How to Fix “Time Synchronization Failed” in Windows 10

If Windows 10 shows “Time synchronization failed” when you click Sync now, your PC clock may remain incorrect or stop updating automatically.

This can cause wrong file dates, browser certificate warnings, Microsoft Store issues, Windows Update problems, and sign-in errors. The good news is that you can usually fix it using built-in Windows settings. No extra software is needed.

QUICKFIX!
Turn on Set time automatically, confirm your time zone, then restart the Windows Time service and run a manual sync.

Before you start

Make sure your PC is connected to the internet. Also check that you are using the correct country and time zone. If your computer belongs to a workplace, school, or organization, stop before changing advanced time settings and ask your IT administrator.

IMPORTANT!
The commands in this guide must be run from Command Prompt as Administrator.

Method 1: Turn on automatic time and sync again

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
2. Go to Time & Language.
3. Select Date & time from the left side.
4. Turn on Set time automatically.
5. Check that Set time zone automatically is enabled, or manually choose the correct time zone.
6. Scroll down to Synchronize your clock.
7. Click Sync now.

If Windows shows the same error again, continue with the next method.

TIP!
If your clock is only wrong by a few hours, the issue is often the selected time zone rather than the Windows Time service.

Method 2: Restart the Windows Time service

The Windows Time service controls clock synchronization in Windows. Restarting it can clear a temporary service problem.

1. Press Windows + R.
2. Type services.msc and press Enter.
3. Find Windows Time in the list.
4. Right-click it and choose Restart.

If Restart is unavailable, choose Start instead.

Now return to Settings → Time & Language → Date & time and click Sync now again.

INFO!
On some PCs, Windows Time may start only when Windows needs it. That is normal. The important part is that the service can start and complete synchronization.

Method 3: Force a fresh time sync with Command Prompt

If Settings still says Time synchronization failed, you can restart the Windows Time service and request a new sync manually.

1. Open the Start menu.
2. Search for Command Prompt.
3. Right-click it and choose Run as administrator.
4. Paste the commands below one at a time.

The first command stops the Windows Time service. The second starts it again. The final command asks Windows to synchronize the clock immediately.

SUCCESS!
If the command completes without an error, open Date & time settings again and check whether the correct time is now displayed.

Check the current sync status

You can also check whether Windows has a time source and synchronization details available.

Open Command Prompt as Administrator, then run:

Look for a recent sync time and a valid source. If the command reports an error, copy the exact message before trying random fixes.

If the error still appears

Try these checks before making bigger changes:

• Restart your PC and try Sync now again.
• Check that your internet connection is working.
• Temporarily disconnect from a VPN if it may block time synchronization.
• Check that your firewall or network is not blocking time synchronization.
• On a work or school PC, contact the administrator because the device may use an organization-managed time source.
• If the date and time reset every time your desktop PC loses power, the CMOS battery may need attention.

WARNING!
Do not change registry values, random time servers, or domain settings unless you understand why they are needed. A managed work or school PC may rely on its own approved time source.

Frequently asked questions

Why does Windows say Time synchronization failed?

The error can appear when automatic time is disabled, the time zone is incorrect, the Windows Time service is not running properly, or the PC cannot reach its configured time source.

Will this fix the wrong time on Windows 10?

It can fix common software and service-related clock problems. If the time resets after every shutdown, the issue may be hardware-related, such as a weak CMOS battery.

Do I need to download any software?

No. Windows 10 already includes the settings and Windows Time service needed for this fix.

Is w32tm /resync safe?

It is a built-in Windows command that requests a new time synchronization. Run it from an Administrator Command Prompt and read any error message it returns.

Final check

After completing the steps, restart your PC once and confirm that the correct date, time, and time zone remain in place. If the error returns, keep a screenshot of the message and the output from w32tm /query /status so you can troubleshoot the exact cause more safely.