Resolving the Time Sync Failed Error on Windows: A Complete Guide

Step 1: Access Date & Time Settings

To enable proper time settings, ensure it is automatically adjusted:

• Press Windows + I to open Settings.
• Click on “ Time & language ” in the sidebar followed by Date & Time on the right pane.

Step 2: Enable Automatic Time Settings

In the Date & Time section, scroll down to Set time automatically and toggle it to On.

Step 3: Sync the Time

Now scroll down to find Sync now under Additional settings and click on it.

Pro Tip: Restart your PC for changes to take effect fully.

Step 4: Enable Windows Time Service

If synchronization still fails, configure the Windows Time service to start automatically:

• Press Win + S to open Windows Search and type “Services”.
• Select the Services application.
• Scroll to find Windows Time, double-click it, set its Startup type to Automatic, and start it.

Pro Tip: Reboot your computer to ensure service settings are applied.

Step 5: Execute Sync Commands

If issues persist, use Command Prompt to force synchronization:

• Press Win + X and select Terminal (Admin).
• When prompted, allow the program to make changes.
• Switch to Command Prompt.
• Enter the following commands sequentially, pressing Enter after each:

net stop w32time w32tm /unregister w32tm /register net start w32time w32tm /resync

Step 6: Check Internet Time Configuration

Alter your Internet time server settings by following these steps:

• Open Control Panel and navigate to Clock & Region.
• Click “ Set the time and date ” and then go to the Internet Time tab.
• Click Change settings, check the box for “Synchronize with an Internet time server” and click Update now.

Step 7: Enable Time Synchronization in Task Scheduler

To ensure synchronization runs smoothly, adjust Task Scheduler settings:

• Press Windows + R, type taskschd.msc, and hit OK.
• Expand Task Scheduler Library and proceed to Microsoft > Windows > Time Synchronization.
• Right-click on SynchronizeTime and select Enable.

Step 8: Edit Registry Entry for Polling Interval

Modify the registry if time settings are not syncing:

• Right-click on the Windows icon and select Run.
• Type “Regedit” and press OK.
• Navigate to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\W32Time\TimeProviders\NtpClient.
• Locate or create a new entry named SpecialPollInterval and set its value to 21600 (in seconds).

Step 9: Run SFC for System File Integrity

Use the System File Checker to find and repair corrupt system files:

• Launch the Run dialog with Win + R.
• Type CMD and press Ctrl + Shift + Enter.
• In the Command Prompt, enter the following command:

sfc /scannow

What should I do if the time sync issue persists?

How do I check my current time server?