How do I get my computer to sync the correct time?

Is your Windows computer displaying an inaccurate time? If so, you might be experiencing problems with some applications, especially when browsing.

How do I get my computer to sync the correct time?

Fortunately, this is a straightforward, easy-to-fix issue. In this article, we’ll identify the causes of the problem and show you how to correct the time and date on your Windows computer.

An Incorrect Time Zone Setup

If your computer clock is off by exactly one or more hours, Windows might be set to the wrong time zone. This problem can occur even after manually changing the time zone, or after rebooting. If this is the problem you’re dealing with, here’s how to fix it:

  1. Open the “Settings” option on your Windows computer.
    How do I get my computer to sync the correct time?
  2. Find the “Time and Language” option and click on the “Date and Time” tab on the sidebar.
    How do I get my computer to sync the correct time?
  3. Check the “Time Zone” box to see if the system is using your time zone. If not, click on the drop bar and locate your time zone.
    How do I get my computer to sync the correct time?

Note: If you can’t access the drop bar, you might have to turn off the “Adjust For Daylight Saving Time Automatically” button.

You might notice that the time is the same for several locations. Make sure to choose the particular time zone where you are. You can also press the “Sync Now” option to make sure that Windows uses the correct time from the time server.

Windows Time Is Not in Sync

If your computer clock shows the right hour, but the minutes are off, then the issue might be poor time synchronization settings. However, you should make sure that your Windows computer is syncing its clock with the right time server.

Here’s how you can do that:

  1. Open the option “Settings” on your Windows computer.
    How do I get my computer to sync the correct time?
  2. Find the “Time and Language” option and select the “Date and Time” tab on the sidebar.
    How do I get my computer to sync the correct time?
  3. Switch to the “Internet Time” tab, click “Change Settings.” You should be able to change the “Server” if needed.
    How do I get my computer to sync the correct time?
  4. Pick an option from the dropbar menu or set up a server of your choosing and press the “Update” button.
    How do I get my computer to sync the correct time?

Now that you know the “Server” is running correctly, it’s time to make sure that Windows is syncing the time regularly.

  1. Press the “Windows” key on your keyboard to open the “Start Menu” search and type in “Services.” Open the utility.
    How do I get my computer to sync the correct time?
  2. Find the “Windows Time” In the “Name” column, then select the “Properties” option.
    How do I get my computer to sync the correct time?
  3. In the “Windows Time Properties” window, set “Startup Time” to “Automatic.” Press “Start” to ensure that the service is running. Then click on the “OK” button to save your changes.
    How do I get my computer to sync the correct time?

A Virus Is Disturbing the Time

Malware can disturb the functions on your device and cause the date and time or the time zone to be incorrect. If the previous two tips didn’t work, this might be the issue. If so, you should probably scan your computer for viruses. You can use built-in “Windows Defender” or similar software like “Avast Antivirus.”

Follow these steps below to find out how to check if your device is infected by a virus using “Windows Defender:”

  1. Go to the “Start” menu.
    How do I get my computer to sync the correct time?
  2. Type “Windows Security” in the “Search” bar.
    How do I get my computer to sync the correct time?
  3. Select “Virus and Threat Protection.”
    How do I get my computer to sync the correct time?
  4. Tick the switches under “Real-Time Protection” and “Cloud-delivered Protection” to turn them on.
    How do I get my computer to sync the correct time?

To use “Avast Antivirus” to scan your device for viruses, do the following:

  1. Install “Avast Antivirus” if you don’t have it already and open it.
    How do I get my computer to sync the correct time?
  2. Go to “Protection” settings and click on the “Virus Scan” option.
    How do I get my computer to sync the correct time?

You’ll be offered a “Full Virus Scan” and “Targeted Scan.” The “Full Virus Scan” will scan your whole device, while the “Targeted Scan” will scan a specific file of your choosing.

Your Windows Version Is Outdated

If your Windows version is outdated, it might be the reason why your clock isn’t displaying the right time. To check if your Windows is updated to the latest version, follow these steps:

  1. Go to “Setting” and select the option “Update and Security.”
    How do I get my computer to sync the correct time?
  2. Go to “Windows Update” and check for updates.
    How do I get my computer to sync the correct time?
  3. Install the available version and restart your computer.
    How do I get my computer to sync the correct time?

After restarting, check the time and date to make sure it’s accurate.

Your BIOS Is Outdated

Outdated BIOS can also cause the wrong time and date to be displayed on your device. Before you update it, make sure to read the detailed instructions provided in your motherboard manual to avoid damaging your computer.

Try Setting Time and Date Manually

You can try setting your time and date manually, which can be the easiest and fastest solution.

  1. Open the “Search” menu and type in: “Change Date and Time.” Click to search the results.
    How do I get my computer to sync the correct time?
  2. Once you open the setting, turn off the option “Set Time and Date Automatically,” then click on “Change.”
    How do I get my computer to sync the correct time?
  3. Click on the sections “Date” and “Time” to change to the correct date and time.
    How do I get my computer to sync the correct time?
  4. Click on “Change” to save.
    How do I get my computer to sync the correct time?

It’s Time to Replace the CMOS Battery

The CMOS Battery stores values like the date and time. When it stops working or gets drained, it can lose specific information. This maybe the cause of the issue with the date and time.

To solve this problem, you’ll have to replace the CMOS battery. If you’re not familiar with how to replace it, taking it to a professional is the best choice.

Try Fixing the Problem With the “Restoro PC Repair” tool

“Restoro PC Repair” tool is a handy piece of software that can track minor issues on your computer, hardware failure, and protect your device from viruses.

Here’s how to use it:

  1. Install “Restoro PC Repair” to your computer.
    How do I get my computer to sync the correct time?
  2. Open “Restoro”, once open it will automatically start to scan.
    How do I get my computer to sync the correct time?
  3. Click “Repair All” to fix all issues affecting your computer’s performance.
    How do I get my computer to sync the correct time?

Do You Remember That Saying “Time Is Money?”

Your Windows computer clock might be displaying an inaccurate time for a number of different reasons. In our guide, we’ve given you easy-to-use and efficient solutions.

Hopefully, you’ve found a method that works best for you.

Have you ever experienced this issue before? Did you use any of the methods outlined in this article? Share your experience in the comments section below.

Disclaimer: Some pages on this site may include an affiliate link. This does not effect our editorial in any way.

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How do I force my computer to sync time?

How to force clock sync on Windows.
Open Settings > Time & Language > Date & Time..
Under Synchronize your time, tap on sync now. This option forces your PC to sync with the time server..

Why is the time on my computer not syncing?

Windows Time Is Out of Sync You should first confirm that your computer is syncing its clock with a valid time server. To do this on Windows 10, head to Settings > Time & Language > Region, then choose Additional date, time & regional settings from the right side.

How do I get my computer to show the correct time?

In Date & time, you can choose to let Windows 10 set your time and time zone automatically, or you can set them manually. To set your time and time zone in Windows 10, go to Start > Settings > Time & language > Date & time.