Synchronise Windows Time with NTP Server

By default, all domain-joined servers and workstations synchronise their time with the PDC Emulator Domain Controller. However how do you configure Windows Time synchronisation for the PDC Emulator and for non-domain joined machines?

This article explains how to configure Windows Time to synchronise an external time source (NTP server), whether that be internal to your network or an internet NTP server.

How To – Synchronise Windows Time with NTP Server

Follow the steps below to configure Windows Time to sync with one or more NTP servers:

1. Run Elevated Command Prompt

2. Run the following command (replacing ntpserver with the name of the server you want to synchronise with):

   w32tm /config /syncfromflags:manual /manualpeerlist:ntpserver1,ntpserver2

3. Stop Windows Time by running:

   net stop w32time

4. Start Windows Time by running:

   net start w32time

5. Windows Time will now synchronise with the configured NTP Servers

Force Time Synchronisation

If you want to force a machine to complete a Windows Time synchronisation, then complete the following:

1. Run Elevated Command Prompt

2. Run the following command:

   w32tm /resync

3. This will force Windows Time to resync with the configure time source

Configure Windows Time via Registry Keys (or Group Policy)

Alternatively, if you want to configure Windows Time settings via the registry or if you want to deploy them via Group Policy Preference registry keys, then have a look at Microsoft KB816042.

Hope this helps

Luca