The dual boot is the most useful option available. With the disk partition, you can install two different Operating Systems. If you use both Windows and Linux, you will see that both of them have different clocks.
If you are facing a similar kind of problem, you are in luck, as there are some workarounds that can resolve it windows Linux show different times. To know about them, stick to the end of this blog.
In simple words, It’s hard to sync the system clocks of both operating systems with each other. The reason behind it is the different methods used by these OS for time-keeping.
Understanding Software And Hardware Clock
The software clock is the clock of operating systems. In contrast, the hardware clock functions with a microchip that handles the time.
The motherboard is vital in keeping track of time on your computer. It stores the current time to keep track of it even when the system is off.
Linux Use UTC Time
Operating systems use different methods to determine the time. Linux uses the UTC time approach by default.
This means it assumes the time on the motherboard as Greenwich Mean Time (UTC). And then, according to that, it applies the timezone offset to determine and display the local time.
Microsoft Windows Use The Local Time Zone
As mentioned already, the motherboard of your computer keeps track of time. Unlike Linux, Windows uses the local time zone method. It means that Windows assumes that the stored time in the motherboard is the local time.
Since the time setting is in the local time zone, applying any time zone offset is unnecessary. Due to this reason, both Windows and Linux show different times when you are dual-booting.
What To Do If Windows And Linux Showing Different Times During Dual-Boot?
Make Linux Show Time In Local Format
You can change the method Linux uses for timekeeping. It’s easier and more reliable as compared to doing it in Windows.
This solution will work on modern versions of Linux like Red Hat, Fedora, Ubuntu, Mint, and Debian. Follow the steps below to change Linux’s timekeeping approach:
- Run the following command by opening Terminal:
timedatectl set-local-rtc 1 –adjust-system-clock
Running this command will direct the OS to take the motherboard’s stored time as the local time. This way, Linux will not apply time zone offset, and the clocks will sync on both operating systems.
- To roll back the applied command, switch the 1 to 0:
timedatwctl set-local-rtc 0 –adjust-system-clock
Make Windows Show Time In UTC Timezone
There’s another way to fix Windows and Linux OS showing different times. Change the Windows method of timekeeping.
All you have to do is make Windows assume that the motherboard has stored the time as UTC.
This solution can work, but it can cause some problems as well. Some applications assume the motherboard time as the local time.
This slight change can cause a chain reaction and create several problems. Still, if you want to go ahead with this solution, follow these steps:
- Go to the settings applications and disable “Set time automatically.” You will find it under the “Time & Language” section.
- Go to the Registry Editor by opening the Start Menu and typing Regedit in it.
- Try to find the registry key mentioned below in the registry editor’s left pane. Or copy and paste it into the address bar of the registry editor:
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Control\TimeZoneInformation
- Now, once the “TimeZoneInformation” key appears, right-click on it. You will find it in the left pane.
- A context menu will appear; select “New -> DWORD (32-bit) Value” from it.
- Give the “RealTimeIsUniversal” name to the new value.
- Double-tap on the value you have named and set the value at “1.”
- Click on “OK” to confirm.
Try Not To Change It For Windows
Whenever Windows and Linux show different times, changing Linux’s time settings is ideal.
Changing Windows time settings can cause third-party apps to not sync with the time. It is because the third-party apps operate on local time.
If the time of your computer system doesn’t match the applications you are running on it, it could be a problem.
A single complication due to unmatched time can give birth to a chain reaction. As a result, you might not be able to use any application or software on your system.