How to Fix Clock on Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

Keeping your computer’s clock accurate is more important than you might think. If the clock on your Windows 11 device is incorrect, it can cause issues like failed software updates, problems signing into apps, mismatched file timestamps, and even browsing errors. Fortunately, fixing the clock on Windows 11 is easier than it sounds — and in this step-by-step guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know.

Whether your clock is running late, showing the wrong time zone, or refusing to sync with the internet, this guide covers all the solutions.

Table of Contents

Why the Clock on Windows 11 Matters

Imagine showing up late for a meeting because your PC clock was five minutes behind. Now think bigger: an incorrect system time can prevent you from connecting to secure websites, syncing emails, or running scheduled tasks.

Windows 11 relies heavily on accurate time settings to handle security certificates, system updates, and synchronization across apps. That’s why fixing clock issues promptly is crucial.

Common Reasons Windows 11 Clock Is Wrong

Your PC’s clock may be incorrect for several reasons:

Incorrect time zone settings
Disabled automatic time sync
Problems with the Windows Time Service
Corrupted system files or malware
Weak or dead CMOS battery on the motherboard
Manual time adjustments causing desync

Knowing the cause makes troubleshooting much easier.

How to Fix Clock on Windows 11 Automatically

The fastest way to fix the clock is to let Windows handle it. By enabling automatic time and time zone settings, you can ensure your PC always stays accurate.

Method 1: Set Time Automatically

Press Windows + I to open Settings.
Go to Time & language > Date & time.
Toggle Set time automatically to On.
Toggle Set time zone automatically to On (if you travel often).

👉 This ensures Windows adjusts your time using Microsoft’s online time servers.

Method 2: Sync Windows 11 Clock with Internet Time

If your clock still drifts, manually syncing with an internet server helps.

Open Settings (Windows + I).
Navigate to Time & language > Date & time.
Scroll down and click Sync now under Additional settings.

Your PC will connect to Microsoft’s time servers and reset the clock instantly.

Method 3: Manually Adjust Date and Time

Sometimes automatic sync doesn’t work. In that case:

Go to Settings > Time & language > Date & time.
Turn Set time automatically off.
Click Change under Set the date and time manually.
Enter the correct date and time, then click Change.

Method 4: Change Time Zone in Windows 11

If your time is off by hours, the time zone might be wrong.

Open Settings.
Go to Time & language > Date & time.
Under Time zone, select your correct region from the drop-down list.

💡 Tip: If you often travel, keep Set time zone automatically turned on.

Method 5: Use Command Prompt to Resync the Clock

For advanced users, Command Prompt offers a direct way:

Type cmd in Windows search, right-click, and choose Run as administrator.
Enter the command:

w32tm /resync
Press Enter.

This forces Windows to synchronize with its time server immediately.

Method 6: Restart Windows Time Service

Sometimes, the time service may stop working. Restarting it often fixes sync errors.

Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and hit Enter.
Find Windows Time in the list.
Right-click it and choose Restart.
If disabled, right-click > Properties > set Startup type to Automatic.

Method 7: Update BIOS/UEFI Clock

The system BIOS maintains time when Windows is off. If it’s wrong, Windows will be wrong too.

Restart your PC and enter BIOS/UEFI (usually by pressing Del, F2, or Esc at startup).
Locate the System Date/Time setting.
Adjust the clock, save changes, and restart.

Method 8: Check for Malware or Corruption

Viruses or corrupted system files can interfere with time settings.

Run Windows Security Scan:
- Go to Settings > Privacy & security > Windows Security > Virus & threat protection.
- Click Quick Scan or Full Scan.
Run System File Checker:
1. Open Command Prompt (Admin).
2. Type:
  
  sfc /scannow
3. Press Enter.

Method 9: Replace CMOS Battery (Advanced Fix)

If your PC loses time every time it shuts down, the CMOS battery on the motherboard may be dead.

Steps to replace:

Turn off your PC and unplug it.
Open the case and locate the small round CR2032 battery.
Remove and replace with a new one.
Boot up and reset the time.

⚠️ Only attempt this if you’re comfortable working with hardware.

Tips to Keep Your Windows 11 Clock Accurate

Keep automatic time sync enabled.
Regularly update Windows.
Ensure your PC is connected to the internet often.
Replace CMOS battery every 3–5 years.
Avoid changing system time manually unless necessary.

Troubleshooting Clock Sync Errors

Still facing issues? Try these extra steps:

Error	Solution
“An error occurred while synchronizing”	Restart Windows Time service and try again.
Clock keeps resetting after shutdown	Replace CMOS battery.
Wrong time zone	Manually set the correct time zone.
Clock drifts slowly	Use Command Prompt `w32tm /resync`.

Conclusion: Fixing Clock Issues in Windows 11

A wrong system clock may seem like a small annoyance, but it can cause major headaches. Luckily, with the steps above, you can quickly fix the clock on Windows 11 — whether it’s syncing with the internet, changing time zones, or even replacing the CMOS battery.

By keeping automatic updates and time sync enabled, your PC’s clock should stay accurate without further issues.

✅ Key Takeaways:

Enable automatic time and time zone.
Sync manually if automatic fails.
Restart the Windows Time service if needed.
Check BIOS/UEFI or CMOS battery for persistent issues.

FAQs About Fixing Windows 11 Clock

1. Why is my Windows 11 clock always wrong?
It could be due to a wrong time zone, disabled sync, or a dead CMOS battery.

2. How do I sync Windows 11 clock manually?
Go to Settings > Time & language > Date & time, then click Sync now.

3. Can malware affect my system clock?
Yes, certain malware can tamper with system settings, including date and time.

4. How do I fix the clock if it resets every time I restart?
Most likely, the CMOS battery is dead and needs replacing.

5. Do I need the internet to keep my clock accurate?
For syncing, yes. Without internet, your PC relies on BIOS clock, which may drift slightly over time.