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Fix Windows Time Service Doesn’t Start Automatically

The Windows Time service (W32Time) is a crucial clock synchronization service that Microsoft provides for Windows. This service automatically synchronizes the correct time for your system with an NTP (Network Time Protocol) Server, such as time.windows.com. Every PC running the Windows Time service relies on this service to maintain accurate time.

However, there are instances when the Windows Time service fails to start automatically, resulting in the error: "The Windows Time Service is not started." This can lead to your date and time not being synchronized properly. Without further ado, let's explore how to fix the issue of the Windows Time service not starting automatically using the troubleshooting steps outlined below.

Contents

  1. Fix Windows Time Service Doesn’t Start Automatically
  2. Method 1: Unregister and then Register Time Service
  3. Method 2: Delete the Trigger Event Registered as Default Setting
  4. Method 3: Enable Time Synchronization in Task Scheduler
  5. Method 4: Manually Start the Windows Time Service

Fix Windows Time Service Doesn’t Start Automatically

Before proceeding, make sure to create a restore point to prevent any potential issues.

Method 1: Unregister and then Register Time Service

  1. Press Windows Key + X then select Command Prompt (Admin).
  2. Enter the following commands one by one and press Enter after each:
    pushd %SystemRoot%\system32
    net stop w32time
    w32tm /unregister
    w32tm /register
    sc config w32time type= own
    net start w32time
    w32tm /config /update /manualpeerlist:"0.pool.ntp.org,1.pool.ntp.org,2.pool.ntp.org,3.pool.ntp.org",0x8 /syncfromflags:MANUAL /reliable:yes
    w32tm /resync
    popd
  3. If the above commands don’t resolve the issue, try these additional commands:
    w32tm /debug /disable
    w32tm /unregister
    w32tm /register
    net start w32time
  4. You should receive a message stating: "The Windows Time Service is starting. The Windows Time service was started successfully."
  5. This indicates that your Internet Time synchronization is operational once more.

Method 2: Delete the Trigger Event Registered as Default Setting

  1. Press Windows Key + X then select Command Prompt (Admin).
  2. Run the following command and press Enter:
    sc triggerinfo w32time delete
  3. Define a new trigger event that matches your setup:
    sc triggerinfo w32time start/networkon stop/networkoff
  4. Close the command prompt and verify if the Windows Time service issue is resolved.

Method 3: Enable Time Synchronization in Task Scheduler

  1. Press Windows Key + X then select Control Panel.
  2. Navigate to System and Security and select Administrative Tools.
  3. Double-click Task Scheduler and navigate to: Task Scheduler Library / Microsoft / Windows / Time Synchronization
  4. Right-click on Synchronize Time and select Enable.
  5. Reboot your PC to apply changes.

Method 4: Manually Start the Windows Time Service

  1. Press Windows Key + R, type services.msc, and hit Enter.
  2. Locate Windows Time Service in the list, right-click, and select Properties.
  3. Ensure the Startup type is set to Automatic (Delayed Start), and if it is not running, click Start.
  4. Click Apply followed by OK.
  5. Disable Time Synchronization in Task Scheduler to avoid conflicts:
    1. Open Task Scheduler and navigate to Task Scheduler Library / Microsoft / Windows / Time Synchronization.
    2. Right-click on Synchronize Time and select Disable.
  6. Reboot your PC to save changes.

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That’s it! You have successfully fixed the issue where the Windows Time service doesn’t start automatically. If you have any questions regarding this guide, please feel free to ask in the comments section.

Windows Time Service Icon

(29) Comments

  1. AngryBee79 -

    I was skeptical at first, but this actually worked for me! Guess I won’t be late to my meetings anymore

  2. Chloe G. -

    Question for everyone: If the service still doesn’t start, should I consider reinstalling Windows? Or are there other avenues to explore

  3. Jessica Ha -

    This was perfect timing! I was just about to give up on fixing this issue. Followed your steps exactly and it worked great!

  4. Curious Cat -

    Is there a way to run a task that checks if the Windows Time service is running every time I boot up? I want to ensure it starts automatically

  5. Nick N. -

    Amazing information! I didn't know how important the Windows Time service was. Now, it’s running like a charm!

  6. Quang vnn -

    Can anyone explain why the Windows Time service keeps stopping? It seems to happen every few days and I'm really tired of restarting it manually.

  7. Liam C. -

    FINALLY! I've tried everything to fix the Windows Time service issue, and your article provided the solution I needed. Thank you! Feeling relieved

  8. Linh mèo -

    I am so relieved! This article guided me through troubleshooting the time service and now everything is synchronized again. You're a lifesaver

  9. Linda B -

    Great tips! After reading your article, I realized my Windows Time service was set to manual. I changed it to automatic, and voila!

  10. Jessica A. -

    Great write-up! I wish I had found this sooner—it would have saved me hours of headaches. Thanks for being so detailed

  11. Trung Nguyễn -

    This is the best explanation I found online. Kudos for taking the time to make it clear and concise!

  12. Tommy Tech -

    Just implemented your steps and my Windows Time service is back in business. I appreciate the clarity in your instructions

  13. Lazy Panda -

    LOL, I was so frustrated with this issue, your article was the breath of fresh air I needed. And move over, 'cause I'm now a time service master too

  14. Rachel T. -

    The troubleshooting section is very useful. I thought I was the only one with this issue. Glad to know I’m not alone!

  15. Hương Đà Nẵng -

    Thanks for sharing this! It’s so frustrating to deal with time sync problems, especially when working with servers. Your solution was very effective

  16. John Smith -

    I've been struggling with the Windows Time service issue for weeks! Thank you for this detailed guide. I followed your steps and it worked perfectly. You saved me a lot of frustration!

  17. Mike Johnson -

    Has anyone else tried this? I did everything as described but still facing issues with the time service not starting. Any tips would be appreciated

  18. Phúc IT -

    Super handy! I had no idea my time service wasn’t auto-starting until I read this. It's crazy how a simple fix can make such a difference!

  19. Mèo con -

    I didn't know the Windows Time service was so crucial until I faced network issues. Thanks for shedding light on this

  20. Mark K. -

    Really appreciate the help! Windows Time has been a pain, but now it auto starts like it's supposed to. Your suggestions made it easy

  21. Henry K. -

    Honestly, I was ready to give up on fixing my windows clock issues until I found your article. Now, everything is back to normal. You rock!

  22. Bob the Builder -

    Great job! I had issues for days until I used your guide. It's always satisfying when tech problems get resolved, isn't it

  23. Sunny Day -

    What an easy fix! I tried it out, and voilà! My Windows Time service is on point now. Thanks a ton!

  24. Diy Master 76 -

    Just wanted to add my two cents. Besides the method you mentioned, checking the event logs helped me find additional clues about the time service error. Sometimes it’s the little things!

  25. Emily O. -

    Question: Does anyone know if this issue is more common with certain Windows versions? I’m currently on Windows 10 and it’s been giving me trouble

  26. Thùy Linh -

    Wow, this solution really works! I was at my wit's end trying to fix my time sync issues. It's now running automatically as it should. Thank you so much

  27. Susan Q. -

    After using your guide, I still noticed some clock discrepancies. Do you think I need a BIOS update to fully resolve it?

  28. David J. -

    The part about Registry changes was especially helpful. I never thought to look there. Thanks for the comprehensive guide

  29. Sarahite98 -

    This article is a lifesaver! I love how you explained everything step by step. It was super easy to follow. Thank you

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