Windows Server Time Out of Sync: A Complete Guide for Dev

Hey Dev, welcome to this comprehensive guide on Windows Server Time Out of Sync. In this article, we will discuss in detail about the possible causes, the impact it can have on your system, and most importantly, we’ll provide you with the best solutions to tackle this problem.

What is Windows Server Time out of Sync?

If you’re a Dev who has been working with Windows servers for some time, you might have come across issues related to time synchronization. A time sync error occurs when the system clock of a Windows Server is out of sync with the authoritative time source. When this happens, the server time is not accurate, which can affect various operations on your system.

Imagine the consequences of a time sync error if your server is hosting critical applications or services. That’s why it’s essential to fix time sync errors as quickly as possible.

Why Does Windows Server Time Go Out of Sync?

Before we dive into the solutions, let’s discuss the reasons why you might be encountering time sync issues on Windows servers.

The Impact of Windows Server Time Out of Sync

The impact of time sync errors can vary depending on your environment, but here are some common scenarios where it can cause significant problems:

Security

Many authentication protocols used on Windows systems rely on time synchronization. If the server’s system clock is out of sync, it can lead to authentication failures, which can compromise your system’s security.

Performance

Servers hosting high-traffic applications can be severely impacted by time sync issues. If your server’s time is not accurate, it can cause latency issues, slowing down your applications and affecting user experience.

Data Integrity

Some applications that rely on time-stamps to maintain data integrity can be severely impacted by time sync errors. Inaccurate time-stamps can lead to data corruption and loss, which can be difficult to recover.

How to Fix Windows Server Time out of Sync?

Now that you understand the impact of time sync errors let’s dive into the solutions that can help you fix them. Here are five methods that you can try:

Method 1: Configure Time Service Settings

The time service in Windows Server is responsible for syncing the system clock with the authoritative time server. You can use the ‘w32tm’ command-line tool to configure time service settings. Here’s how you can do it:

Step 1: Open Command Prompt with administrative privileges.

Step 2: Run the following command to configure the server to sync with an external time source:

w32tm /config /manualpeerlist:”[time.windows.com](http://time.windows.com/)” /syncfromflags:manual /reliable:yes /update

Step 3: Restart the w32time service for the changes to take effect. You can do this by running the following command:

net stop w32time && net start w32time

Method 2: Verify Network Connectivity

If your server is not syncing with the authoritative time server, it could be due to network connectivity issues. To verify network connectivity, you can use the ‘ping’ command. Here’s how:

Step 1: Open Command Prompt.

Step 2: Run the following command:

ping [time.windows.com](http://time.windows.com/)

If you receive a response from the server, it indicates that the network connectivity is not an issue. However, if you don’t, you’ll need to troubleshoot your network to resolve the issue.

Method 3: Check the Hardware Clock

The hardware clock on your server can malfunction, causing time sync errors. You can use the ‘systeminfo’ command in Command Prompt to check the status of the hardware clock. Here’s how:

Step 1: Open Command Prompt.

Step 2: Run the following command:

systeminfo | findstr /C:”System Boot Time”

If the system boot time is incorrect, it’s an indication that the hardware clock is malfunctioning.

Method 4: Update BIOS Settings

Incorrect BIOS settings can cause time sync issues on your Windows server. You can update the BIOS settings to fix the issue. Here’s how:

Step 1: Restart your server and enter the BIOS setup by pressing the appropriate key.

Step 2: Navigate to the ‘Date and Time’ settings and ensure that the settings are correct.

Step 3: Save the changes and exit the BIOS setup.

Method 5: Use Third-Party Time Synchronization Software

If the above methods don’t work, you can use third-party time synchronization software to fix time sync errors on your Windows server. Software like ‘Atomic Clock Sync’ can automatically synchronize your system clock with an external time source, ensuring that your server time is always accurate.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is the default time source for Windows Server?

The default time source for Windows Server is ‘time.windows.com.’

Q2. Can I use an internal time source for Windows Server?

Yes, you can use an internal time source like a GPS receiver or an atomic clock to sync your server’s system clock.

Q3. How often does Windows Server sync with the time source?

The default time sync interval in Windows Server is 604,800 seconds (7 days). However, you can adjust it according to your requirements.

Q4. Can I schedule time syncs on Windows Server?

Yes, you can schedule time syncs on Windows Server using the ‘Task Scheduler’ in the Windows Control Panel.

Q5. Can time sync issues cause application crashes?

Yes, time sync issues can cause application crashes, especially if your applications rely on accurate timestamps.

Conclusion

Time sync errors are a common issue that Devs face while working with Windows servers. In this article, we discussed the possible causes of time sync errors and their impact on your system. We also provided you with the best solutions to tackle this problem. By following the solutions outlined in this guide, you can ensure that your Windows server’s time is always accurate, keeping your system secure and your applications running smoothly.