How to Fix Windows 10 Clock Not Working: Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Guide

Having the correct time on your Windows 10 clock is important for many daily tasks. It helps keep your system synchronized with updates, scheduled events, and secure connections. However, sometimes the clock may stop working or show the wrong time.

This guide will walk you through simple steps to fix your Windows 10 clock. Each step is explained clearly so anyone can follow along.

By the end, you should be able to resolve most common clock issues without needing advanced tools.

Let’s get started to make sure your Windows clock is working perfectly again.

Quick Note: Before You Begin

Make sure your PC is connected to the internet. The clock often syncs with online time servers.
Check that your time zone is set correctly in Windows settings.
Restart your computer before trying any fixes. This can solve temporary glitches.
Ensure your Windows 10 is up to date with the latest updates installed.

Step 1: Check Date and Time Settings

The first thing to do is verify your date and time settings. If these are incorrect, the clock won’t show the right time.

Click on the clock in the bottom-right corner of your screen.
Select “Date and time settings.”
Make sure “Set time automatically” is turned On. This lets Windows get the time from the internet.
Check that “Set time zone automatically” is also On, or manually choose your correct time zone from the dropdown list.
If changes were made, wait a moment to see if the time updates correctly.

Why this matters: These settings ensure Windows is synchronized with accurate time sources and configured for your location.

Step 2: Sync Your Clock Manually

If the automatic time setting is not working, try syncing the clock manually:

Go to Settings > Date & time.
Scroll down and click the “Sync now” button under the Synchronize your clock section.
Wait a few seconds and check if the time updates.

Explanation: Sometimes the automatic sync does not trigger correctly, so forcing a manual sync can fix the issue.

Step 3: Restart Windows Time Service

The Windows Time service manages the system clock. Restarting it can resolve issues related to time syncing.

Press Windows key + R to open the Run dialog.
Type services.msc and press Enter to open the Services window.
Scroll down and find Windows Time in the list.
Right-click on it and select Restart. If the service isn’t running, click Start.
Close the window and check your clock again.

Why restart? Restarting the service refreshes the background process responsible for keeping your system time accurate.

Step 4: Check Your CMOS Battery

If your computer’s clock resets every time you turn off your PC, the CMOS battery on your motherboard might be dead. This small battery keeps your clock running even when the PC is off.

What to do:

If you have a desktop, open the case carefully and locate the round silver battery on the motherboard.
Replace it with a new CR2032 battery, which is inexpensive and widely available.
If you have a laptop, consider taking it to a professional to replace the CMOS battery.

Note: This step is more advanced and usually only needed if your clock resets after power off.

Step 5: Use Command Prompt to Resync Time

You can also try resyncing the clock using a few simple commands:

Press Windows key, type cmd.
Right-click on Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.
Type the following commands one by one, pressing Enter after each:

net stop w32time
w32tm /unregister
w32tm /register
net start w32time
w32tm /resync

After these commands run successfully, check if your clock is working properly.

Why use commands? These commands reset and restart the Windows Time service, fixing deeper syncing problems.

Step 6: Check for Malware or System Corruption

Sometimes malware or system file corruption can affect your clock. Running a scan can help catch these issues.

Run a full system antivirus scan using your preferred security software.
Open Command Prompt as administrator and run:
sfc /scannow
This command checks for and repairs corrupted system files.

Restart your computer after the scan completes.

FAQs

Why is my Windows 10 clock always wrong?

The most common reasons include incorrect time zone settings, a stopped Windows Time service, or a dead CMOS battery.

How often does Windows 10 sync time automatically?

Windows typically syncs time once a week, but this can vary depending on your network conditions.

Can I change the time server Windows uses?

Yes. In Date & Time settings, under Additional date, time & regional settings, you can access Internet Time settings and select another time server like time.windows.com or pool.ntp.org.

Will turning off automatic time cause problems?

It can cause your clock to drift and show incorrect time unless you manually update it regularly.

Is it safe to replace the CMOS battery myself?

For desktop PCs, yes, if you follow safety precautions. For laptops, it’s usually better to seek professional help.

When Nothing Works

If you have tried all the above steps and your clock still isn’t working correctly, consider the following options:

Run the Windows Troubleshooter for Date & Time issues. You can find it in Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot.
Create a new user account to check if the issue is user-specific.
Check for BIOS updates from your PC manufacturer’s website, as outdated firmware can affect hardware clocks.
Contact Microsoft Support or visit the official Windows 10 Date & Time Troubleshooting page for detailed help.

Conclusion

Fixing the Windows 10 clock involves checking settings, syncing time, and ensuring the system services are running correctly. Most issues can be resolved by verifying time zone settings and restarting the Windows Time service.

Replacing the CMOS battery is a more advanced step but necessary if your clock resets after shutting down. Running system scans helps rule out corruption or malware problems.

By following these simple steps in order, you can restore your clock’s accuracy and keep your system running smoothly.