Sync the clock on Windows 7 to the time server more frequently

Question

On Windows 7, is the way to sync the clock to the time server more frequently still the same as before (by regedit)?

Are there other ways such as by using the control panel or system tool?

Answer 1

It's the same. It hasn't changed since Windows XP.

To change the delay, simply edit the following registry key:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\w32time\TimeProviders\NtpClient

The value there is the number of seconds between updates.

Answer 2

In Windows 7, the registry key is modified to:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\w32time\Config\UpdateInterval

Answer 3

Atomic Clock Sync works well for me. But it is not yet officially supported on Windows 7 from what the notes say. But it works for Windows Vista, so it could still work.

Answer 4

I like the method of using the standard windows task scheduler to set up a job that syncs more frequently. What I like about this is that it works well and I don't have to mess with the registry.

See http://www.pretentiousname.com/timesync/ for a great write up on this.

The gist is:

Setup a task (run taskschd.msc from cmd line) to run at the frequency you desire.

You'll add two actions to the task running as LOCAL SERVICE user running with highest privileges.

1

program/script: %windir%\system32\sc.exe

arguments: start w32time task_started

2

program/script: %windir%\system32\w32tm.exe

arguments: /resync

Under settings make sure to check Run task as soon as possible after a scheduled start is missed.