Although w32tm performs most Windows Time tasks, standard Windows service-management commands are useful when checking or restarting the service.

Common commands

sc query w32time
sc qc w32time
net start w32time
net stop w32time
Restart-Service W32Time

When to restart the service

  • After repairing a damaged registration.
  • During controlled maintenance.
  • When instructed by Microsoft documentation.

Many configuration changes only require w32tm /config ... /update followed by w32tm /resync. A restart is not automatically required.

Related information