How Do Windows Maintain Accurate Time? Understanding the RTC and NTP

Discover how Windows keeps time accurate using the RTC and internet time servers. Enhance your tech knowledge today!

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Windows keeps time using the hardware clock (RTC) on the motherboard and periodically synchronizes with Internet time servers (NTP) to ensure accuracy. This mechanism ensures consistency and reliability, maintaining the system clock even when the device is powered off or restarted.

FAQs & Answers

  1. What is the RTC in Windows? The RTC, or Real-Time Clock, is a hardware clock on the motherboard responsible for keeping time even when the computer is powered off.
  2. What are NTP servers? NTP servers, or Network Time Protocol servers, are internet services that synchronize the time of devices over a network for accuracy.
  3. Why is time accuracy important in Windows? Time accuracy is crucial for various system functions, including scheduled tasks, file timestamps, and network communications.
  4. How does Windows synchronize time? Windows synchronizes time by periodically connecting with configured NTP servers to adjust the system clock based on accurate external time.

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