Does the Windows Time keep changing itself on your Windows PC? Some Windows users have reported that Windows itself keeps changing the system time randomly. Even after setting the correct date and time settings, the time keeps reverting.
This issue could be caused by a wrong time zone or Internet time server, a damaged CMOS battery, or Windows Time service.
Fix Windows Time keeps changing by itself
If the Windows Time keeps changing automatically on your Windows 11/10 PC, here are the solutions you can use to fix the problem:
- Set the correct Time Zone.
- Configure the Internet time server.
- Configure the Windows Time service.
- Check the CMOS battery.
1] Set the correct Time Zone
This issue may occur when your time zone is incorrect. So, the next thing you should do is check your time zone and make sure it is set correctly. To do so, open the Settings app using Win+I and go to the Time & language tab. Next, click on the Date & time option and then choose the correct Time zone from the drop-down options. Once done, check if the problem is fixed.
Read: Files showing wrong dates in Explorer on Windows.
3] Configure the Internet time server
It could be your Internet time server synchronization settings causing the problem. Hence, if the scenario is applicable, configure the Internet time server correctly and check if it helps in resolving the issue. Here’s how:
- First, open Settings using Win+I and go to the Time & language > Date & time section.
- Now, click on the Additional clocks option.
- Next, move to the Internet Time tab and click on the Change settings button.
- After that, tick the Synchronize with an Internet time server checkbox and select time.windows.com under the Server drop-down options.
- Finally, press the Update now > OK button to save changes and check if the problem is fixed.
While setting up the Internet time server as discussed above helped many users fix the issue, some reported that disabling the Synchronize with an Internet time server option resolved the issue for them. So, you can try doing the same and check if it works.
Fix: Windows showing the wrong time.
4] Configure the Windows Time service
Windows Time service enables time synchronization on all clients and servers in the network. If the service is not running or is stuck in a limbo state, you will likely face such issues. So, set the Windows Time service correctly using the below steps:
- First, open the Run command box using Win+R and enter services.msc to launch the Services app.
- Now, locate the Windows Time service and make sure it is running.
- Next, double-click on the service to open its Properties and then set the Startup type to Automatic.
- After that, press the Apply > OK button to save new settings.
Read: Windows Time Service not working; Time Synchronization fails.
5] Check the CMOS battery
In a few instances, your CMOS battery might be causing time to change automatically. CMOS chip stores system configuration that includes date and time. If your CMOS battery is damaged, your PC might show a wrong or unstable time. So, if the above fixes didn’t help, check the CMOS battery status or get your CMOS battery checked at a nearby hardware store and make sure it is working fine. If not, get it replaced to fix the problem.
Why does my Windows keep changing the time?
Different factors can be responsible for automatically changing time on Windows. An incorrect time zone or Internet time server synchronization settings could cause the problem. A dying CMOS battery could also be a reason. Issues with the Windows Time service and malware on your PC can trigger this issue.
How do I stop Windows from automatically changing Time zones?
To prevent Windows from changing the time zone automatically, modify your date and time settings. For that, launch Settings and go to Time & language > Date & time. After that, switch off the toggle associated with the Set time zone automatically option and then manually set the correct time zone.
Now read: Fix Set time zone automatically greyed out in Windows.
