Maintaining accurate time on your computer is crucial because it timestamps the files and folders you create. Incorrect system time can also prevent you from using certain software and tools that rely on internet-based authentication. If your clock is set wrong, you could face a cascade of errors including lost files, missed appointments, and disorganized recordkeeping. Incorrect date and time settings are often the cause of the “Error Code 0x80072F8F.”
To resolve this error, simply correct your computer’s date and time settings.
Common Causes for Windows 10/11 Time Being Wrong
An Incorrect Time Zone Setting:
Even if you fix the time manually, Windows will reset itself to the wrong time zone once you reboot.
To fix your time zone in Windows 10/11, call up the Run command dialog box via Windows key + R keyboard shortcut combination and execute ms-settings:dateandtime command. Then, select your correct time zone from drop down menu and click on Sync Now button.
To see which time zone is currently selected, on the command line, type the first command and press Enter.
- tzutil /g
- tzutil /l
The second command will list all possible Time zones which you can use. To Fix your Time zone via CMD, Type the following command to set the new time zone and press Enter:
- tzutil /s “Your Time zone”; for example: tzutil /s “W. Europe Standard Time”
A Dead CMOS Battery – Hardware Clock Issue:
The CMOS battery inside your computer’s motherboard stores information about the system configuration, including the date and time. If this battery goes bad, the chip starts losing information.
If when you turn on your computer and notice that the date has been reset after making changes, it may be a sign that the CMOS battery has reached the end of its lifespan (5 to 10 years). With that being said, if your computer’s hardware clock (CMOS battery) is failing, you might need to replace it. This is more common in older systems.
Windows Time Is Out of Sync:
You should first confirm that your computer is syncing its clock with a valid time server. To do this, Use the “timedate.cpl” command on Run (Windows + R keys) then Click on the “Internet Time” tab and Click on “Change settings…”. Finally, choose a server and use Update Now button.
In case you want to force Windows 10/11 to synch with a time server, Press the Windows key + X and then select Command Prompt (Admin) orWindows Terminal (Admin).
Type each command below and press Enter:
- net stop w32time
- w32tm /unregister
- w32tm /register
- net start w32time
- w32tm /resync
Restart your computer to check if the time synchronization issue is resolved.
Check for Malware:
Your computer may have been hijacked by a virus. Malicious software can alter your system time. To fix it, make sure your anti-virus program is up to date with the latest virus definitions. Then, perform a Full computer scan in Safe mode.
Third-party utility or program:
Third-party software or screen savers can cause the time to stop or decrease significantly. Close and disable all screen savers, and End Task all TSRs to ensure your lost time is not being caused by these programs.
Disable Windows Time Service and Re-enable:
Open Command Prompt/Terminal as Administrator.
Type:
- net stop w32time
- net start w32time
Fixing the issue permanently with free software
Update Time (v1.3) is a small application designed to address time synchronization issues on Windows 10 and Windows 11 systems.
Here are the key features:
- Time Server Configuration:
- The user can specify an NTP (Network Time Protocol) server, such as
pool.ntp.org, to synchronize the system time. - The default port for the NTP server is set to
123.
- The user can specify an NTP (Network Time Protocol) server, such as
- Automatic Retry:
- If data is not received, the program can automatically try the next server in the list.
- It allows users to configure a retry interval (default is
25 seconds) if an error occurs.
- Pop-Up Notifications:
- The software provides an option to show a pop-up message after a synchronization attempt, whether successful or not.
- Startup Service:
- Users can enable a feature to set the program as a service that updates the time and date automatically when the computer boots.
- Supported operating systems: Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows Xp – (x86 & x64)
This utility is likely helpful for maintaining accurate system time, especially for users needing precise synchronization or those experiencing issues with the default Windows time synchronization service.
Download HERE.