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Fixing Time Issues in Windows and Linux Dual Boot

O

Ohidur Rahman Bappy

MAR 22, 2025

Introduction

When dual booting Windows and Linux, you might encounter time synchronization issues. This problem arises because Windows and Linux handle system time differently. In this post, we'll explore how to fix this issue using a simple command.

The Problem

Windows typically sets the system clock to local time, while Linux uses UTC (Coordinated Universal Time) by default. This mismatch can lead to incorrect time being displayed when switching between the two operating systems.

Solution

You can fix this issue by setting Linux to interpret the hardware clock as local time, similar to Windows. This is achieved using the timedatectl command.

Command

Run the following command in your Linux terminal:

timedatectl set-local-rtc 1 --adjust-system-clock
  • set-local-rtc 1: Tells Linux to use local time instead of UTC.
  • --adjust-system-clock: Adjusts the system clock accordingly.

Conclusion

After running the above command, both Windows and Linux should display the correct local time without any discrepancies. Remember to check your time settings if you continue to encounter issues.

By following these simple steps, you can enjoy seamless transitions between your Windows and Linux installations without having to worry about time sync problems.