How to Configure NTP Time Servers on Windows Server

Updated October 2026: These steps work on Windows Server 2012 R2 through 2025. In a domain, run them on the domain controller that holds the PDC emulator role; the other domain controllers and computers sync from it. Separate the server names with spaces, and use straight quotes when you type the command.

1. Use Google, Bing, or other preferred search engine to locate trusted NTP time servers. These are typically provided by government or other network organizations.
   
2. Log onto the domain controller with administrative credentials and launch a command prompt
   
3. Stop the time service with the following command: net stop w32time
   
4. Enter the following command to configure the NTP time servers: w32tm /config /syncfromflags:manual /manualpeerlist:"server1 server2 server3" then hit enter.
   
   For example: w32tm /config /syncfromflags:manual /manualpeerlist:"0.us.pool.ntp.org 1.us.pool.ntp.org 2.us.pool.ntp.org 3.us.pool.ntp.org"
   
   The command should complete successfully.
   
5. Inform the domain controller that these are trusted server with the following command: w32tm /config /reliable:yes
   
6. 6. Restart the time service: net start w32time
   
7. Review the results by entering: w32tm /query /configuration
   
8. Ensure the settings are the desired ones.
   
9. w32tm /resync. Then close the command prompt. The NTP servers have now been configured.