Accurate system time is essential in Windows 11. Incorrect time settings can cause issues with Windows updates, Microsoft account sign-ins, certificate validation, web browsing, and domain authentication. If your PC shows the wrong time, fails to sync automatically, or displays time sync errors, the problem is usually related to Windows Time service, internet connectivity, incorrect time zone settings, or corrupted system configuration.
Time synchronization in Windows 11 relies on internet time servers and the Windows Time (W32Time) service. If any of these components fail, your system clock may drift or stop syncing entirely.
If time sync is not working in Windows 11, follow the detailed troubleshooting steps below.
How to Fix Time Sync Not Working in Windows 11
Go through each solution in order. After completing a step, check whether the time updates correctly.
1. Enable Automatic Time and Time Zone
Incorrect manual settings can prevent proper synchronization.
- Press Windows + I to open Settings.
- Go to Time & language.
- Click Date & time.
- Turn on Set time automatically.
- Turn on Set time zone automatically.
- Click Sync now under Additional settings.
If syncing works, your time should update immediately.
2. Restart Windows Time Service
If the Windows Time service is not running, sync will fail.
- Press Windows + R.
- Type:
services.msc - Press Enter.
- Locate Windows Time.
- Double-click it.
- Set Startup type to Automatic.
- Click Start if the service is not running.
- Click Apply > OK.
- Restart your PC.
This restores the time synchronization service.
3. Manually Sync Time Using Command Prompt
You can force a manual time sync.
- Press Windows + S and search for Command Prompt.
- Right-click and select Run as administrator.
- Enter:
w32tm /resync - Press Enter.
If successful, you will see a confirmation message.
4. Re-register Windows Time Service
If the time service is corrupted, re-registering it may help.
- Open Command Prompt as administrator.
- Enter the following commands one by one:
net stop w32time w32tm /unregister w32tm /register net start w32time w32tm /resync - Restart your PC.
This completely resets the time synchronization service.
5. Change Internet Time Server
Sometimes the default time server fails.
- Press Windows + R.
- Type:
timedate.cpl - Press Enter.
- Go to the Internet Time tab.
- Click Change settings.
- Choose a different server (e.g., time.windows.com).
- Click Update now.
- Click OK.
Switching servers can resolve connection failures.
6. Check BIOS/UEFI Time
If time resets after every restart, the CMOS battery may be weak.
- Restart your PC.
- Enter BIOS/UEFI settings (usually by pressing F2, Del, or F10 during boot).
- Check system date and time.
- Correct it if necessary.
- Save and exit.
If the clock keeps resetting, consider replacing the CMOS battery.
7. Check Internet Connection
Time sync requires internet access.
- Press Windows + I.
- Go to Network & Internet.
- Confirm your connection is active.
- Disable VPN or proxy temporarily.
- Try syncing again.
Firewall or proxy restrictions can block time server communication.
8. Run System File Checker (SFC)
Corrupted system files may interfere with time services.
- Open Command Prompt as administrator.
- Enter:
sfc /scannow - Press Enter.
- Restart your PC after completion.
If corruption is found, Windows will repair it automatically.
9. Install Windows Updates
Outdated builds may contain synchronization bugs.
- Press Windows + I.
- Go to Windows Update.
- Click Check for updates.
- Install available updates.
- Restart your PC.
Updates often fix system service issues.
Conclusion
When time sync is not working in Windows 11, the issue is typically caused by disabled Windows Time service, incorrect time zone settings, network restrictions, corrupted system files, or BIOS-level time problems. In most cases, enabling automatic time settings and restarting the Windows Time service resolves the issue quickly.
By carefully following the step-by-step troubleshooting methods above, you should be able to restore accurate time synchronization on your system. If the issue persists even after re-registering the time service, hardware-level problems such as a failing CMOS battery may require further attention.
