Forum Discussion
Windows regularly changes the time by one minute: what can I do?
Hi all,
How to prevent Windows from updating the time? (please read all the text)
My windows application developed in for Windows 7/10 & 11, works 7 days a week on a PC that is not connected to the Internet, there is no time server connected to the computer.
I developed my application to receive the WM_TIMECHANGE message that is why I notice that I receive this message regularly, at a frequency that seems to depend on the PCs but always with the same offset: 1 minute.
My explanation (supposition) would be that Windows maintains a software clock that would shift over time and would update itself when the shift reaches one minute, at least that's what I conclude. Note that this PC is not connected to the Internet and is not on a network.
In the event manager, I can find this information in the System item (source=Kernel-General) with the following message: System time changed from 2023-02-08T21:38:00,887702300Z to 2023-02-08T21:39:01.50000000Z. Reason for change: System time synchronized with the hardware clock. Procedure: "" (PID4)
This phenomenon that sometimes happens once every 2/3 months, and sometimes every week. This is a big problem for me because I store data as it happens and I timestamp it.
How to avoid this automatic clock updating ?
- I stopped w32time and even disabled it (w32tm /unregister and net stop w32time)
- I've disabled the time synchronisation task in the task scheduler.
- I also disabled "Hyper-V Time Synchronisation Service"
Nothing helps, Windows changes the time by one minute every ten days or so.
Thank you for your help.
- I can't find common hardware with you.
Disabling High Precision Event Timer (HPET) also
I've been offered but I don't trust it.
It helped me a lot. Thank you very much. - Same Issue have you got any solution? I am also not connected to NET, but due to -1 min time correction communication fail.
CPthankyou01I'm still looking for a solution.
Changing any value in the registry (w32time) has no effect. Can you tell me which machine you're experiencing the problem on? Its brand and, above all, the motherboard model, so that we can compare?franckcle Dell Desktop with windows19 pro we have only remove server folder in time sync in registry but same issue. Problem repeated at every 13 days approx. one minitue time back adjust with Hardware clock same mention as you.
- Since you are not connected to the internet and from the log files, it might get update from the BIOS/UEFI. I advise you to check the BIOS/UEFI time settings.
- Thank you for your answer.
Yes, I also think that Windows reads the CMOS clock from time to time and if the difference exceeds 1 minute, it updates the Windows clock. But the question is: how can this be avoided?
I can't find any answers on this subject, neither on web pages, nor on forums...I'm a bit desperate and I find it strange that I'm the only one with this problem!- Your issue is a bit rare , because majority of Windows users are connected to internet and receive update from the Microsoft server.
Since this is an issue with the hardware, it is good idea to check with your device's manufacturer support. You may also check if there is any update for motherboard like firmware or BIOS update.
