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HP PCs - Setting time and date, clock losing time, time and date incorrect (Windows 10)

This document provides instructions on how to change the date and time settings on the computer, how to enable Internet Time, and how to troubleshoot common computer clock issues.

The computer uses the date and time to perform the following:

  • Identify when files are created, modified, or deleted.

  • Manage email messages and catalog system restoration points.

  • Manage many other important system-related activities.

The time and date display on the lock screen and in the taskbar.

Time and date displayed in the taskbar

Changing the date and time settings on your computer clock

You can change the date and time using Windows Settings.

  1. In Windows, search for and open Change the date and time.

  2. On the Time & Language window, select an option for setting the date and time.

    Example of the Date & Time home screen

Changing the date and time settings

Learn how to change the date and time settings.

  1. In Windows, search for and open Change the date and time.

  2. On the Time & Language window, select an option for each setting.

    • Update your computer clock automatically: Turn on the Set time automatically setting.

      Setting the computer to keep time automatically

    • Change the date and time manually: Turn off Set time automatically, and then click the Change button. Use the drop-down menus to make your selection. When the settings are correct, click Change.

      Changing the date and time manually

    • Update your computer time zone automatically: Turn on the Set time zone automatically setting.

      Setting the computer to keep the time zone automatically

    • Change the time zone manually: Turn off Set time zone automatically. In the Time zone section, use the drop-down menu to select the correct time zone.

      Changing the time zone manually

Synchronizing your computer clock with an internet time server

In Control Panel, you can configure settings to enable Windows to automatically synchronize the date and time with an internet time server to make sure that the accurate time displays.

Note:

If your computer is part of a domain, the Internet Time feature is not available. Contact your System Administrator for clock synchronization information.

  1. Make sure that the computer is connected to a network with an active internet connection.

  2. In Windows, search for and open Change the date and time.

  3. On the Time & Language window, click Sync now under Synchronize your clock.

    Synchronizing your computer clock with the Internet time server

    • If your computer displays the correct time, you are done.

    • If the computer does not display the correct time, continue with these steps.

  4. On the Time & Language window, select Region, and then click Additional date, time, & regional settings under Related settings.

    Clicking Additional date, time, & regional settings

  5. On the Control Panel window, select Date and Time.

    Clicking Date and Time

  6. On the Date and Time window, select the Internet Time tab, and then click Change settings.

    Clicking Change settings

  7. If you are prompted for an Administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.

  8. Make sure Synchronize with an Internet time server is selected, and then click Update Now.

    Synchronize with an Internet Time server

  9. The computer connects to an Internet server and updates the time on the computer.

    Note:

    If the computer fails to receive an update from the selected Internet Time server, a message displays indicating an error has occurred. Select a different server and try again.

  10. Click OK.

Internet Time is now enabled on your computer.

The computer clock loses time

If the time in Windows does not match the current time, or has to be reset often, learn how to troubleshoot the problem.

Note:

Troubleshooting computer clock issues might require restarting the computer or monitoring clock performance over time. HP recommends printing this document for future reference.

Disabling or enabling the Internet Time settings

You can disable or enable the Internet Time settings to determine which setting improves the accuracy of the computer clock.

Synchronizing the computer clock with an internet time server usually provides the most accurate method of keeping time and is normally recommended. However, in some cases, connecting to an internet time server might cause the computer clock to display the wrong time.

Note:

If your computer is part of a domain, the Internet Time feature is not available. Use the procedure in Updating the BIOS to continue troubleshooting or contact your System Administrator.

  1. Make sure that the computer is connected to a network with an active internet connection.

  2. In Windows, search for and open Change the date and time.

  3. On the Time & Language window, make sure the correct time zone is selected under the Time zone section, and then turn on the Set time zone automatically setting.

    Setting the computer to keep the time zone automatically
    Note:

    If the time zone is not correct, turn off Set time zone automatically, and then use the drop-down menu to select the correct time zone.

  4. On the Time & Language window, select Region, and then click Additional date, time, & regional settings under Related settings.

    Clicking Additional date, time, & regional settings

  5. On the Control Panel window, select Date and Time.

    Clicking Date and Time

  6. On the Date and Time window, select the Internet Time tab, and then click Change settings.

    Note:

    If the Internet Time tab does not display, use the procedure in Updating the BIOS to continue troubleshooting.

    Clicking Change settings

  7. If you are prompted for an Administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.

  8. Change the Synchronize with an Internet Time server setting.

    • If the setting is already checked, clear the box from the Synchronize with an Internet Time server setting.

    • If the setting is not already checked, select the box on the Synchronize with an Internet Time server setting.

    Selecting to synchronize with an Internet Time server

  9. Click OK.

  10. To restart your computer, right-click Start, and then select Shut down or sign out > Restart.

    Wait for the computer to restart and Windows opens.

  11. Wait for the computer to restart and Windows to open.

    Monitor the computer clock to see if the problem continues. If the computer clock remains accurate, you are done. Otherwise, repeat these steps again to reset the Internet Time setting back to its original condition, and then try to update your BIOS.

Update the BIOS

Learn how to update the BIOS. If your computer has a BIOS update available, the update might fix problems causing your computer clock to display the incorrect time.

Go to the one of the following documents for detailed instructions.

Monitor the computer clock to see if the problem continues. If the computer clock remains accurate, you are done. Otherwise, repeat these steps again to reset the Internet Time setting back to its original condition, and then try the procedure in Remove and reinstall the Real-time clock.

Remove and reinstall the Real-time clock

Learn how to remove and reinstall the Real-time clock to resolve the issue of the computer clock displaying time inaccurately.

Remove and reinstall the Real-time clock with the system operating in Safe Mode. Use the following steps to perform this task:

CAUTION:

Do not attempt to reinstall the Real-time clock in normal boot mode. System damage may occur.

  1. Restart the computer in Safe Mode. For more information about Safe Mode, see HP PCs - Windows Safe Mode (Windows 10).

  2. When your computer restarts, search for and open Device Manager.

    The Device Manager window opens.

  3. In the Device Manager window, double-click System Devices.

    Double-clicking System devices

  4. Right-click System CMOS/real time clock, select Uninstall, and then click OK in the Confirm Device Uninstall window.

    Clicking Uninstall System CMOS/real time clock

  5. When the System Settings Change window opens, click Yes to restart the computer.

    Clicking Yes in the System Settings Change window

The real-time clock reinstalls automatically.

Error code: CMOS time and date not set

When starting the computer, if your computer displays the error code CMOS Time and Date Not Set, the CMOS or RTC battery probably needs to be replaced. Depending on your type of computer, select the link to find information on replacing the CMOS or RTC in your computer.

Computers contain an internal backup battery to keep time in the same manner as a watch keeps time. The internal battery is referred to as a CMOS or Real-Time Clock (RTC) battery. Computers rely on the internal backup battery to keep time when they are off. The internal CMOS or RTC backup battery should be replaced when it runs low on power.

Note:

Troubleshooting computer clock issues can require restarting the computer or monitoring clock performance over time. HP recommends printing this document for future reference.

Removing and replacing the real-time clock or CMOS battery

Learn how to find the document with instructions to replace the CMOS or RTC battery in your HP All-in-One or notebook computer.

  1. Go to HP Customer Support.

  2. In the search field, type your computer series name and the words real-time clock, and then click the search icon .

    For example, type HP Envy 15-3000 real-time clock to find a list of documents with information on the HP Envy 15-3000 series computer and real-time clock issues.

    Example of HP Customer Support search

  3. In the search results, look for a document describing how to remove and replace the real-time clock or CMOS battery for your All-in-One or notebook computer series, and then click the link.

    CAUTION:

    If you cannot find a document explaining how to remove and replace the CMOS or RTC battery for your specific computer series, do not attempt to replace the battery. Contact an Authorized Service Center for repair.

    Example of HP customer care search results

  4. Follow the directions listed in the document to replace the CMOS or RTC battery.

System clock displays incorrect time after resuming from hibernation

On some computers, the system clock might stop or reset after the computer resumes from hibernation. Updating the BIOS might fix the problem.

Go to the one of the following documents for detailed instructions.

Taskbar clock does not work or respond

If the clock on the taskbar is not working, edit the registry.

CAUTION:

An incorrect registry entry can cause serious system problems or prevent the computer from starting. If you must edit the registry to resolve issues, you should always make a backup first. If the registry is damaged due to editing but has not been backed up, the only resolution might be a system recovery.

  1. In Windows, search for and open regedit.

    Selecting regedit from the search results

  2. Select HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE.

    Selecting HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE

  3. Select SOFTWARE > Microsoft > Windows NT > CurentVersion > ImmersiveShell.

  4. Right-click the ImmersiveShell folder, and then select Create a new DWORD (32-bit) Value

  5. Name the value UseWin32TrayClockExperience.

  6. Change its value to: 1.

  7. Restart the computer to apply the changes.

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