If you’ve noticed that your computer shows the wrong time every time you turn it on, or if the clock resets unexpectedly, you’ve likely asked yourself: “Why does my computer lose time?” It’s a common technical issue that can cause a range of problems—from failed internet connections to errors in apps and online services.
In this article, we’ll explain why your computer loses time, the most common causes behind it, and how you can permanently fix the issue without needing to reset the time manually every day.
Why does my computer lose time: Why accurate time matters
Timekeeping isn’t just about convenience—it’s crucial to how your system functions. Incorrect time can affect:
- Secure connections to websites (HTTPS)
- Cloud services and online platforms
- Operating system updates
- File timestamps and version tracking
- Scheduled tasks and application behavior
That’s why understanding why your computer loses time can help you avoid technical issues and security risks.
1. Dead or faulty CMOS battery
The number one reason why your computer loses time is a dead or damaged CMOS battery. This small battery powers the CMOS chip on the motherboard, which stores your system’s time, date, and BIOS settings even when the computer is off.
If this battery fails, your computer forgets the time every time you shut it down or unplug it.
What to do:
- Open your desktop case (or ask a technician) and replace the CMOS battery (usually a CR2032 coin battery)
- Restart the system, enter BIOS, and set the correct time and date
2. Internet time synchronization problems
Another reason why your computer loses time could be due to failure in synchronizing with internet time servers (like time.windows.com or pool.ntp.org). If your firewall blocks the connection or your system boots before internet access is ready, time sync may fail.
Fix it by:
- Going to Date and Time settings > Internet Time > Change settings and choosing a reliable time server
- Restarting the Windows Time service if needed, or correcting sync via command line
3. BIOS misconfiguration or corruption
In some cases, a misconfigured or corrupted BIOS can be the reason why your computer loses time. If BIOS isn’t saving settings properly or is stuck on a default date, the system may reset time during startup.
What to do:
- Enter BIOS and verify system time and date
- Select “Load Optimized Defaults” or reset BIOS settings if needed
- Save changes and restart the computer
4. Operating system or software issues
Sometimes the answer to why your computer loses time lies in the operating system. If the Windows Time service (w32time) is malfunctioning, or if system files are corrupted, your PC might not update or maintain the time correctly.
Try this fix:
Run the following in Command Prompt (Admin):
arduinoCopyEditnet stop w32time
w32tm /unregister
w32tm /register
net start w32time
Also, check system files by running:
bashCopyEditsfc /scannow
5. Why does my laptop lose time?
When it comes to laptops, why your computer loses time can still point to the CMOS battery—but in some cases, the main laptop battery may be at fault. On older laptops, if the main battery can’t hold a charge, it might not power the CMOS circuit properly.
How to test if CMOS battery is the issue
If you’re unsure why your computer loses time, follow these steps:
- Set the correct time in BIOS
- Shut down the computer and unplug it completely for a few hours
- Turn it back on and check the BIOS clock
If the time has reset or reverted to a default value (like 01/01/2000), then your CMOS battery is dead or faulty.
Summary
To recap, why your computer loses time is usually due to:
- A depleted CMOS battery
- Failed synchronization with time servers
- Corrupted or misconfigured BIOS
- Operating system problems
- Power issues on laptops
Replacing the CMOS battery is the most effective and straightforward fix. But it’s important to also check network sync and BIOS settings to ensure time is preserved correctly.
So, if you’ve been wondering why your computer loses time, now you know what to look for and how to resolve it once and for all.
