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 computer time stays accurate down to the exact second. Windows checks time servers like time.windows.com once every seven days by default to fix time 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 change battery hardware 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
- 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
- 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
⚠️ Admin privileges required
- 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
What you learned: This guide covered three methods for syncing your Windows 11 clock with an Internet time server. Option One uses Settings for a streamlined desktop experience. Option Two uses Control Panel. Option Three uses the command line for advanced users or domain computers.
Why this matters: Keeping your clock accurate helps your PC work properly and keeps your files correctly timestamped.
When to use each option: Use Option One or Two for home computers. Use Option Three if connected to a domain or if you prefer the command line.
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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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