The time command allows the user to view and edit the computer’s time.

Availability

Time is an internal command that is available in the following Microsoft operating systems.

  • Availability

  • Time syntax

  • Time examples

  • All Versions of MS-DOS

  • Windows 95

  • Windows 98

  • Windows ME

  • Windows NT

  • Windows 2000

  • Windows XP

  • Windows Vista

  • Windows 7

  • Windows 8

  • Windows 10

  • Windows 11

Time syntax

Windows Vista and later syntax

TIME [/T | time]

Type TIME with no parameters to display the current time setting and a prompt for a new time. Press Enter to keep the same time.

  • Windows Vista and later syntax
  • Windows XP and earlier syntax

If Command Extensions are enabled, the TIME command supports the /T switch which tells the command to only output the current time without prompting for a new time.

Windows XP and earlier syntax

TIME [time]

Time examples

time

Typing “time” alone displays the current time and give you the option to enter a new time.

time 12:00

Set the computer time to 12:00.

Pressing Enter without entering a new time keeps the current time.

  • See our time definition for further information and related links on this term.