Acer Laptop Time Not Accurate? [Quick Fix]

You have just gotten an Acer laptop, and everything is running fine except the time. Why is the Acer laptop date or time inaccurate? How can you fix the time?

While you are researching Acer computers, be sure to check out the article: Should I Register My Acer Laptop? Benefits Explained and bookmark the category page for future reference: Acer Computers

If the laptop needs to show the correct time, follow these steps to reset the date and time.

• Simply click on the WINDOWS button in the bottom left-hand corner. 
• With the START MENU on the screen, click on SETTINGS (the little gear)
• Click on the TIME and LANGUAGE Icon
• Find the Toggle for SET TIME AUTOMATICALLY. Toggle it off. 
• Click on the CHANGE icon.
• Select the appropriate DATE and TIME – click on CHANGE
• If you are still waiting to see the changes made, RESTART your laptop.

Anyone who uses a laptop knows how important it is to have the correct information generated from the computer. (After all, isn’t that why we bought the laptop in the first place? To access the right or, in some cases, semi-right information?) One of the essential pieces of information is the date and time stamp at the bottom right-hand corner. But how do we fix it if it is off or shows the wrong date, time, or language?

Why Is My Acer Not Showing the Right Time?

Suppose your Acer laptop is not showing the correct time consistently (even after you have manually adjusted it). In that case, this problem could signal either a dying battery, an incorrect setting, or even malware on occasion. 

Dying Battery

If you are working on an older model Acer, your battery could deteriorate and need repair or replacement. Every laptop has a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxid Semiconductor) battery that powers a CMOS microchip (also called a BIOS chip). The chip allows your laptop to store memory settings and other vital information, so you don’t have to re-enter stuff. 

This battery sends power to the BIOS chip when you power up your computer. (BIOS stands for Basic Input/Output System). The BIOS chip does a quick self-check and then starts sending information to your laptop so that it can run correctly. One of the functions that this chip is responsible for is to keep time-based on an internal clock. 

If your computer reverts to a default set time, like 01/01/2009, are a good indication that the CMOS chip is at fault and needs to be replaced. 

The CMOS battery is coin-shaped, like the kind that goes in a watch or your car’s remote. If the laptop resets the time and date every time you turn it on, chances are this battery is bad. While the repair is relatively easy and cheap to do yourself, it can be tricky for most of us non-techies. (Since getting to the CMOS battery can be rather tricky on a laptop, it involves taking your laptop apart to access the motherboard, pulling the battery, replacing it with a new one, and then reassembling the bottom of the laptop casing) 

If you are not sure that you want to fool with this, we recommend taking it to a professional who can do the service for you. 

Faulty Settings – Wrong Time Zone

Sometimes the laptop simply defaults to a time zone that doesn’t happen to be where you live. Luckily, it is pretty easy to diagnose and fix. If your Acer has the right minutes but not the correct hour, then chances are it is resetting to the wrong time zone.

To fix the problem, click on the date and time icons in your Acer’s bottom right-hand corner. Select the Adjust Time and Date icon. Turn the Select Time Automatically, and the Select Date Automatically toggles to on. Be sure that the Time Zone you select is where you are. Otherwise, your clock will be off again. 

Depending on your OS, you can set the time zone automatically based on the location of your IP address. Click on the date and time, check to be sure that the Time and Date based on the IP address are engaged, and you should be all set.

If this does not work, you can manually reset your Windows time. Go to Settings, click on Language and Region, and then Date and Time. (You will need to disable Set Time Zone Automatically – it’s a toggle). Select the correct date and time, click Apply, and then Ok. 

There is also an option to instruct Windows to update the time for Daylight Savings Time automatically. Select this option, so you don’t have to keep coming back and adjusting the time every spring and fall. 

Malware

Unfortunately, malware exists in this world, and there are instances (although not often) where a virus messes with the clock. To remove any malware, you should ensure that your virus protection is current with all updates. Malware can be difficult to remove, but you will have a good start with excellent security programs on your laptop. One of the best secondary programs for this issue is Malwarebytes. 

Once everything is downloaded and installed, run the malware program in safe mode. Malware doesn’t boot up in safe mode, making detecting and removing the malware easier. 

Once again, it is always good to seek professional help if you need it. There are several good virus protection programs that can be downloaded, but if your attempts to correct this problem don’t succeed, take it to someone and have them take a crack at making things right. 

How Long Does a CMOS battery last?

Generally, these types of lithium-ion batteries last for about 3-5 years, depending on the amount of usage. Since the batteries are rechargeable, they can last even longer. They fail every now and then, but most users rarely face this issue. 

What are the Signs the My CMOS Battery Might Be Failing?

Several warning signs can lead to a diagnosis of a failed battery. 

• Date and Time Reset
• Overheating
• Loss of Power – Short Span of Use Time
• Age of laptop
• Warning from Windows

If any of these indicators appear, you may need to replace your battery. 

Key Takeaways

• The wrong time display may be a sign of a bad CMOS battery.
• Owners can replace the battery by themselves, but replacement on laptops can be tricky.
• A wrong timestamp can be an issue with the laptop set to the wrong time zone.
• A wrong time stamp might be an indication of Malware.