How To Fix The Time Sync Failed Issue In Windows

The "Time synchronization failed" error in Windows can be frustrating, especially since it affects the accuracy of your computer's clock and can lead to issues with file timestamps and other time-dependent functions. Here are several detailed steps to help you resolve this issue.

Restart the Windows Time Service

The Windows Time service is responsible for maintaining the synchronization process with time servers. If this service is not functioning correctly, it can cause the time synchronization to fail. Here’s how to restart it:

1. Open the Run Window: Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Access Services: Type services.msc and press Enter.
3. Find the Windows Time Service: In the Services window, locate the "Windows Time" service.
4. Restart the Service: Right-click on "Windows Time" and select "Restart." If the service is not running, select "Start" instead.

Modify the Windows Time Service Properties

Sometimes, adjusting the properties of the Windows Time service can resolve the issue:

1. Open the Services Window: Follow the same steps as above to open the Services window.
2. Double-Click on Windows Time: Find the "Windows Time" service and double-click on it to open its properties.
3. Set Startup Type to Automatic: In the Properties window, set the "Startup type" to "Automatic."
4. Ensure the Service is Running: Make sure the "Service status" is set to "Running." If it's not, click "Start."
5. Log On Tab Adjustments: Switch to the "Log On" tab, select the "Local System account," and check the box next to "Allow service to interact with desktop."
6. Apply Changes: Click "Apply" and then "OK" to save the changes.

Activate the Time Synchronization Feature

Ensuring that the time synchronization feature is enabled can also help:

1. Open the Task Scheduler: Press the Windows key + R, type taskschd.msc, and press Enter.
2. Navigate to Time Synchronization: In the Task Scheduler window, navigate to "Task Scheduler Library > Microsoft > Windows > Time Synchronization."
3. Enable the Synchronization Task: Right-click on "SynchronizationTime" and select "Enable."
4. Restart Your Computer: Close the Task Scheduler window and restart your computer to apply the changes.

Run Command Prompt Commands

Running specific commands in Command Prompt can help reset the Windows Time service:

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator: Type cmd in the search box, right-click on "Command Prompt," and select "Run as administrator."
2. Run the Commands: Type the following commands one by one, pressing Enter after each:
   • w32tm /debug /disable
   • w32tm /unregister
   • w32tm /register
   • net start w32time
3. Close Command Prompt: After running these commands, close Command Prompt and try synchronizing the clock again.

Toggle Automatic Time-Keeping On/Off

Disabling and re-enabling the automatic time-keeping feature can sometimes resolve the issue:

1. Access Date and Time Settings: Right-click on the clock in the taskbar and select "Adjust date and time."
2. Disable Automatic Time-Keeping: Toggle off the switches next to "Set time automatically" and "Set time zone automatically."
3. Sync Now: Scroll down to the "Additional settings" section and click "Sync now."
4. Re-enable Automatic Time-Keeping: Toggle the switches back on for "Set time automatically" and "Set time zone automatically".

Check and Adjust Network Connectivity

Issues with network connectivity can prevent time synchronization. Here are some steps to troubleshoot:

1. Restart Your Router: Turn your router off and on to reset your internet connection.
2. Flush DNS Cache: Open Command Prompt as an administrator and type ipconfig /flushdns to flush the DNS cache.
3. Connect to a Different Network: Try connecting to a different Wi-Fi network to see if the issue persists.
4. Reset Network Settings: Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Status > Network reset to reset your network settings.

Pick a Different Time Server

Switching to a different time server can sometimes resolve the issue:

1. Open Date and Time Settings: Type timedate.cpl in the Run dialog box and press Enter.
2. Access Internet Time Settings: Go to the "Internet Time" tab.
3. Change the Time Server: Click "Change settings," select a different server (e.g., time.nist.gov), and check the box next to "Synchronize with an Internet time server."
4. Update Now: Click "Update now" and then "OK".

Disable Firewall and Third-Party Antivirus

Firewall and antivirus software can sometimes interfere with the time synchronization process:

1. Disable Firewall: Temporarily disable your firewall to see if it resolves the issue.
2. Disable Third-Party Antivirus: Disable any third-party antivirus software and check if the time synchronization works.

Scan for Malware

Malware can also cause issues with time synchronization:

1. Open Windows Security: Right-click on the Windows Security icon in the system tray and select "View security dashboard."
2. Run a Full Scan: Select "Virus & threat protection" and choose the "Full scan" option.
3. Use Third-Party Malware Removal Tools: Consider running a scan with a third-party malware removal tool like Malwarebytes.