How to Set the Timezone and Configure NTP on Windows Server?
Network Time Protocol (NTP) operates as a dedicated networking protocol designed to synchronize time across computer systems and devices within packet-switched networks that experience inconsistent latency.
Windows 11 system normally synchronizes its clock with Microsoft’s time server time by default. windows. com. There exist certain instances where utilizing an alternative NTP (Network Time Protocol) server becomes necessary. The default server might be unreachable or you may prefer using a local time server specific to your region.
This blog guides you on how to set a time zone and configure NTP on a windows server.
Set the Timezone using PowerShell
1. Open Windows PowerShell from the start menu, or open the run dialog (Win key + R), type powershell in the search bar, and proceed to start PowerShell.
2. To check the server timezone, run the below command.
PS > Get-Timezone
3. View all the time zones.
PS> Get-Timezone -ListAvailable
Use the below command to filter by name, and to find your target timezone
PS> Get-Timezone -ListAvailable | Where-Object {$_.displayname -like "*India*"}
The command displays all names containing the characters India. Choose a different string like New York.
4. Change the timezone.
PS> Set-Timezone -Name "Indian Standard Time"
There is also an option to change the timezone by ID.
PS> Set-Timezone -Id "Indian Standard Time"
Configuration of NTP
- Besides setting the timezone, Windows can be configured to use NTP, to synchronize the time.
- Open the Run dialog window by clicking the Windows key (WIN) + R.
- In the search bar, add regedit and click OK to start the Registry Editor.
- Expand the registry navigation tree : HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE -> SYSTEM -> CurrentControlSet -> Services
- Expand W32Time.
- Click Config.
- Select AnnounceFlags
- Add 5 in the Value data field.
- Click OK to save changes.
- Finally, click Parameters, In the left pane.
Configure NTP Using PowerShell
To configure NTP using Powershell, use the below commands.
1. Open the PowerShell with administrative privileges.
2. Verify status of NTP time synchronization.
PS> w32tm /query /status
3. Type the below command to set the time AnnounceFlags to 5.
PS> Set-ItemProperty -Path "HKLM:\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\services\W32Time\Config" -Name "AnnounceFlags" -Value 5
4. Enable NTP Server.
PS> Set-ItemProperty -Path "HKLM:\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\w32time\TimeProviders\NtpServer" -Name "Enabled" -Value 1
5. Restart the Windows Time.
PS> Restart-Service w32Time
6. Finally, test the NTP synchronization.
PS> Restart-Service w32Time
The time zone has been set successfully and configured NTP on Windows Server. To find the latest information and updates, please refer the below links:
