SOLVED: Time Keeps Resetting in Windows 10

It can be frustrating if your Windows 10 system clock keeps resetting whenever you restart or shut down your computer. The issue can lead to incorrect timestamps, affecting scheduled tasks, browsing, and software functionality. Here at Fortect, we will cover the possible causes and resolve the problem permanently.

Why is This Happening?

This issue occurs due to a flaw in the Windows Time service’s Secure Time Seeding feature. This feature uses metadata from outgoing SSL connections to estimate the current date and time and stores it in the registry.

If the system restarts without sending SSL traffic, the outdated registry data isn’t cleared or updated. As a result, the Windows Time service sets the clock using old Secure Time Seeding information instead of syncing with AD DS or an NTP server.

Common Causes: Time Keeps Resetting in Windows 10

Several factors can cause your Windows 10 clock to reset, including:

• Dead CMOS Battery – The CMOS battery powers the BIOS and maintains system time and settings. If it’s drained, the clock resets after every restart.
• Incorrect Time Zone Settings – Misconfigured time zone settings may cause the system to revert to the wrong time.
• Windows Time Service Issues – A malfunctioning Windows Time service can prevent the clock from syncing correctly.
• Malware or Corrupted System Files – Viruses and system file corruption may interfere with time synchronization.
• Dual Boot with Linux – If you dual-boot Windows and Linux, Linux might set the hardware clock to UTC, causing discrepancies.
• BIOS Issues – Corrupted or outdated BIOS firmware can cause hardware clock failures.

How to Fix Windows 10 Time Resetting Issue

1. Replace the CMOS Battery

The CMOS battery stores BIOS settings, including time and date. A failing battery causes the clock to reset when the system is powered off.

Steps to Replace the CMOS Battery:

1. Please turn off your computer and unplug it from the power source.
2. Open the computer case and locate the CMOS battery on the motherboard (a small coin-shaped battery).
3. Remove the old battery and replace it with a new CR2032 battery.
4. Reassemble your PC, turn it on, and check if it persists.

2. Check and Configure Time Zone Settings

Incorrect time zone settings can cause clock discrepancies.

Steps to Fix Time Zone Settings:

1. Press Win + I to open Settings.
2. Navigate to Time & Language > Date & Time.
3. Ensure Set time automatically is enabled.
4. Scroll down and select the correct Time zone from the dropdown list.
5. Restart your PC and check if the time stays correct.

3. Restart and Reconfigure Windows Time Service

If the Windows Time service is disabled or not working properly, the clock may not sync correctly.

Steps to Restart Windows Time Service:

1. Press Win + R, type services.msc, and hit Enter.
2. Scroll down and find Windows Time.
3. Right-click it and select Properties.
4. Set the Startup type to Automatic and click Start if it’s stopped.
5. Click Apply > OK, then restart your PC.

4. Scan for Malware and Fix Corrupted System Files

Malware or corrupted system files may interfere with time synchronization. Running a scan can help detect and fix such issues.

Steps to Scan for Malware:

1. Open Windows Security by pressing Win + I > Update & Security > Windows Security.
2. Click Virus & Threat Protection> Quick scan.
3. If threats are detected, remove them and restart your PC.

Steps to Fix Corrupted System Files:

1. Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
2. Type sfc /scannow and press Enter.
3. Wait for the scan to complete, then restart your PC.

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5. Adjust Windows Registry Settings

If Windows isn’t syncing time properly, modifying the registry can help.

Steps to Edit Windows Registry:

1. Press Win + R, type regedit, and hit Enter.
2. Navigate to:
3. HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\W32Time\TimeProviders\NtpClient
4. Double-click SpecialPollInterval and set its value to 604800 (7 days in seconds).
5. Click OK and restart your PC.

6. Update BIOS Firmware

An outdated or corrupted BIOS may cause hardware clock failures. Updating it can help resolve the issue.

Steps to Update BIOS:

1. Identify your motherboard model by running msinfo32 in Run (Win + R).
2. Visit your motherboard manufacturer’s official website.
3. Download the latest BIOS update and follow the provided instructions.
4. Restart your PC and check if the time remains accurate.

7. Fix Dual Boot Time Conflicts

If you’re dual-booting Windows and Linux, Linux might set the hardware clock to UTC. Changing Windows registry settings can fix this.

Steps to Fix Dual Boot Time Issue:

1. Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
2. Type the following command and press Enter:
3. reg add “HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\TimeZoneInformation” /v RealTimeIsUniversal /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /f
4. Restart your PC and check if the time remains correct.

Conclusion

If your Windows 10 time keeps resetting, it’s likely due to a dead CMOS battery, incorrect settings, or system issues. Start by replacing the CMOS battery, checking time zone settings, and restarting the Windows Time service. If the problem persists, scanning for malware, updating BIOS, and fixing registry settings can help.

These steps can resolve the issue and ensure your system clock stays accurate. If you prefer an automated solution, consider using Fortect to repair corrupted files and optimize system stability.