Enable automatic time sync in Settings under Time & Language to let Windows correct the time using an internet server. 2. Manually sync the clock via Command Prompt as Administrator using the command w32tm /resync. 3. Restart the Windows Time service via services.msc if syncing fails, ensuring its Startup type is set to Automatic. 4. Change the default time server to a more reliable NTP server like time.nist.gov or pool.ntp.org using the w32tm /config command and restart the service. 5. Check for a failing CMOS battery on the motherboard if the time resets after reboots, replacing it if necessary to resolve persistent hardware-level clock issues.

If you're seeing a "Your clock is behind" error on your Windows computer—especially when browsing websites or using online services—it usually means your system time is incorrect. This might seem minor, but it can break secure connections (HTTPS), prevent access to websites, disrupt email, and interfere with authentication. Here’s how to fix it quickly and permanently.

? 1. Enable Automatic Time Sync

The easiest fix is to let Windows sync the time automatically with an internet time server.

Steps:

• Press Win I to open Settings.
• Go to Time & Language > Date & time.
• Make sure Set time automatically is ON.
• If it's already on, try toggling it off, wait 10 seconds, then turn it back on.
• Also ensure Set time zone automatically is enabled (or manually set the correct time zone).

? Windows usually uses time.windows.com as the default server. If syncing fails, you may need to change this manually (see below).

? 2. Manually Sync the Clock via Command Line

Sometimes the clock doesn’t update even with auto-sync enabled. You can force a sync using the Command Prompt.

Steps:

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator:
   • Press Win S, type cmd.
   • Right-click Command Prompt > Run as administrator.
2. Run this command:

   w32tm /resync

3. You should see:
   The command completed successfully.

?? If you get an error like "The time service is not running", proceed to the next step.

? 3. Restart the Windows Time Service

If time syncing fails, the Windows Time service (w32time) might be stopped or misconfigured.

Steps:

1. Press Win R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
2. Scroll down to Windows Time.
3. Right-click it and select Restart.
4. If it’s not running, click Start.
5. Double-click the service and make sure Startup type is set to Automatic.

Now go back and try the w32tm /resync command again.

? 4. Change the Time Server (Advanced Fix)

If time.windows.com is unreliable, switch to a more stable NTP server like time.nist.gov or pool.ntp.org.

Steps:

1. Open Command Prompt as Admin.
2. Run this command to change the server:

   w32tm /config /manualpeerlist:"time.nist.gov pool.ntp.org" /syncfromflags:manual /reliable:yes /update

3. Then restart the service:

   net stop w32time && net start w32time

4. Force a sync:

   w32tm /resync

? You can test if the server is reachable with:
w32tm /query /peers

? 5. Check for BIOS Battery or Hardware Issues

If your clock is consistently off—even after rebooting—it could be a failing CMOS battery on your motherboard.

Signs include:

• Time resets every time you restart.
• BIOS settings don’t save.
• Date reverts to an old year (like 2000 or 2020).

Fix: Replace the CMOS battery (usually a CR2032 coin cell) on your motherboard. It’s inexpensive and easy on most desktops and some laptops.

Final Tips

• Antivirus or firewall software can occasionally block time sync. Temporarily disable them to test.
• On corporate networks, time sync might be managed by a domain controller—contact your IT admin.
• Use third-party tools like Dimension 4 or NetTime for more precise control (not usually needed).

Basically, most "clock is behind" errors are fixed by turning on automatic time sync and forcing a manual update. If it keeps coming back, check the time service or your hardware. Not complex—but easy to overlook.

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