What is the Windows Time Server?
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The Windows Time service (W32Time) synchronizes the date and time for all computers running in Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS). Time synchronization is critical for the proper operation of many Windows services and line-of-business (LOB) applications. The Windows Time service uses the Network Time Protocol (NTP) to synchronize computer clocks on the network. NTP ensures that an accurate clock value, or timestamp, can be assigned to network validation and resource access requests. In the Windows Time Service (W32Time) topic, the following content is available:
For more information about the domain hierarchy and scoring system, see the "What is Windows Time Service?" blog post. The windows time provider plugin model is documented on TechNet. An addendum referenced by the Windows 2016 Accurate Time article can be downloaded here For a quick overview of Windows Time service, take a look at this high-level overview video. FeedbackSubmit and view feedback for Additional resourcesAdditional resourcesIn this article
Windows 10 uses the Network Time Protocol (NTP) to connect with time servers on the internet to provide accurate system time. Otherwise, if the clock is not correctly synchronized, you could experience network issues, and documents and other files you create may end with incorrect time stamps. Although for the most part, the default time server is reliable, there will be times when you may need to change it, such as if your current configuration causes your device to display the wrong time, you just prefer to use a different service, or your company uses a specific configuration. Whatever the reason, on Windows 10 it's possible to switch time providers, and you can even add custom time servers to the list as necessary. In this Windows 10 guide, we walk you through the steps to use different time servers to make sure that your computer is getting the correct time using Control Panel.
How to change the time server on Windows 10
After completing the steps, Windows 10 will keep the time synchronized over the internet with the server you selected. How to add new time servers on Windows 10If you prefer to use a different time server that isn't in the list, it's also possible to include any NTP server you want.
After adding the new configuration, you can quickly verify everything is working as expected by checking the Internet Time tab, which now should include a "The clock was successfully synchronized" message with the link to the NTP server and date and time of the synchronization. Adding new time servers using the RegistryUsing Control Panel, you can change the Internet Time settings to anything, but the list only allows you to store one extra entry. If you want to add multiple addresses to the list, you'll need to use the Registry. Warning: This is a friendly reminder that editing the Registry is risky, and it can cause irreversible damage to your installation if you don't do it correctly. It's recommended to make a full backup of your PC before proceeding.
Once you completed the steps, you can use the instructions to change the time server, but on step No. 6 select the newly added server and don't forget to click the Update now button. How to troubleshoot time server synchronization problemsIf after changing the settings, your device still has problems connecting to the NTP server, you can reset the Windows Time service configurations using Command Prompt.
Once you completed the steps, your device should now synchronize with its clock over the internet. More Windows 10 resourcesFor more helpful articles, coverage, and answers to common questions about Windows 10, visit the following resources:
Get the best of Windows Central in in your inbox, every day! Mauro Huculak is technical writer for WindowsCentral.com. His primary focus is to write comprehensive how-tos to help users get the most out of Windows 10 and its many related technologies. He has an IT background with professional certifications from Microsoft, Cisco, and CompTIA, and he's a recognized member of the Microsoft MVP community. What time server does Windows 10 use?Windows 10 uses the Network Time Protocol (NTP) to connect with time servers on the internet to provide accurate system time. Otherwise, if the clock is not correctly synchronized, you could experience network issues, and documents and other files you create may end with incorrect time stamps.
Where is Windows time Service?To check if w32time is running, do the following: go to Control Panel->Administrative Tools->Services. Scroll to "Windows Time" feature and check its "Status", which should be on "running". Check also the "Startup Type" and set it to "Automatic" or "Manual" if possible.
What triggers Windows time service?The Windows Time service on a workgroup computer isn't started automatically at system startup by the Trigger-Start service. However, the Windows Time service is started by the Time Synchronization setting. The setting is registered on the Task Scheduler Library at 01:00 a.m. every Sunday for Time Synchronization.
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