Most Windows Time troubleshooting begins with three commands:

w32tm /query /source
w32tm /query /status
w32tm /query /configuration

Those commands identify the selected source, the last successful synchronisation and the effective configuration. Configuration changes should normally be made only after those details have been recorded.

Commands in this section

w32tm /query

Display the current source, synchronisation status, effective configuration, peers and related information.

w32tm /config

Configure manual peers, domain hierarchy synchronisation, reliability and other Windows Time settings.

w32tm /resync

Request an immediate synchronisation and optionally force source rediscovery.

w32tm /stripchart

Compare the local clock with another computer or NTP server without changing the Windows Time configuration.

w32tm /monitor

Compare domain controllers and display their measured offsets and reference information.

w32tm /register

Register Windows Time Service and restore its service registration.

w32tm /unregister

Remove the Windows Time service registration. This is a repair operation, not a routine troubleshooting step.

Windows Time debug logging

Enable detailed diagnostic logging after normal source, configuration and network checks have been completed.

Service control commands

Use sc, net and PowerShell to inspect and control the Windows Time service.

Registry settings

Understand the registry values behind Windows Time Service and how Group Policy affects them.

Common command examples

Ready-to-review examples for Active Directory, standalone systems, verification and troubleshooting.

Run commands as an administrator

Query commands usually work from a normal command prompt, but configuration, service-control and repair commands require an elevated Command Prompt or PowerShell session.

Use the right command for the job

  • Use /query to see what Windows is doing.
  • Use /stripchart to test and compare a source without changing configuration.
  • Use /monitor to compare domain controllers.
  • Use /config to change the design.
  • Use /resync only after the intended source is available.

Microsoft documentation

Related sections