Windows Time adjusts polling dynamically unless configured otherwise.

  • Adaptive polling reduces unnecessary network traffic.
  • Stable clocks are queried less frequently.
  • Unstable clocks are queried more often.

The SpecialPollInterval registry value is only used when the peer uses the 0x1 flag.

w32tm /query /configuration

This command shows the effective configuration, including values supplied by Group Policy.

Microsoft reference: Windows Time Service Tools and Settings.