by The Computing Australia Group | Computer Showing Wrong Time?
Here’s How to Fix It Fast
A computer showing the wrong time can seem like a small annoyance, but it often creates bigger problems than most people expect. An incorrect clock can affect emails, web browsing, software updates, file timestamps, calendar reminders, cloud backups, video meetings, security certificates, and even your ability to log in to certain websites and services. If the time on your computer keeps changing, or resets every time you restart the device, it usually points to a setting, sync issue, software conflict, or hardware problem that needs attention.
If your computer clock is wrong and the problem keeps coming back, do not ignore it. In many cases, the fix is simple. You may only need to correct the time zone, restart the Windows Time service, or manually sync the clock with an internet time server. In other situations, the issue can be caused by malware, an outdated BIOS, or a failing CMOS battery inside the computer.
In this guide, our IT helpdesk experts explain the most common reasons your computer shows the wrong time, how to identify the cause, and the best ways to fix it properly. Whether you use your computer for work, study, or business, these steps will help restore accurate time and keep your system running smoothly.
Why an Accurate Computer Clock Matters
Many people only notice the clock when it is obviously wrong, but your computer’s date and time settings support a wide range of essential functions in the background. When the system time is inaccurate, it can trigger issues across the operating system and online services.
Here are some common problems caused by an incorrect computer clock:
- Preserving document formatting when moving to a new device
- Keeping business branding consistent across multiple computers
- Reusing paid or custom fonts for approved business purposes
- Supporting graphic design, publishing, web design, or print workflows
- Restoring fonts after a system reset or migration
When fonts are missing, software such as Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Adobe apps, and design tools will substitute another font. This can affect line breaks, page length, image alignment, and overall appearance.
Common Reasons Your Computer Time Is Wrong
Before fixing the issue, it helps to understand what may be causing it. In most cases, incorrect computer time happens for one of the following reasons:
Your clock may be technically working, but the selected time zone does not match your location.
Windows relies on time synchronisation services to stay accurate. If that process stops working, the clock can drift.
This service handles communication with internet time servers and keeps the clock updated.
Malicious software or damaged system files can interfere with time settings and core services.
Old firmware or operating system bugs can sometimes affect date and time functions.
If the computer loses time after shutdown, especially on older desktop PCs, the battery that stores BIOS settings may be weak.
The good news is that most of these issues can be diagnosed and corrected without advanced technical knowledge.
1. Check for Windows Updates
An outdated version of Windows can sometimes cause time-related issues, especially if the system is missing patches that affect services, networking, or regional settings. Installing updates is one of the simplest first steps because it may fix the problem automatically.
How to check for Windows updates
Your clock may be technically working, but the selected time zone does not match your location.
1. Open Settings
2. Select Update & Security
3. Click Windows Update
4. Choose Check for updates
5. Install any available updates
6. Restart your computer
After your system restarts, check whether the clock is showing the correct date and time.
Why this helps
Windows updates can repair bugs affecting automatic time synchronisation, improve compatibility with time servers, and restore missing or damaged system components. If your device has gone a long time without updates, this step is especially important.
2. Scan Your Computer for Malware
Malware can interfere with system services, settings, startup processes, and background tasks. In some cases, it may alter the clock, disable synchronisation, or affect the way Windows handles internet-based services.
If your computer time changes randomly, or if you have noticed other unusual signs such as slowness, pop-ups, unexpected restarts, or unknown applications, a malware scan is a smart next step.
What to do
- Open your antivirus or anti-malware software
- Run a full system scan
- Remove or quarantine any threats found
- Restart the computer
If you do not already have reliable security software installed, use a trusted antivirus or Windows Security to perform a scan.
Signs malware could be involved
- The clock changes without user input
- Other system settings also keep changing
- Security features are disabled
- Browser redirects or suspicious pop-ups appear
- The PC is unusually slow or unstable
A clean system is essential before you move on to deeper troubleshooting.
3. Check the Windows Time Service
Windows uses a built-in background service called Windows Time to keep the system clock accurate. This service works with network time protocols to sync your clock with trusted time servers over the internet. If the service is disabled, stuck, or misconfigured, your computer may show the wrong time or fail to update it automatically.
1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog
2. Type services.msc and press Enter
3. Find Windows Time in the list
4. Right-click it and select Properties
5. Check Startup type and set it to Automatic
6. Check Service status
If the service is running:
- Click Stop
- Then click Start
- Click Start
7. Click Apply
8. Click OK
Why this matters
If Windows Time is not running correctly, your system may stop communicating with internet time servers. That can leave the clock inaccurate, especially if the device has been off for a while or disconnected from the internet.
If the service keeps stopping or refuses to start, there may be a deeper system issue, such as corruption in Windows services or damaged system files. In that case, additional checks may be required.
4. Sync the Computer Clock Manually
Windows can automatically sync its clock with internet time servers, but sometimes that connection fails or becomes outdated. Manually syncing the clock forces Windows to update the time immediately and can solve the issue straight away.
1. Open Control Panel
2. Select Clock and Region
3. Click Date and Time
4. Open the Internet Time tab
5. Click Change settings
6. Make sure Synchronize with an internet time server is checked
7. In the server field, select or enter a reliable server such as time.nist.gov
8. Click Update now
9. Click OK
After doing this, confirm that the displayed time is now correct.
- The clock is only slightly wrong
- The time was correct before but drifted over time
- The PC has recently been offline
- Automatic sync appears enabled but is not updating
- No internet connection
- Firewall or network restrictions
- The selected time server is unavailable
- The Windows Time service is not running
In those cases, go back and check the previous steps before trying again.
5. Check and Correct the Time Zone
Sometimes the time itself is accurate, but the selected time zone is wrong. This often happens after travel, system reinstallation, updates, or incorrect automatic location detection. If your time is exactly one or several hours off, the time zone is one of the first things to check.
1. Click Start
2. Open Settings
3. Select Time & Language
4. Click Date & Time
5. Check the current time zone
6. If Set time zone automatically is turned on but incorrect, turn it off
7. Choose the correct time zone from the drop-down menu
- Meeting schedules
- Calendar events
- Email timestamps
- Reminder notifications
- Travel or remote work arrangements
For business users, the wrong time zone can create confusion across teams and clients, especially when scheduling calls or processing time-sensitive work.
If your location is stable, manually setting the correct time zone can sometimes be more reliable than leaving it on automatic detection.
6. Check Date and Time Settings for Automatic Updates
In addition to the time zone, Windows also has automatic settings for the time itself. These should normally stay enabled unless you have a specific reason to manage the clock manually.
Go to:
Settings > Time & Language > Date & Time
Make sure the following options are enabled where appropriate:
- Set time automatically
- Set time zone automatically (optional, depending on your preference)
If the time is still wrong, turn Set time automatically off, wait a few seconds, then turn it back on. This can refresh the setting and sometimes restore proper synchronisation.
7. Restart the Computer After Changes
This may sound obvious, but restarting the PC after adjusting time services, updating Windows, or removing malware is important. Some changes will not fully apply until the operating system reloads its services and startup processes.
Restarting helps when:
- Restarting helps when:
- A time service has been restarted
- Updates have been installed
- Malware has been removed
- BIOS or firmware changes were made
- System settings were corrected but not reflected immediately
If the time remains correct after restart, that is a good sign the problem has been fixed. If it changes again after shutdown or restart, hardware may be the cause.
8. Update the BIOS or UEFI Firmware
If software fixes do not solve the issue, the problem may be linked to the motherboard firmware, often called BIOS or UEFI. The BIOS helps manage hardware-level settings, including system date and time before Windows loads.
An outdated BIOS can sometimes lead to odd behaviour, especially on older systems or machines with known firmware bugs.
BIOS updates should be handled carefully. Installing the wrong version or interrupting the process can cause serious problems. Before proceeding:
- Check your motherboard or computer model
- Visit the manufacturer’s official support page
- Read the update instructions carefully
- Back up important files
- Ensure the computer has stable power
Why BIOS updates may help
A BIOS update may:
- Fix bugs affecting system clock behaviour
- Improve motherboard stability
- Correct issues with power management
- Improve hardware compatibility
BIOS updates are not always necessary. Only do this if there is a known issue, manufacturer recommendation, or other steps have failed.
9. Replace the CMOS Battery
If your computer loses the correct date and time every time it powers off, the CMOS battery may be failing. This is a small battery on the motherboard that keeps BIOS settings, including time and date, stored even when the computer is unplugged.
When the battery weakens or dies, the computer may forget its settings between shutdowns.
- Time resets after every shutdown
- Time resets after every shutdown
- Date changes to an old default value
- BIOS settings are lost
- You see BIOS or checksum errors at startup
- The PC asks you to reset date and time repeatedly
The CMOS battery powers a small memory chip that stores low-level system settings. Without it, your motherboard may not retain important information while the device is turned off.
You can replace the battery yourself if you are comfortable opening the case and handling internal hardware safely. Otherwise, it is best to take the computer to an IT technician or repair professional.
For laptops, CMOS battery access can be more complicated, so professional assistance is often the safer option.
10. Check Dual-Boot or Virtual Machine Conflicts
Why this happens
When to suspect this
- The time changes after switching between Windows and Linux
- The clock becomes wrong only after certain reboots
- You use development, testing, or virtualised environments
If this applies to your setup, the fix usually involves adjusting how one operating system interprets the hardware clock.
11. Repair Corrupt System Files
If the Windows Time service, settings, and updates all appear normal but the clock still behaves strangely, damaged system files may be involved. Corrupted files can affect services and settings that control time synchronisation.
A technician may use built-in Windows tools to check and repair system integrity. This is especially worth considering if you have recently experienced crashes, forced shutdowns, or disk errors.
- The problem started after a failed update
- The PC has had blue screen errors
- Other Windows settings are also broken
- Services fail to start without explanation
12. When to Seek Professional Help
Many time-related problems can be fixed at home, but professional support is the best option if:
- The issue keeps returning after all basic fixes
- The computer shows BIOS errors
- You suspect a hardware fault
- You are not comfortable replacing internal components
- Your business systems rely on accurate timestamps
- The computer may be infected or compromised
For business users, quick support matters because incorrect system time can interfere with accounting software, email systems, file records, remote access, and scheduled backups.
Best Practices to Prevent Computer Time Problems
Once the issue is fixed, there are a few simple ways to reduce the chances of it happening again.
Regular updates improve system stability, security, and service reliability.
Preventing malware reduces the risk of system setting interference.
For most users, automatic sync is the safest and easiest setting.
This is especially important for laptops used across different regions.
Older computers may develop battery or motherboard issues over time.
Restart occasionally
A system that never restarts may retain glitches or service problems longer than expected.
Final Thoughts
If the time on your computer is wrong, the cause is usually one of a few common issues: an incorrect time zone, failed synchronisation, a problem with the Windows Time service, malware, outdated firmware, or a failing CMOS battery. The right fix depends on whether the clock is simply out of sync or whether the device is losing its time settings completely.
Start with the easy steps first. Check Windows updates, confirm the time zone, ensure automatic time sync is enabled, and restart the Windows Time service. If the issue keeps returning, scan for malware and consider whether the CMOS battery or BIOS may be responsible.
An accurate computer clock is more important than it seems. It helps your device stay secure, keeps files and emails in order, and prevents frustrating errors across websites, software, and business tools. Fixing the problem early can save time, reduce confusion, and keep your system dependable.
These are the common reason why your computer shows the wrong time and the different ways to fix it. Still can’t get back on time? Contact us or email at helpdesk@computingaustralia.group. Our IT helpdesk is 24/7 ready to assist you with your IT related problems.
Jargon Buster
BIOS – Basic Input/Output System – A program pre-installed on Windows-based computers that the computer uses to start up.
Malware – Malicious software – Any software intentionally designed to cause extensive damage to a computer, client, server, or computer network.
Gordon Murdoch
FAQ
Why is my computer clock always wrong?
Your computer clock may be wrong because of the wrong time zone, failed internet time sync, a Windows Time service issue, malware, outdated BIOS, or a failing CMOS battery.
How do I sync my computer time manually?
Can a bad CMOS battery affect time?
Yes. A failing CMOS battery can cause your computer to lose the correct date and time whenever it is switched off.
Why is my computer time wrong after restarting?
If the time changes after every restart, the most likely causes are a dead CMOS battery, BIOS issue, or failed time synchronisation.
Can malware change the time on my computer?
Yes. Malware can interfere with system services and settings, including date and time configuration.
