How to Update the Clock on a Computer

Your computer's clock does a good job of keeping itself updated, but there can be some instances where you need to reset it yourself.

Your computer's clock will usually remain updated on its own, but if a power outage or other failure causes it to display the time incorrectly, then you may need to reset it. To ensure the integrity of your data and the proper operation of your applications, you should always keep your clock set to the correct time.

If your computer has access to the Internet, you can configure the clock to synchronize itself with an Internet time server periodically. If you are not connected to the Internet, however, you can still set the time manually.

Things You'll Need

• Windows or Mac OS X

Instructions

Setting the Clock on Mac OS X

1. Click on the "Apple" icon on the left side of the menu bar and select "System Preferences ..." from the menu.

2. Click on the "Date & Time" icon under the "System" section of the System Preferences application.

3. If you are connected to the Internet and want your computer to keep itself updated, then check the box labeled "Set date and time automatically," and select the server from the drop down list that corresponds to the continent on which you are located.

4. If you want to set your clock manually instead of synchronizing with an Internet time server, then clear the box labeled "Set date and time automatically," and then use the calendar and clock controls below it to adjust the time on your computer.

5. Close the "Date & Time" preferences window.

Setting the Clock on Windows

1. Right-click on the clock in your taskbar and select "Adjust Date/Time" from the menu to open the "Date and Time Properties" window.

2. If you are connected to the Internet and want your computer to keep itself updated, then click the "Internet Time" tab, check the box labeled "Automatically synchronize with an Internet time server," and then click the "Update Now" button.

3. If you want to set your clock manually instead of synchronizing with an Internet time server, then click the "Date & Time" tab (if it is not already active) and then use the calendar and clock controls below it to adjust the time on your computer.

4. Close the "Date and Time Properties" window.

References

• Mac OS X 10.6 Help: Setting the date and time
• Windows XP: Set your clock automatically