Is your Dell computer’s time and date keeps changing or resetting every time you turn it off or restart it?
This is a common problem on Dell desktop PCs and laptops. You may notice that the clock shows the wrong time, the date goes back to an old date, or Windows keeps asking you to correct the time and date.
Fortunately, there are three main ways to fix a Dell computer with a changing or incorrect time and date:
- Change the time and date in the BIOS
- Change the time and date inside Windows
- Replace the CMOS battery
Let’s go through each method step by step.
Why Does My Dell Computer Keep Changing the Time and Date?
There are several possible reasons why the date and time keep changing.
The most common causes include:
- Incorrect date and time settings in Windows
- Incorrect BIOS/UEFI date and time settings
- Windows time synchronisation problems
- A weak or dead CMOS battery
- The computer losing its BIOS settings when powered off
If your Dell computer keeps resetting the date and time after you shut it down, a faulty or discharged CMOS battery is one of the first things you should check.
Method 1: Change the Date and Time in Dell BIOS
The first thing you can try is changing the date and time directly in the BIOS/UEFI settings.
This is particularly useful if the date and time are already incorrect before Windows starts.
Step 1: Restart your Dell computer
Save your work and restart the computer.
As soon as the Dell logo appears, repeatedly press F2 on your keyboard.
This should open the Dell BIOS/UEFI settings.
On some Dell computers, the key or procedure may vary slightly.
Step 2: Find the Date and Time settings
Once inside the BIOS, look for the Date/Time section.
Depending on your Dell model, it may be located under the General or System Information section.
You should see options for:
- Date
- Time
Step 3: Set the correct date and time
Enter the correct date and time.
Double-check that everything is correct before continuing.
Step 4: Save the settings
Save your changes and exit the BIOS.
Your Dell computer should restart and boot into Windows.
Step 5: Check the time
Once Windows loads, check the clock.
If the time remains correct after restarting the computer several times, the problem may simply have been an incorrect BIOS setting.
However, if the time changes again after you completely shut down the computer, continue to Method 3 because the CMOS battery may be failing.
Method 2: Change the Date and Time Inside Windows
If the BIOS time is correct but Windows is displaying the wrong time or date, you can correct it directly in Windows.
These instructions apply to Windows 10 and Windows 11.
Step 1: Open Windows Settings
Right-click the Start button and select:
Settings
Step 2: Open Time & Language
In Windows 11, select:
Time & language → Date & time
In Windows 10, go to:
Time & Language → Date & time
Step 3: Check the Time Zone
Make sure your computer is using the correct time zone.
For example, if you’re in the UK, the time zone should normally be set to:
(UTC+00:00) Dublin, Edinburgh, Lisbon, London
Step 4: Turn on automatic time
Make sure:
Set time automatically
is turned on.
You can also enable:
Set time zone automatically
if appropriate for your location.
Step 5: Synchronise the clock
Look for the option to Sync now and select it.
Windows will attempt to synchronise your computer’s clock with an internet time server.
Step 6: Restart your computer
Restart the Dell computer and check whether the time and date remain correct.
If the clock continues to change after the computer has been completely powered off, the problem may not be Windows.
Method 3: Replace the CMOS Battery
If your Dell computer keeps losing the time and date whenever you shut it down, the CMOS battery is one of the most likely causes.
The CMOS battery helps maintain important BIOS settings, including the system date and time, when the computer is switched off.
A common battery used in desktop computers is a CR2032 3V coin-cell battery, although you should check your specific Dell model before purchasing a replacement.
Signs of a Dead CMOS Battery
You may have a failing CMOS battery if:
- The date keeps resetting
- The time keeps going back
- BIOS settings don’t remain saved
- You see a CMOS or BIOS battery warning
- The computer displays an incorrect date after being switched off
- Windows repeatedly shows the wrong date and time
Step 1: Turn off the computer
Completely shut down your Dell computer.
Disconnect the power cable before opening a desktop PC.
For laptops, the battery replacement procedure can vary considerably by model.
Step 2: Locate the CMOS battery
On many Dell desktop computers, the CMOS battery is a small, round, silver coin-cell battery located on the motherboard.
It usually looks similar to a large watch battery.
Step 3: Remove the old battery
Carefully remove the old battery from its holder.
Take note of which side is facing upwards before removing it.
Step 4: Install the replacement
Install the replacement battery with the correct orientation.
For many CR2032 installations, the positive (+) side faces upward, but always check the battery holder and your Dell model’s service documentation.
Step 5: Start the computer
Reconnect the power and turn on your Dell computer.
You may need to enter the BIOS again and set the correct date and time.
Save the BIOS settings before exiting.
Step 6: Test the computer
Shut down the Dell computer completely.
Wait several minutes and turn it back on.
Check the date and time.
If the time and date remain correct, replacing the CMOS battery has likely solved the problem.
Which Method Should You Try First?
Here’s a quick summary:
Problem
What to Try
Wrong time only in Windows
Change Windows date/time settings
Wrong time already in BIOS
Change BIOS date/time
Time resets after shutting down
Replace CMOS battery
BIOS settings aren’t being saved
Check/replace CMOS battery
Windows time is slightly incorrect
Synchronise Windows time
Date resets to an old date
Check CMOS battery
What If the CMOS Battery Replacement Doesn’t Fix It?
If you’ve replaced the CMOS battery and the problem continues, there could be another issue.
Possible causes include:
- BIOS/UEFI configuration problems
- BIOS firmware issues
- Windows time synchronisation problems
- Motherboard problems
- Incorrect time-zone settings
- Other hardware or software issues
In this situation, check the BIOS date and time first.
If the BIOS clock itself keeps resetting after the computer is powered off, further hardware troubleshooting may be required.
Final Thoughts
If your Dell computer time and date keeps changing, don’t worry — in many cases, the problem can be fixed quite easily.
Start by checking the BIOS date and time. Then check the Windows date, time and time-zone settings.
If the date and time keep resetting every time you shut down the Dell computer, the CMOS battery is a likely culprit and replacing it may solve the problem.
If you’re working on a Dell desktop PC, a CMOS battery replacement is usually a relatively simple repair. However, always follow the appropriate safety precautions and check your specific Dell model’s service instructions before opening the computer.
Related Dell Troubleshooting
You may also find these guides useful:
- How to fix a Dell computer that won’t turn on
- How to reset Dell BIOS settings
- How to fix Windows 11 date and time problems
- How to replace a CMOS battery in a Dell desktop
- How to check your Dell computer model
- How to fix common Dell computer problems
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