings first.
Step 6: Force Time Synchronization Using Command Prompt
If the regular synchronization controls are not working, you can try restarting the Windows Time service and requesting a new synchronization through Command Prompt.
Open the Start menu and type Command Prompt. Right-click the result and select Run as administrator. If Windows asks for permission, select Yes.
Enter the following command and press Enter:
net stop w32time
This command stops the Windows Time service. Next, enter:
net start w32time
This starts the service again. After that, type:
w32tm /resync
Press Enter to request a new time synchronization.
If the command succeeds, Windows should report that the resynchronization request was sent successfully. If you receive an error, read the message carefully. It may indicate that the computer cannot contact a time server or that the service is not running correctly.
You can also check the current time synchronization configuration by entering:
w32tm /query /status
This command displays information about the Windows Time service, including synchronization status and other details that can help identify a problem.
Close Command Prompt after completing the process and check the system clock.
Step 7: Install Windows Updates and Restart Your PC
An outdated Windows installation can sometimes contribute to problems with system services and date or time settings. Microsoft occasionally releases updates that address bugs, improve compatibility, or repair system components.
To check for updates in Windows 11, open Settings > Windows Update. In Windows 10, go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
Click Check for updates and allow Windows to search for available updates. If updates are available, install them according to the instructions shown on your screen.
After the installation finishes, restart your computer. Then return to Date & time settings and check whether Set time automatically is still enabled.
If the time synchronization problem began immediately after a recent update, note the timing. You may need to investigate the update separately, but avoid removing updates unless you have confirmed that an update is responsible.
Step 8: Check the CMOS Battery if the Clock Keeps Resetting
If your PC loses the correct time every time you shut it down, the problem may not be related to internet synchronization. It could be caused by a weak or failing CMOS battery.
The CMOS battery helps maintain certain firmware settings, including the system clock, when the computer is powered off. On many desktop computers, this is a small coin-shaped battery located on the motherboard.
A common sign of a failing battery is that the date and time reset after the PC has been unplugged or turned off for an extended period. You may also see firmware warnings when starting the computer.
If your clock keeps resetting despite correct Windows settings and a working internet connection, consider having the battery inspected or replaced by a qualified technician. Laptop battery replacement procedures can vary by model, so consult the manufacturer’s service documentation or seek professional help.
Do not open your computer if you are unfamiliar with internal hardware or are concerned about damaging components.
Faqs
Why is my Windows PC time not updating automatically?
The issue may be caused by Set time automatically being disabled, an incorrect time zone, a stopped Windows Time service, a network problem, or an unreachable time server. A failing CMOS battery can also cause the clock to reset.
Why does Windows say that time synchronization failed?
This message usually means Windows could not contact the selected time server or complete the synchronization request. Check your internet connection, restart the Windows Time service, and try again.
How often does Windows synchronize the time?
Windows uses its time service to maintain the system clock and synchronize with configured time sources. The exact synchronization behavior can vary depending on the Windows version, configuration, and whether the PC is part of a managed network.
Can a wrong time zone cause automatic synchronization problems?
Yes. A wrong time zone can make the displayed clock incorrect even when Windows is successfully receiving accurate time information. Check both the time zone and the actual system time.
Can I fix the issue without administrator access?
You can check some date and time settings without administrator access, depending on your account and system configuration. However, restarting services, changing certain system settings, or running administrative commands may require permission from an administrator.