To fix a drifting computer clock, first ensure “Set time automatically” is turned on in Settings > Time & Language > Date & time. 2. Then, click "Sync now" under Additional settings to force an immediate synchronization. 3. If sync fails, check your internet connection, restart the Windows Time service via services.msc, or change the time server to time.google.com using Command Prompt as Administrator with the provided commands. 4. Optionally, use third-party tools like Dimension 4 or NetTime for more advanced synchronization, but Windows’ built-in method is sufficient for most users when correctly configured and activated, ensuring accurate time for apps and security.

Your computer’s clock might drift over time, especially if it's not connected to the internet regularly. An inaccurate clock can cause issues with email, calendar apps, file syncing, and even security certificates. Here’s how to sync your clock in Windows to ensure it stays accurate.

Check and Enable Automatic Time Sync

Windows usually syncs the clock automatically, but it might be turned off or misconfigured.

1. Open Settings
   Press Win I to open the Settings app.

   

2. Go to Time & Language
   Click on Time & Language > Date & time.

3. Ensure “Set time automatically” is ON
   This setting tells Windows to sync with an internet time server. If it’s off, toggle it on.

   
   • If prompted, confirm you want Windows to set the time automatically.
   • When enabled, Windows uses time.windows.com by default.

Manually Sync the Clock

Even with automatic sync enabled, you can force an immediate sync.

1. In the same Date & time settings page, scroll down and click "Sync now" under Additional settings.

2. Windows will attempt to contact the time server and update the clock.

   • If it fails, you may see an error—this could mean network issues or a problem with the time server.

Troubleshoot If Sync Fails

If syncing doesn’t work, try these steps:

• Check internet connection – Time sync requires internet access.

• Restart the Windows Time service:

  1. Press Win R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
  2. Find Windows Time in the list.
  3. Right-click it and select Restart.
  4. Try syncing again.

• Change the time server (advanced):

  1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
  2. Type:

     w32tm /config /manualpeerlist:"time.google.com" /syncfromflags:manual /reliable:yes /update

  3. Then run:

     net stop w32time && net start w32time

     This sets Google’s reliable time server as the source.

Optional: Use a Third-Party Tool

For more precision (like for servers or development), tools like Dimension 4 or NetTime offer advanced time synchronization with more server options and frequent updates.

But for most users, Windows’ built-in sync works fine once properly enabled.

Basically, just turn on automatic time setting and hit "Sync now"—it’s simple, but easy to overlook if your clock seems off.

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