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Having the correct time on your Windows 11 computer is essential for many functions, including software updates, security, and scheduled tasks. Sometimes, your system clock may not update automatically, causing issues. Fortunately, activating time synchronization is a straightforward process.

This guide will walk you through every step needed to fix time not updating on Windows 11 by enabling time synchronization. You don’t need advanced technical knowledge to follow along.

We will start with the simplest checks and move towards more detailed troubleshooting to ensure your system clock stays accurate. By the end, you should have a properly synchronized time on your PC.

Let’s get started and fix your time issues quickly and easily.

Quick Note Before You Begin

• Make sure your computer is connected to the internet. Time synchronization depends on it to contact time servers.
• Check if your Windows 11 is up to date. Some bugs affecting time sync could be fixed in system updates.
• Ensure your system’s time zone is set correctly, as an incorrect time zone can make synchronization appear wrong.
• You may need administrative rights on your computer to change time synchronization settings.

Step 1: Check and Set the Correct Time Zone

Before activating time synchronization, confirm your time zone is accurate. If your time zone is wrong, even synchronized time will look incorrect.

1. Click the Start button or press the Windows key on your keyboard.
2. Select Settings (the gear icon).
3. In Settings, click Time & language on the left menu.
4. Choose Date & time.
5. Under the Time zone section, select your correct time zone from the dropdown menu.
6. Make sure Set time zone automatically is turned off to manually select your time zone, or on if you want Windows to detect it automatically.

Setting the correct time zone ensures the clock shows the accurate local time after synchronization.

Step 2: Enable Automatic Time Synchronization

Windows 11 can automatically sync your clock with internet time servers. Here’s how to enable this feature.

1. Open Settings again via the Start menu.
2. Go to Time & language > Date & time.
3. Find the toggle labeled Set time automatically.
4. Make sure this toggle is turned on. This setting tells Windows to keep your clock updated automatically.
5. Scroll down and click on Sync now under the Additional settings section. This will force an immediate sync.

Activating this ensures your system clock regularly updates with the official internet time servers.

Step 3: Verify Windows Time Service is Running

The Windows Time service manages time synchronization. If it’s stopped, your clock won’t update. Follow these steps to check and start it if needed.

1. Press Windows + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog.
2. Type services.msc and press Enter.
3. In the Services window, scroll down and find Windows Time.
4. Right-click on Windows Time and select Properties.
5. In the Properties window, set the Startup type to Automatic.
6. If the service is not running, click Start to activate it.
7. Click Apply and then OK to save changes.

This ensures the service responsible for syncing time is active and ready to update your clock.

Step 4: Manually Sync Time Using Command Prompt

If automatic sync isn’t working, you can try forcing synchronization manually.

1. Click the Start button and type Command Prompt.
2. Right-click on Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.
3. In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter:

w32tm /resync

This command tells Windows to immediately synchronize the system clock with the configured time server.

If you get an error, try stopping and restarting the Windows Time service with:

net stop w32time
net start w32time

Then run w32tm /resync again.

Alternative Method: Change the Internet Time Server

Windows uses default time servers, but sometimes switching servers helps fix sync problems.

1. Open Control Panel. You can search for it in the Start menu.
2. Go to Clock and Region > Date and Time.
3. Switch to the Internet Time tab.
4. Click Change settings….
5. Check Synchronize with an Internet time server.
6. From the drop-down, select a different server such as time.nist.gov or pool.ntp.org.
7. Click Update now and then OK.

Changing servers may resolve issues related to server downtime or network restrictions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why is my Windows 11 time always wrong?

Incorrect time can be caused by a wrong time zone, disabled synchronization, stopped Windows Time service, or network issues preventing sync.

Can I disable time synchronization?

Yes, but it is not recommended. Disabling automatic time sync may cause your clock to drift and affect system functions.

What happens if my time is not synchronized?

Some apps may fail to work correctly, security certificates may appear invalid, and scheduled tasks can run at wrong times.

Do I need internet to sync time?

Yes, internet access is required to connect to time servers for synchronization.

Can I use a local time server?

Yes, in corporate environments, a local NTP server can be configured for synchronization instead of internet servers.

When Nothing Works

If you have followed all the steps and your time still doesn’t update, consider the following:

• Restart your computer to refresh system services.
• Check your BIOS/UEFI clock settings. Sometimes the hardware clock is incorrect and needs adjustment.
• Run Windows Update to ensure your system has the latest fixes.
• Consult the official Microsoft support page for time synchronization issues: Microsoft Time Sync Support.
• If you are on a corporate network, check with your IT department as group policies may restrict time settings.

Conclusion

Keeping your Windows 11 system clock accurate is important for smooth system operation. By setting the correct time zone, enabling automatic time synchronization, ensuring the Windows Time service is running, and optionally forcing manual syncs, you can fix most time update issues.

If problems persist, trying alternative internet time servers or checking BIOS time settings can help. Remember, a properly synchronized clock improves security, software performance, and user experience overall.

Follow this detailed guide carefully, and your Windows 11 clock should stay perfectly synchronized going forward.