If you want to change how often your computer synchronises the clock to your chosen time server, you can do so via the Registry Editor. It is set to one week by default.
- Open regedit (as an administrator) by typing ‘regedit‘ into the start menu/run box
- Navigate to the following registry key: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\ControlSet001\services\W32Time\TimeProviders\NtpClient (you can copy and paste this in the address bar at the top)
- Double click ‘SpecialPollInterval‘
- Click ‘Decimal‘ and input your desired time (in seconds) into the value box and press OK
The interval has now been updated to the time you have set.
Note: I would suggest not setting it to less than 15 minutes, to prevent Microsoft (or whomever owns the time servers you are using) potentially blocking your requests due to how frequently you are requesting. I do not have any evidence to back this up but think it is reasonable to assume they would not want to be spammed with requests.
Tip: You can search in Google ’30 minutes to seconds’ (replacing 30 minutes with your chosen time period) and it will convert this for you without needing to use another website.
Why Would I Want To Change The Interval?
The majority of people will not need to change this. I have personally changed the interval due to an issue where my motherboard will not correctly store the current time and will often fall behind. I have pinpointed this to the motherboard as I have replaced the CMOS battery and reinstalled my operating system but the problem persists. Changing the interval allows my computer to keep the correct time without me needing to manually synchronise every so often.
