Windows 11 time and date keep resetting and how to fix it

If your Windows 11 computer keeps resetting its time and date, it's usually caused by a failing CMOS battery or incorrect system settings. To fix it, check the CMOS battery status and replace it if necessary. Also, verify and adjust Windows time settings, sync with internet time servers, and ensure the Windows Time service is running properly.

Why does my Windows 11 time and date keep resetting?

When Windows 11 repeatedly resets its time and date, you might see the clock jump back to a default date or incorrect time after rebooting or waking from sleep. This happens because the system can’t retain the correct time.

Common causes include a drained or faulty CMOS battery on your motherboard, which powers the hardware clock when the PC is off. On the software side, incorrect synchronization settings or a malfunctioning Windows Time service can cause the problem. Issues with the BIOS or outdated Windows updates may also disrupt timekeeping.

Could a faulty CMOS battery be causing this?

The CMOS battery is a small coin-cell battery on your motherboard that powers the CMOS chip, which stores BIOS settings including the hardware clock. If this battery is weak or dead, your PC loses track of time when it’s powered off, so Windows resets to a default date and time on startup.

To check if the CMOS battery is the cause, see if the time resets immediately after shutting down or unplugging your PC. Another sign is if BIOS settings revert to defaults.

You can open the PC case and inspect the battery, usually a CR2032 lithium coin cell. If it looks corroded or you don’t know its age, replacing it is a good idea. On laptops, the battery may be harder to access, but the symptoms are the same.

Replacing the battery in desktops involves powering off, unplugging, grounding yourself, removing the old battery, and inserting a new one with the same orientation. After replacement, reset the BIOS date and time once, which should then stay correct.

How do I fix Windows 11 time and date resetting issues?

Start by checking Windows settings before hardware fixes, since software fixes are easier.

1. Set the correct time zone:

Settings > Time & language > Date & time

Enable "Set time zone automatically" or select the correct time zone manually.

2. Sync your clock with an internet time server:

In the same Date & time settings, turn on "Set time automatically" and click "Sync now" under "Additional settings". This forces Windows to update its clock from a reliable online source.

3. Restart the Windows Time service:

Open PowerShell as Administrator and enter:

Restart-Service w32time

Restarting the service often fixes syncing issues.

4. Manually resynchronize the time:

w32tm /resync

This forces an immediate update.

5. Check the BIOS time:

Restart your PC and enter BIOS setup (usually by pressing F2, Del, or Esc during boot). Make sure the BIOS clock shows the correct time and date. If not, set it manually and save.

If the time still resets after these steps, consider replacing the CMOS battery or check for BIOS updates from your PC manufacturer that might fix timekeeping issues.

How can I verify the time and date settings are now stable?

After applying fixes, monitor your PC’s time accuracy through several restarts and sleep cycles. The clock should stay correct without resetting.

You can check Windows Time service logs in Event Viewer:

1. Open Event Viewer from the Start menu.
2. Go to Applications and Services Logs > Microsoft > Windows > Time-Service > Operational.
3. Look for recent entries showing successful time synchronization.

If there are no errors and the time doesn’t reset after reboot or waking the PC, the issue is likely fixed. Another test is to leave the PC off overnight and check that the time is correct on startup, confirming the CMOS battery is working.

What can I do to prevent future time and date resetting problems?

Keep Windows 11 updated to get the latest fixes and improvements. After major updates, check your time and date settings.

If you replaced the CMOS battery, remember that it typically lasts several years; plan to replace it again before it fails.

Avoid abrupt shutdowns or power interruptions that can sometimes affect BIOS settings.

If you use dual boot or third-party software that changes system time, configure them properly to avoid conflicts that cause resets.

Conclusion

If your Windows 11 time and date keep resetting, first confirm your time zone and internet time sync settings, then restart the Windows Time service. If the problem continues, check your BIOS time and replace the CMOS battery if needed. After fixing, monitor your PC through restarts and sleep cycles to ensure the issue is resolved. Keeping your system updated and hardware maintained will help prevent this problem from returning.