Reference

`w32tm` command reference for domain hierarchy, manual peers, resync, status, and monitoring.

This page condenses the Windows Time service tooling you actually need during identity and clock troubleshooting. It is meant as an operator’s quick-reference sheet rather than a full parameter dump.

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Useful Commands

Commands worth remembering in live work.

  • `w32tm /query /status /verbose` to inspect source, offset, poll interval, and recent state.
  • `w32tm /query /configuration` to see effective configuration.
  • `w32tm /query /source` to confirm the current time source quickly.
  • `w32tm /resync /rediscover` to force source rediscovery and resync.
  • `w32tm /monitor` and `w32tm /stripchart` for cross-system time comparison.
Operational Notes

What matters most in domain environments.

  • Domain-joined members normally use the domain hierarchy (`NT5DS`).
  • The forest root PDC emulator usually anchors external time synchronization.
  • W32Time uses UDP 123 for synchronization.
  • Manual peer changes should be intentional and documented, especially on domain controllers.