While you can set Windows 10 to automatically determine the time based on your current location, it doesn’t always work well. You may still get the wrong time whenever you start Windows, and it can be frustrating to keep changing it. Some of the causes of this problem include malware, issues with the Windows Time service, incorrect time zone settings, a faulty CMOS battery, outdated BIOS, or your PC is running a buggy Windows 10 Update. We’ll show you how to fix the clock on Windows 10 to ensure that it displays the correct information.
How to Fix the Clock on Windows 10
You can configure the built-in system clock in your Windows PC to sync with an internet time server and ensure the clock stays accurate. If your date and time keeps changing from what you set previously, your PC may be syncing with a time server, and this could affect your schedule. Below are some solutions you can try to prevent your computer’s clock from resetting the date and time.
Quick Checks
There are many reasons why the clock on your Windows 10 PC won’t work correctly. Here are a few troubleshooting steps you can run through to see if you can get it working again.
Run a malware scan to check for the presence of malware in your computer. Malware is often difficult to remove but with a strong antivirus and malware scanner that’s up to date with the latest virus definitions, you can detect and remove the malware.Replace the CMOS battery. This battery sits in your PC’s motherboard and provides power to the CMOS chip. If the battery is faulty, the chip loses information over time and it affects the clock’s ability to maintain the correct date and time. Update your BIOSUpdate Windows 10
Check Your Time Zone
When your computer clock is wrong, you may fix the time manually, but it will still reset itself to the wrong time zone once you restart your PC. In such cases, the issue may be an incorrect time zone setting.
Check Synchronization Settings
If your computer is always off by a few seconds or minutes, you may need to change your synchronization settings to fix the clock on Windows 10.
Change Time in Linux
If you have a dual boot computer, you may experience issues with the clock when dual booting with Ubuntu/Linux. This is because Linux gets its time from the BIOS, assuming it is UTC while Windows assumes it’s your regional time. Each operating system in this case will keep messing up the time for the other. To resolve this issue, change the time in Linux. Go to /etc/default/rcS and change UTC=yes to UTC=no.
Resync Time Service and Scan System for Corrupt Files
This method involves de-registering the Windows Time Service and re-registering it again. You’ll need to use the Command Prompt to re-sync the Time Service and then scan your system for any corrupt files.
Edit the Windows Registry
If you’re using a dual boot (Windows + Linux) computer, you can edit the Windows Registry and add RealTimeIsUniversal DWORD value in the Control Time Zone Information section. Note: Editing the Registry may cause errors or damage your PC so you should only use this step as a last resort.
Use a Time Sync Tool
If none of the above methods worked for you, try using a time sync tool like Net Time or Atomic Clock Sync to fix the clock on Windows 10 Net Time is an open-source tool that helps you synchronize your PC’s system time using different time servers. The tool keeps your computer’s system automatically in sync, but you can also force sync the time or specify when it should be synced again. Atomic Clock Sync is also a free utility designed to sync your PC’s time to an atomic time server. These servers are operated by the National Institute of Standards and Technology and are considered correct and accurate. The tool can also help repair the Windows Time Service if your PC can’t check for internet time updates.
Get Your Windows Clock Back on Time
Simple oddities like incorrect date and time can point to some serious trouble in your computer. It’s best to be wise and act immediately once you spot any changes including the system clock to ensure that your PC runs well. If none of these fixes worked, you may want to try resetting your computer or visiting a professional computer repairs expert.