How to Sync Clock Time with Internet Time Server in Windows 11
Internet time sync in Windows 11 updates your PC clock automatically using an online time server so your time stays accurate down to the exact second. Windows checks time servers like time.windows.com once every seven days by default to fix normal clock drift.
An accurate clock stops weird login errors, keeps security certificates working, and keeps your files sorted correctly. You can force an instant time sync anytime your clock drifts or after you swap out the CMOS battery on your motherboard.
Open Settings, navigate to Time & language, then Date & time, and click “Sync now” under Additional settings. Alternatively, open Control Panel , go to Date and Time, select the Internet Time tab, click “Change settings,” and then click “Update now.
Why Sync Your Clock?
An accurate clock is important for your files, security, and system performance.
What You Need to Know
Admin privileges required: Administrator privileges are required to sync the system clock.
Domain computers: Domain-joined PCs (computers connected to a corporate network) cannot use Options One and Two. Use Option Three instead.
References
How the Windows Time Service Works – Learn more about how the Windows Time Service works
W32time settings fail when starting Windows Time Service - Windows Server - Information about NTP client synchronization
Option 1Sync Clock Using Settings
You can quickly sync clock windows 11 by using the main Settings app if your computer is not connected to a work network. Open Settings, go to the date and time options, and click a single button to force Windows to update your system clock with the correct internet time right away.
- Open Settings by pressing Win+I.
- Click Time & language on the left side. Then click Date & time on the right side.
- Under Additional settings, click the Sync now button.
Windows displays when the time was last synced alongside the specific time server used.
Option 2Sync Clock Using Control Panel
You can force Windows to sync clock windows 11 through the classic Control Panel if you prefer traditional system settings. This method lets you connect directly to a time server, choose a specific time server address, and manually force an update to fix your computer time.
- Open Control Panel in icon view. Click the Date and Time icon.
- You can close Control Panel now if you like.
- Click the Internet Time tab. Then click Change settings.
- Click Update now.
The Synchronize with an Internet time server box must be checked to use the Update now button. Pick or type a different Internet time server to sync with instead if preferred. Click Update now again whenever an error occurs.
Option 3Sync Clock Using Command Line
You can quickly sync clock windows 11 using the command line by running a simple command in PowerShell or Command Prompt. This approach works best if you need to fix time sync errors quickly using administrator tools on standalone computers or work networks.
- Open Windows Terminal as an admin. Select Windows PowerShell or Command Prompt.
- Copy and paste one of the commands below. Press Enter.
If your PC is NOT joined to a domain:
w32tm /resync
If your PC IS joined to a domain:
net time /domain
Error: "The service has not been started. (0x80070426)"
This means the Windows Time service needs to start. Run this command first:
net start w32time
Run the sync command again afterwards.
Error: "The computer did not resync because no time data was available"
Run the command again. It should succeed on the next attempt.
- You can close Windows Terminal now.
Summary
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About the Author
Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.
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