P
PC FIX
Windows

Problem with Windows time and date being wrong

If “Windows time is incorrect” occurs repeatedly, it is better to narrow down the time synchronization service and time zone settings rather than changing several settings at once. Record the conditions under which the symptom occurs and any recent changes, and then check for software and hardware causes.

Solving Order
We've organized the methods starting with the simplest and least expensive ones. Please check the solutions one by one, starting from the top.

Do you have these symptoms?

  • Windows time is wrong
  • Time not automatically adjusted
  • Reset time upon reboot

main causes

  • time synchronization service
  • Time zone settings
  • Motherboard RTC battery problem

How to solve

Please check them in order from the top. If the issue is resolved, you do not need to proceed to the next step.

1

Check your time zone and automatic time settings

If your time zone is incorrect or automatic time setting is turned off, the actual time may be significantly different.

Difficulty Easy time 3-5 minutes cost 0 won
  1. 1Open Settings → Time & Language → Date & Time.
  2. 2Turn on Set time automatically and make sure the time zone is selected for your location.
  3. 3Tap 'Sync Now' in Additional Settings to set the time immediately.

confirmation point

It's normal right after synchronization, but if the error occurs again every time you reboot, check the possibility of RTC/CMOS rather than Windows settings. After these steps, see if the “Windows Time Incorrect” symptom decreases or disappears. If there is no change, the possibility of time synchronization service is also checked in the next step.

2

Check your Internet connection and Windows time synchronization

Failure to connect to an online time server may result in automatic calibration not working properly.

Difficulty Moderate time 5-10 minutes cost 0 won
  1. 1Check if the Internet is connected properly.
  2. 2If you are using a VPN/proxy, turn it off briefly and sync again.
  3. 3Verify that the Windows Time service in services.msc is not stopped with an error and restart it if necessary.
3

Compare date and time in BIOS/UEFI

If the time is wrong even before Windows starts, it is more likely a motherboard RTC power issue than the operating system.

Difficulty Moderate time 10-15 minutes cost 0 won
  1. 1Shut down your PC and enter BIOS/UEFI.
  2. 2Verify that the date and time displayed in BIOS are correct.
  3. 3After setting the time, turn off the power completely and then re-enter after a while to check whether the time is maintained.

confirmation point

If your BIOS resets repeatedly up to time, you may need to check your desktop's CMOS battery or your laptop's RTC circuit.

4

Check Windows updates and chipset/BIOS updates

If the time is off due to sleep recovery or firmware issues, a system update may help.

Difficulty Moderate time 20~40 minutes cost 0 won
  1. 1Apply Windows updates.
  2. 2Check your PC manufacturer's support page for chipset and BIOS updates.
  3. 3When performing a BIOS update, maintain a stable power source and follow manufacturer procedures.
5

Checking the RTC/CMOS battery or motherboard

If the BIOS time is also reset every time you power off, there may be a problem with the battery or circuit holding the RTC.

Difficulty Advanced time 20 minutes or more cost Battery/inspection costs may apply
  1. 1For your desktop, check the CMOS battery replacement procedure for your model.
  2. 2Laptops may have built-in RTC batteries, so do not disassemble them forcibly.
  3. 3If the time is reset after battery replacement, the motherboard will be inspected.

Frequently Asked Questions

We've put together a list of things we frequently check regarding this issue.

Related issues

If the symptoms do not match exactly, please check the issue below.

Windows

Windows search bar not working

If the current symptom is close to “Windows not searchable,” first check for Windows Search service/index problems or shell errors. It's easy to isolate Windows shell problems by checking Explorer, startup programs, system files, and user profiles, in that order.

View solutions →
Windows

Microsoft Store not opening

If “Microsoft Store does not open” repeatedly, it is better to narrow the scope to store cache corruption, time and region settings rather than changing several settings at once. Avoid unnecessary resets by distinguishing between app recovery/reinstallation and Windows system problems.

View solutions →
Windows

Unable to sign in to your Windows account

If you are seeing the “Windows won’t log in” symptom, possible causes include account authentication issues or a corrupted user profile. Please check separately the login method such as PIN/password, network, and user profile.

View solutions →
Windows

File Explorer not opening issue

Among Windows problems, the symptom of “File Explorer not opening” may be related to Explorer process errors or update/extension conflicts. It's easy to isolate Windows shell problems by checking Explorer, startup programs, system files, and user profiles, in that order.

View solutions →

Look for other symptoms too

If you enter the symptoms you are currently seeing in the PC FIX search box, we will find the related problem.

Search for other issues →