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Why Is My Computer Clock Behind & How to Fix it: 4 Easy Tips
Do not hesitate to sync with the Microsoft Time Server first
6 min. read
Updated onApril 11, 2024
updated onApril 11, 2024
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Users complain that the Windows clock is behind occasionally, which is incredibly irritating.
Every time you boot your computer, it seems thetime has fallen behindyet again. In fact, it seems theclockhas barely moved since the last time you shut down yourPC.
Why is my computer clock behind?That’s the big question and that’s what we shall try to answer. But first, let’s have a look at what other users had to say, including the most common clock-related issues:
If you browse many websites as part of your job, it can get quite dicey as some sites will deny you access unless you correct your date and time.
Before long, yourPCmay start returning aCMOS checksum erroron startup.
Why does my computer clock keep losing time?
As with manyPCissues, each error rarely has a single possible cause. Therefore, it is important to keep an open mind and investigate all possible angles
→ Dead CMOS battery
The CMOS battery uses a small battery, so theBIOS settingsremain active when thePCis switched off. This battery usually runs for between two and 10 years before it needs to be replaced.
So, if yourclock can’t seem to keep the correct timeand thePCis fairly old, there is a strong chance the CMOS battery may be failing. Theclockessentially stops at the point you switch off thePC.
→ Wrong or corruptedBIOS settings
You could bedealing with a loose battery. A quick fix will be removing the battery and lifting the negative power pin upwards.
Also press the positive pin down before replacing the battery, making sure the battery has firm connections.
However, even that may not fix the problem. At this point, the problem could be a result of a corrupted or out-of-date BIOS.
Tryresetting the BIOSvalues, including the date and time settings. Or, if the computer is quite old and does not update automatically, consider installing a more up-to-dateBIOS.
→ Wrong time zone
If yourclockis set to the wrong time zone, you will find that, even after correcting the time, theclockwill fall behind the next time you boot. It may even be ahead by a few hours, depending on the time zone it is set to.
Usually, if theclockis set to the wrong time zone, the minutes are correct, while the hour value will be behind or ahead.
Where the CMOS battery is the issue, the hour and minute values are usually wrong.
→ Malware infection
Now, this one should worry you because a virus or malware is rarely deployed to just throw your time off. The frequently wrong time and date is often a symptom of a more severe problem.
The malware may be targeted at the BIOS or the Windows OS itself. Either way, the effect will be damaging.
Now that we are up to speed with what could be causing yourPC‘sclockto fall behind let’s go through the possible solutions you could try to fix the problem.
How do I fix the clock behind on my computer?
1. Synchronize your PC’s clock with the default Microsoft Time Server ✅
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Click theTimetab in the bottom right corner of your screen.
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ClickChange and time settings…at the bottom of the pop-up window.
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Click on theInternet Timefolder. This small screen will come up.
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Select thetime.windows.comserver using the down arrow as shown in the image above. ClickUpdate now.
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After you clickOK, this confirmation screen will come up.
The best way to set your time on the automatic update is perhaps to synchronize yourPC‘sclockwith an internet time server. This way, you don’t always have to correct your time every time you boot your computer.
Being a WindowsPC, the first option ought to be Microsoft’s own time server. You can also comparetime.windows.com vs time.nist.govand gauge their accuracy levels. Follow the steps above to synchronize yourPC‘s clock and date settings with the Microsoft Time Server.
2. Update your BIOS
Sometimes an outdated or corruptedBIOSmay be the reason yourPC‘sclockis falling behind.
BIOS corruptionmay result from improper shutdowns, where you pull the computer from the power source without properly shutting down thePCfirst.
Getting into the habit of doing a proper shutdown should easily fix this issue. However, in the event yourBIOSis now outdated, the only option may be to update.
Get in touch with yourPC‘s manufacturer and find out if an updated version is available. You can also find such information on their website.
Remember resetting orflashing your PC’s BIOSso you can correct the time and date settings from there is an option, but it is fraught with risks.
3. Replace your CMOS battery
Let’s face it, if your CMOS battery is now flat, yourPC‘sclockis always going to fall behind. You will have to constantly update it and, at the same time, grapple with all manner of errors.
The more permanent fix is just to replace the battery with a new one. The CMOS’s battery slot is usually fitted to the computer’s motherboard.
But removing and replacing the battery on some PCs can be a little tricky. If you have one of those computers it is best you take the computer to a repair technician.
However, the CMOS battery is fairly easy to replace on most modern desktopPCs. It is with laptops that the process may get a bit tricky.
Just remember to properly shut thePCand disconnect it from its power source before you disassemble it. Again seek help from a professional if you are unsure of what to do.
4. Clean your computer of viruses and malware
If, after trying all of the above solutions, yourPC‘sclockcontinues to slow or fall behind, there is a probability a virus may have infected your PC.
In case you haven’t updated your anti-malware software or installed one, now is the time to do it.
If you have up-to-date security software installed, consider upgrading it. To ensure the malware does not evade your anti-malware software or launch on startup, start and install the software in Safe Mode.
This way, all non-essential programs, including malware and viruses, don’t get to launch. You can then properly scan and clean yourPCwithout interference from the malware.
Microsoft has its own free Malware Removal Tool. But, if you want to go premium, there are several good options you can choose from, including Malwarebytes,ESET HOME Security Essential, and others.
Otherwise, be vigilant with how you use your computer to protect against virus and malware infection.
Any one of the solutions we have discussed here should help solve yourPC‘s time and date issues, so you don’t have to correct it all the time.
More about the topics:clock,windows 10 fix
Milan Stanojevic
Windows Toubleshooting Expert
Milan has been enthusiastic about technology ever since his childhood days, and this led him to take interest in all PC-related technologies. He’s a PC enthusiast and he spends most of his time learning about computers and technology.
Before joining WindowsReport, he worked as a front-end web developer. Now, he’s one of the Troubleshooting experts in our worldwide team, specializing in Windows errors & software issues.
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Milan Stanojevic
Windows Toubleshooting Expert
Before joining WindowsReport, he worked as a front-end web developer. Now, he’s specialized in Windows errors & software issues.
