Having the correct date and time on your Windows PC is essential for many tasks. Many applications rely on this information to provide notifications, reminders, and other time-sensitive services.
However, these services might fail to work correctly if the Windows system clock is out of sync. This can result in an incorrect date and time being displayed, accompanied by a ‘Time Synchronization failed’ error message.
What Causes Windows Time Synchronization Failures?
Many factors can lead to time synchronization issues on Windows. Here are some of the most common causes:
- Incorrect Date and Time Settings.
- Malware or Virus Infections.
- Problems with the Windows Time Service.
- Improper Firewall Configuration.
- Corrupted System Files.
- CMOS Battery Issues.
Because the exact reason for the time synchronization error is unknown, multiple troubleshooting steps are needed. Here are different approaches to fix Windows time synchronization problems.
Force Time Sync with CMD
Forcing a time sync via the Command Prompt can be quite effective. This method immediately prompts Windows to synchronize its time.
Step 1: Type Command Prompt in the Windows Search bar.
Step 2: Right-click on CMD and select Run as administrator.
Step 3: When the Command Prompt opens, execute these commands one by one, pressing Enter after each:
net stop w32time
Step 4:
w32tm /unregister
Step 5:
w32tm /register
Step 6:
net start w32time
Step 7:
w32tm /resync
Step 8: After executing all commands, close the Command Prompt and restart your Windows PC.
This will force Windows to sync the time upon restarting.
Check the Date and Time Settings on Windows
Ensuring that your date and time settings are configured to update automatically is crucial.
Step 1: Open the Settings app on your PC.
Step 2: In the Settings app, navigate to Time & Language.
Step 3: Click on Date & Time on the right side.
Step 4: Enable the toggle next to Set time automatically.
Step 5: Scroll to the Additional Settings section and click Sync Now.
Restart the Windows Time Service
The Windows Time Service must be running in the background for time synchronization to function correctly. Restarting it can resolve any issues.
Step 1: Press the Windows Key + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box.
Step 2: Type services.msc in the Run dialog box and press Enter.
Step 3: In the Services window, locate Windows Time.
Step 4: Right-click on Windows Time and select Restart. If the option to Restart is unavailable, select Stop and then, after the service has stopped, select Start.
Change the Time Server
Changing the time server can resolve time synchronization issues.
Step 1: Open Windows search and type date and time settings. Select the Date and Time settings option from the search results.
Step 2: On the Date & Time screen, scroll down and click on Additional Clocks.
Step 3: In the Date and Time window, select the Internet Time tab.
Step 4: Click on the Change Settings button.
Step 5: Click on the Server drop-down menu and select time.windows.com. Then, click the Update Now button.
Add More Time Servers
Adding additional time servers can improve the reliability of time synchronization, as Windows will try different servers to keep the time in sync.
Step 1: Type Registry Editor in the Windows Search bar. Open the Registry Editor app from the search results.
Step 2: When the Registry Editor opens, navigate to this path:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\DateTime\Servers
Step 3: Right-click on Servers and select New > String Value.
Step 4: Name the new String value as desired (e.g., Server2, Server3). Double-click the new String value. In the Value data field, enter time.google.com and click OK.
Run the SFC and DISM Commands
Corrupted system files can prevent Windows from synchronizing the time. You can repair these files by running the SFC and DISM commands.
Step 1: Type CMD in the Windows 11 Search bar. Right-click on CMD and select Run as administrator.
Step 2: When the Command Prompt opens, execute this command:
sfc /scannow
Step 3: If the SFC scan finds errors, execute this command after the SFC scan is complete:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
Disable any Firewall or Third-Party Security Program
Firewalls and third-party security applications can sometimes interfere with the Windows Time service, causing synchronization problems. Temporarily disable them to check if they are the cause.
Run a Full Antivirus Scan
Malware can disrupt the time synchronization process. Perform a full antivirus scan to ensure your system is clean.
Step 1: Type Windows Security in the Windows Search bar. Open the Windows Security app from the search results.
Step 2: In the Windows Security app, go to the Virus & Threat Protection tab.
Step 3: On the right side, click Scan Options.
Step 4: Select Full Scan and click Scan Now. The scan may take some time. Restart your PC after the scan is complete to see if the issue is resolved.
These steps should help you resolve the time sync failed issue on your Windows PC. If the issue persists after trying these methods, further troubleshooting might be necessary.