Effortless Time Syncing for Two Windows 11 PCs: A Connected Desk Solution

Introduction

In today's digital age, having two Windows 11 PCs can be a boon for productivity. However, keeping the time synchronized between these two systems can be a hassle, especially when they are not connected to the internet or a domain controller. In this article, we will explore an effortless solution to keep the time synced between two Windows 11 PCs using a connected desk solution.

Prerequisites

To follow this solution, ensure both Windows 11 PCs meet the following requirements:

• Both PCs must be running Windows 11.
• Both PCs must be connected to the same local network.

Setting Up Time Syncing

To set up time syncing between the two PCs, follow these steps:

1. Configure Windows Time Service

   On both PCs, open the Control Panel and navigate to "Clock and Time" settings. Click on "Sync with an Internet time server" and select "Change settings". Choose "Synchronize with an Internet time server" and click "Update now" to sync the time with an internet time server.

   net time /query /server:pool.ntp.org net time /setsystime /machinename:ComputerName /ntp:pool.ntp.org

2. Configure Firewall Settings

   On both PCs, open the Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security. Navigate to "Inbound Rules" and create a new rule to allow the Windows Time service through the firewall. Repeat the process for the outbound rules as well.

3. Configure Group Policy (Optional)

   If both PCs are part of a domain, you can configure the Group Policy settings to sync time automatically. Navigate to "Computer Configuration" > "Administrative Templates" > "System" > "Windows Time Service". Enable the "Set time server" and "Set time provider ordering" policies.

Verifying Time Syncing

To verify that the time syncing is working correctly, open the Command Prompt on both PCs and run the following commands:

By following the steps outlined in this article, you can effortlessly keep the time synchronized between two Windows 11 PCs on the same local network. This solution is ideal for situations where an internet connection or domain controller is not available.