Why Is My Computer Clock Off - How To Fix ? [SOLVED]

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In Windows 10 operating system, a minor issue on the time and date is reported by the users. It is not a big problem, but it can create some big issues in your daily life if you do not fix it.

Distinct types of queries are submitted by the users related to the computer clock on various forums. Most of them asked- ‘why is my computer clock off?’ It looks like you are also one of the sufferers. But you should not worry. All the workable solutions are discussed in this article below.

Before you start applying the solutions, you need to know the reasons behind such an issue. Continue reading this article to get an overview of the potential causes.

We have shown a VIDEO walk through at the end of the post for easy solution.

Also read top 7 timer apps for Windows to download the best clock for your Windows PC.

Why Is My Computer Clock Off?

Table of Contents

There are several reasons that cause issues with the clock on the Windows computer. The main reason is the CMOS battery. Most of the time, the time and date related issue appears when there are some problems with the CMOS battery. If your computer is old, then such a problem can appear.

There is another instance where the issue may appear due to wrong time zone settings on your PC. Every time you log on, the time zone reverts to the other region set inside the Settings app.

Malware is another cause that can mess with your computer time. If your computer is attacked by a virus, your computer clock might disappear leaving you with no information of time and you will keep thinking ‘why is my computer clock off!’

Well, you are introduced to the main reasons for having the computer clock slow. There are some other reasons such as an outdated Windows version, installed adobe reader or pending BIOS update. If the problem continues after fixing the potential causes, we will continue to resolve the others.

How To Fix The Computer Clock Slow?

Some effective solutions are discussed below. All you need to do is to follow the instructions as they have listed. You may not need to apply all these fixes if you maintain the serial, but you should continue until you find the working one.

Solution 1: Check The CMOS Battery

The CMOS battery is one of the most important components of your computer, as the time and date information are retained because of the CMOS battery. It stays attached to the motherboard. When the computer boots up, BIOS checks all the system configurations including the date and time before loading the OS.

When you notice that the computer clock gets off repeatedly or your computer clock keeps losing time, it might be an indication of error in the CMOS battery. Usually, the CMOS battery fails to work properly as your computer gets older.

You should replace the CMOS battery to fix this issue. These batteries are cheap and can be replaced easily. After turning off your computer, open the CPU cabinet or the laptop outer case. You should easily find a round-shaped lithium battery connected to the motherboard. In case you cannot find it, then follow your motherboard manual to find where the CMOS battery sits on your motherboard. Once you find the battery, remove it and replace with a new one.

Then power on your system and set the time and date again. Now check whether the CMOS battery is able to work correctly and saving the information according to your input value.

If you find that replacing the CMOS battery does not fix your problem, then jump to the next solution.

Solution 2: Set The Time Zone

As you already know, the computer clock might get slow due to the wrong settings. You should try changing the time zone which is an effective solution for many users.

To change the time zone, follow these steps below:

Press Win + I on your keyboard and the Settings window will appear.
Click on the Time & Language option.

Ensure that the Set time automatically and the Set time zone automatically options are turned on. If not, enable them by clicking on the toggle button next to it.

Now check whether the problem is resolved. If the problem is still there, do the followings:

Go to the Time & Language settings following the process stated above.
Turn the Set time automatically and the Set time zone automatically options off. It will enable you to manually set the time and the time zone also.
Click on the Change button below.

Now set the date and time and click on the Change option.

Scroll down to the Time Zone section and set your preferred time zone manually.

Close the window.

After applying all these steps, your computer will show you neither a wrong time nor the computer clock off. Once you notice that the problem is resolved, return to the Time & Language settings and enable both Set time automatically and Set time zone automatically options.

Solution 3: Scan Your Computer With Anti-Malware

You tried the methods discussed above, but still, your computer clock keeps losing time, then it might be due to malware infection on your computer. Virus attacks can destroy your PC without making you aware of it.

According to many users, their computer clock returned to normal after scanning their computer with an anti-malware and removing the suspicious files. So, you should definitely install anti-malware software and run it to scan your system.

There are various free anti-malware software available in the market, such as Avast free antivirus or Malwarebytes. You can opt from there or may rely on other third-party premium antivirus software. Using any of them, run a full scan and remove detected malware to save your PC as well as solve the computer clock slow error.

After you remove all the viruses from your PC, restart your computer. Now check if your PC is showing you the right time.

If this method also goes in vain and seems unable to resolve the problem with your computer clock, you should try the next solutions provided below.

Solution 4: Change The Windows Time Service Settings

When you have the wrong Windows Time service, you might notice that the computer clock keeps losing time. You should check the Windows Time service in order to fix the Windows clock issue. Open the settings by following these steps below:

Press Win + R key from the keyboard and type services.msc in the text box.
Click on the OK button to open the Services window.

Locate the Windows Time option in the list and double-click on it.

Click on the drop-down arrow next to the Startup type section.

Choose the Automatic option.
If the Service status is showing as running, click on the Stop button below. Wait for a few seconds and again click on the Start button to restart the process.

Finally, click on the Apply and OK button to save the changes.

Now ensure that your issue with the computer clock off is fixed. You may also try changing the Startup type as Disabled, and back to Automatic to check if it works for you.

Solution 5: Check The Internet Time Server

Still, you cannot see your computer clock or your computer clock is slow? You may check the Internet Time Server configuration. Sometimes, the error occurs when the Internet Time Server settings are misconfigured. The steps on how you can check the settings are listed below:

Click on the Start icon at the lower-left corner and search for Control Panel.
Once you find the Control Panel app, open it.
Select the Clock and Region option.

Now click on the Date and Time option.

On the Date and Time settings window, shift right to the Internet Time tab and click on the Change Settings button below.

Check whether the checkbox next to the Synchronize with an Internet time server option is enabled.

Click on the drop-down arrow next to the Server section and choose time.windows.com.
Click on the Update now button to change the settings.

Finally, click on OK to save.

Now your Windows clock problem should be fixed.

Solution 6: Re-register Windows Time Service Using Command Prompt

If the problem still continues, you may re-register the Windows Time service. According to many users, re-registering this service helped them to fix the Windows clock. You can apply this method on your computer easily by following the steps below:

Press Win + X and select Command Prompt (Admin) from the menu.
Enter the following commands in order and press Enter after each command.

w32tm /unregister

w32tm /register

net start w32time

w32tm /resync

Now close the Command Prompt window and restart your computer.

Now you should notice that the computer clock does not keep losing time anymore. If the problem still persists, do not worry. A few more solutions are listed below to fix your issue.

Solution 7: Update Your Windows Firmware

If you have any pending update for your Windows version, your computer may start behaving abnormally and show your computer clock off. To check whether there is any Windows update available, do the followings:

Press the Win + I from your keyboard and the Settings window will appear.
Click on the Update and Security option.

Choose the Windows Update section from the left pane and you can find the Check for updates option on the right side.
Click on the Check for updates button.

If there is any update available, Windows will automatically download and install the update.

When the installation is completed, restart your computer and check if the problem is fixed.

Solution 8: Reinstall Adobe Reader

A lot of users reported that reinstalling the adobe reader after changing the time zone really helped them to fix the issue. If you have the adobe reader installed, then you should try this method. But you should jump to the next solution if you do not have the Adobe reader installed on your PC.

To uninstall the Adobe reader, follow these steps:

Click on the Start icon and type Control Panel.

Select the Control Panel app from the search results.
Now click on the Programs option.
Under Programs and Features section, choose the option Uninstall a program.

All the installed programs on your computer will appear in the next window.
Find and locate the Adobe Reader program.

Select the application and right-click on it.
Select the Uninstall option from the context menu.

Confirm the action on the next window and the application will be uninstalled in a while.

Now open the Settings app by pressing the Win + I key from your keyboard and change the time zone manually by following the solution 2. Restart your computer after setting the time zone.

Finally, reinstall the adobe reader application and restart your PC once again when the process is completed.

The problem should be fixed by now. Check if this method really works.

Solution 9: Update The BIOS

According to some user reports, sometimes the computer clock keeps losing time due to outdated or corrupted BIOS. You should try updating the BIOS to check if this method resolves the problem on your computer. Before updating BIOS, make sure to back up your data and also check your motherboard manual to prevent permanent damage to your computer.

Updating BIOS is not an effortless process. You should not change any BIOS settings if you do not have sufficient knowledge. You should appoint an expert for updating the BIOS.

Alternatively, you may read how to update BIOS and follow the procedure.

Solution 10: Edit The Registry Editor

This method is for those Windows users who have the dual-boot of Windows 10 and Linux OS activated on their computer. If you do not have the dual-boot, this method will not work for you. Before applying this method, you should change some settings on your Windows and Linux.

At first, log in to the Linux and run these commands listed below as a root user:

ntpdate pool.ntp.org

hwclock –systohc –utc

Then restart your PC with Windows 10 and follow the instructions below:

Press Win + R from your keyboard and type regedit in the box.
Hit Enter and the Registry Editor will open.
Now follow the path below:

Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\TimeZoneInformation

Right-click on the empty space and select the New option from the menu.
Choose DWORD (32 bit) value.

Under the Value name, type RealTimeIsUniversal and set the Value data as 1.

Click on the OK button to save it.

After applying all the mentioned steps, your problem related to the computer clock should be resolved.

Conclusion

Now you know the reasons which turned your computer clock off. You also have the solutions to fix the issue easily by applying these above-mentioned steps on your computer without making any mistake. Which one of these methods worked for you? Let us know by commenting below. If you still have queries regarding the computer clock slow, feel free to ask here.