# How to: Configure Windows Server to query an external NTP Server

[https://community.spiceworks.com/how\_to/5765-configure-windows-server-to-query-an-external-ntp-server](https://community.spiceworks.com/how_to/5765-configure-windows-server-to-query-an-external-ntp-server)

## Step 1: Info

This is generally performed on DCs in an Active Directory domain. Then all workstations use AD to get time from the DCs. This could also be used on a non-DC windows machine to be your NTP server for your network that you point to for all of your switches/routers and various other devices.

Again, it doesn't have to be a DC, but it makes sense for it to be, as it's not very resource intensive.

## Step 2: Elevated prompt

Open the command prompt as administrator.

You could also use a PowerShell prompt instead of command prompt if you want.

## Step 3: Stop the time service

net stop w32time

## Step 4: Set the manual peer list external servers

w32tm /config /syncfromflags:manual /manualpeerlist:0.us.pool.ntp.org,1.us.pool.ntp.org,2.us.pool.ntp.org,3.us.pool.ntp.org

## Step 5: Set the connection as reliable

w32tm /config /reliable:yes

## Step 6: Start the time service back up

net start w32time

## Step 7: Test the configururation

<div class="how-to-step steps-content " id="bkmrk-expand"><div class="step-header">  
</div><div class="step-image resized">![How to step](https://content.spiceworksstatic.com/service.community/p/how_to_step_attachments/0000079684/5406a962/attached_file/Screen_Shot_2014-09-02_at_10.22.40_PM.png)<div class="expand-wrapper">[Expand](https://content.spiceworksstatic.com/service.community/p/how_to_step_attachments/0000079684/5406a962/attached_file/Screen_Shot_2014-09-02_at_10.22.40_PM.png)</div></div><div class="step-content how-to-markdown">  
</div></div>w32tm /query /configuration

and

w32tm /query /status