Sync Windows and Linux clocks to the same time

[Wolfie]

Hi all,

anyone that uses Linux and Windows (dual boot), may well know the problem syncing the clocks between the 2 operating systems, a simple cheat to solve this problem below!.

Lie to one of the operating systems; as simple as that, I leave Windows showing "Set time automatically" and the correct zone (CET = Amsterdam, Berlin etc but not "Set time zone automatically") and tell Linux (Kubuntu 17.04 in this case) that I am in the Azores (take out tick for "Set date and time automatically"), this syncs both clocks and when you switch between the two, the clock still shows the correct time.

If I don't lie to one of the systems, there is normally a 2 hour time difference, using the method above, both clocks always show the same time!. You may need to play around with the different time zones depending on where you are in the world!.

My settings for both operating systems:

Windows 10 Home Edition

Kubuntu 17.04

 

[davehc]

I have no in depth knowledge of Linux. Isn't there a setting for Internet time? That is where I have my computers (Windows of course) pointing

 

[Wolfie]

HI Dave,

the problem is that one of the systems will take command of the CMOS clock, when you switch between the two, the time is often off by 2 hours or more so lying to one of the systems as to where you really are; is something that solves the problem!.

The problem with the automatic clock setting is that it simply doesn't work effectively when working with 2 different operating systems!. If both systems were Windows; it wouldn't make a difference to the time settings as far as I know?.

 

[davehc]

Hmm. Not really understanding, I take your word for it.
I only operate from one "Time" region, so where I am is not an issue.. I use, as I said, the "time.windows.com", an internet time server.
I would have thought that LInux would be efficient in keeping its own time, regardless of whatever another OS was doing.. It does of course, axiomatically use the Cmos clock, there being no other standardised.. But in my case, I am only using one OS per computer, so only one would be using it.

P.S. For example, it is now telling me it is time for a lunch beer or two.

 

[Wolfie]

HI Dave,

under normal circumstances you could use the automatic time settings in both operating systems, the problem is that the clocks (on my PC's at least) are always out of sync with each other, as I said above; mostly by 2 hours!.

I don't even mind getting data from the Azores, I'm sure they are very nice people!.

Leave the beer alone and drink coffee, you will live longer according to the latest reports!.

https://authoritynutrition.com/top-13-evidence-based-health-benefits-of-coffee/

 

[Tim Locke]

Last time I used Linux ( Ubuntu) it automatically called up a time server at boot just as Windows does and was always correct. Why is your Linux machine set to the Azores rather than where you are. I am quite sure the Azores are full of nice people as well.

 

[Wolfie]

Hi Tim,

I tried leaving it on automatic but the time is always wrong on one or the other operating systems!. the above is the only way I can get the clocks to sync!.

I could fiddle around with the Windows registry but I don't want to do that!:

https://www.howtogeek.com/211144/ho...play-the-correct-and-matching-time-dual-boot/

 

[Tim Locke]

Hi Tim,

I tried leaving it on automatic but the time is always wrong on one or the other operating systems!. the above is the only way I can get the clocks to sync!.

I could fiddle around with the Windows registry but I don't want to do that!:

https://www.howtogeek.com/211144/ho...play-the-correct-and-matching-time-dual-boot/

This is silly. In your picture of Linux you show the time zone selected as the Azores. I guess you can scroll down to wherever you want. Right? When you do that do you hit Apply before hitting OK ? I have seen this before...bad UI programming imho as OK should imply Apply but certainly it doesn't on some applications.

 

[Regedit32]

If the time is always wrong, maybe its time to check the cmos battery?!

 

[davehc]

Wolfie.", you will live longer according to the latest reports!. "

OMG I could prove them Wrong at my age!!!!!!!
- and, with sincerity, I hope not too much longer.

 

[Wolfie]

If the time is always wrong, maybe its time to check the cmos battery?!

Hi Regedit32,

it has everything to do with the UTC settings, the clocks (on both systems) should be set to "Local Time" and then there wouldn't be a problem, the problem is that when you install a Linux system in dual boot, you often don't get the chance to select using local time rather than UTC!.

I could change Windows (or Linux via "root") using a script or playing around with the registry/system files but I really don't want to start advising people to muck around with their reg lists!.

Hi Tim,

I selected the Azores as the best option for my timezone which is Central Europe, I could of course select a different timezone but the clock would be off again!. When I set my timezone during an Ubuntu install, I don't recall seeing a setting for local time or UTC, or am I wrong?.

Hi Dave,

the mother of my best friend will be 96 in a few days time, she has often said to me that she prays at night to "go", she is a great old Irish girl and even at her age; one can still have a good chat with her, the world will be a sadder place without her (for me at least!).

 

[Regedit32]

it has everything to do with the UTC settings, the clocks (on both systems) should be set to "Local Time" and then there wouldn't be a problem

Fair enough Wolfie. I must admit, after posting my query, the thought crossed my mind that if it were a battery issue then the windows clock would also be out of sync, not just the linux one. I have not bothered dual booting anything thus far with Windows 10 so have not had a chance to explore any particular niggles that might come with doing that.

I might have a go in the weekend to test things as I have several linux distros lying around and its about time I saw how well they perform in combination with Windows 10. When I get a chance to I'll make sure to note the install process to see whether there are any options to work-around this issue you've highlighted.

I do not recall such as issue back in Vista or windows 7 days, but perhaps I just never noticed.

 

[Wolfie]

Hi Regedit32,

please let me know, as far as I know; there isn't a time setting option during an Ubuntu install but I can't remember for the life of me!. It would be a nice option to have, I know that PCLinuxOS has it; as do several other versions of Linux, I don't think Ubuntu has this option though and hence the problem!.

THe following link is a fix-it for Ubuntu (I'm using Kubuntu 17.04) but it is a tad old, most likely fact is that I didn't install "NTP" which I need to take a look at.

https://help.ubuntu.com/community/UbuntuTime

The thread starter is still an easy fix for the non-techies out there which is what I aimed at!.

 

[Regedit32]

please let me know, as far as I know; there isn't a time setting option during an Ubuntu install

Will do Wolfie.

I thought you just had to install the NTP daemon although that may only be with Servers, we'll see in the weekend.

sudo apt-get install ntp

Then grab the config file and select the server:

sudo nano /etc/ntp.conf

Then you ensure a more accurate time setting use the appropriate regional setting, which in your case is probably:

europe.pool.ntp.org

Anyway, we'll see during the weekend how things go.

In time I'll know I guess *pun fully intended*

 

[Wolfie]

I thought you just had to install the NTP daemon although that may only be with Servers, we'll see in the weekend.

That is right Regedit32, the problem lies with the fact that there isn't an option (as fas as I am aware of) to set the clock to local time during the install on an Ubuntu (based) system!.

Anyway, let me know what happens and when I get more time; I will check out what KDE's (Kubuntu's) needs are!.

 

[davehc]

"the mother of my best friend will be 96 in a few days time, she has often said to me that she prays at night to "go", she is a great old Irish girl and even at her age; one can still have a good chat with her, the world will be a sadder place without her (for me at least"

A childhood prayer I remember:
Now I lay me down to sleep,
I pray the lord, my sould shall keep..etc

Anyway, sorry, nothing to do with Linux clocks.

 

[Wolfie]

Not a problem Dave, my clocks are still synced and that is really what the thread starter is about but that's not to say we can't have a friendly chat with each other!.

I am a great believer in keeping it as simple as possible:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/KISS_principle

Hi @Regedit32,

just to let you know that I installed the package "ntp" in Kubuntu, I then reset the Kubuntu clock to run automatically and then checked Windows and the time was off by 2 hours again!. Using NTP would mean changing settings (edit the reg) in Windows as well as Kubuntu by the look of things?.

 

[Regedit32]

just to let you know that I installed the package "ntp" in Kubuntu, I then reset the Kubuntu clock to run automatically and then checked Windows and the time was off by 2 hours again

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