How to show seconds on the taskbar clock in Windows 11

Have you ever wondered why the clock on the taskbar in your Windows 11 only displays hours and minutes, but not seconds? You may find it curious or even necessary to have the seconds information visible, whether for work reasons, time accuracy, or simply personal curiosity. The truth is, although at first glance it seems impossible, there are several ways to get Windows 11 to display seconds on the system clock in a simple, secure, and customizable way.

In this article we explain in detail all the available options To add seconds to the taskbar clock in Windows 11, from the most direct methods in the system settings, to alternatives modifying the registry, using PowerShell and turning to third-party programs to further customize the experience. We also cover other useful settings such as automatic time management, synchronization, changing time zones, setting the clock format, and how to hide the seconds again if you change your mind.

Why aren't seconds showing on the Windows 11 clock?

By default, The taskbar clock in Windows 11 only shows hours and minutesMicrosoft left out the seconds count, both for visual simplicity and for technical reasons related to resource consumption and battery life, especially on laptops. This has changed with some recent updates, allowing users to enable this option if they wish, although it's disabled by default.

Not all versions of Windows 11 include the option to display seconds directly in Settings.Additionally, Microsoft warns that enabling seconds on the clock can increase power consumption, decreasing battery life on laptops by up to 2%.

Step 1: Initial date and time settings

Before activating the seconds, it is advisable to check that you have correctly set the date and time from your computer. To do this:

• Open the start menu and access the Configuration (you can press Win + I).
• Go to Time and language and then to Date and Time.
• From there you can set the time automatically or, if you prefer, do it manually.
• In the time zone section, you can set the time zone for your region and even enable automatic detection if you travel or change locations frequently.

Make sure everything is set up correctly before continuing. with the steps to display seconds on the taskbar clock.

Ways to display seconds on the Windows 11 taskbar clock

Method 1: Enable seconds from system settings

After one of the last major updates to Windows 11 (version 23H2 and later), the ability to display seconds on the taskbar clock from the settings itself was added, although not all users have it enabled by default.

1. Press Win + I to open Settings.
2. In the side menu, go to Personalization. and select Taskbar.
3. Click on Taskbar behaviors to display all the options.
4. Locate and check the box Show seconds in system tray clock.
5. Close Settings and if you don't see the changes immediately, restart your computer.

Importantly The location of this option may change with future updates. In some newer versions, the option may be in Time and language → Date and timeIf you can't find it, try both sections.

Method 2: Modify the Windows Registry

If you do not have the option mentioned above, or if you simply prefer to have manual control, there is the possibility of enable seconds by tapping the Windows registryThis method requires caution, as any incorrect changes can affect the system.

Create a restore point before modifying the registry

First of all, it is highly recommended create a restore point of the system:

• Open the start menu and search Create a restore point.
• Select the corresponding option.
• Within System properties, low System protection, press Create. Give it a clear description and confirm.
• Wait for the process to complete. This way, if something goes wrong, you can restore your system to its previous state.

Step by step to edit the registry

1. Press Win + R and writes regedit to open the registry editor.
2. Accept the User Account Control prompt.
3. Navigate to the following path on the left panel: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced.
4. Find the value ShowSecondsInSystemClock in the right pane. If it doesn't exist, right-click in an empty space, select New → DWORD (32-bit) Value and name it exactly as ShowSecondsInSystemClock.
5. Double click on it and change its value to 1 (in hexadecimal to activate it).
6. Close Registry Editor.
7. For the changes to take effect, log out and back in or restart your computerThe clock on the taskbar will display the seconds.

Method 3: Use PowerShell to enable seconds

If you'd rather avoid opening the registry manually, you can accomplish the same thing using PowerShell, saving you steps and time.

1. Open the start menu and search PowerShell.
2. Right click on Windows PowerShell and select Run as administrator.
3. Enter the following command and press Enter:
   Set-ItemProperty -Path HKCU:\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced -Name ShowSecondsInSystemClock -Value 1 -Force
4. Reboot the computer to apply the changes.

Remove seconds from the clock (revert changes)

Don't need seconds anymore? It's easy to remove the feature by following these steps:

• Use the registry method by changing the value ShowSecondsInSystemClock de 1 a 0.
• If you used the PowerShell method, run the above command with a value of 0.
• After either option, log out or restart your computer and the seconds will disappear from the clock.

Third-party programs to customize the Windows 11 clock

If you need even more customization options, or if your version of Windows doesn't allow you to enable seconds via settings or the registry, there are third-party tools that extend the clock's functionality.

T-Clock Redux

T-Clock Redux It's one of the classic and most widely used apps for customizing the Windows clock. It's a free, portable (no installation required), open-source tool primarily compatible with Windows 10, although some versions can work with Windows 11.

• Allows you to modify the clock format, adding seconds easily, change the font, size and color, and even set alarms.
• It includes options such as moving the clock's position on the taskbar, adding hotkeys, and further customizing its appearance.
• To display the seconds, just check the corresponding box (Second) in the program settings and they will be instantly visible.
• No installation required, just download and run the program.

However, its compatibility may not be fully guaranteed in the latest versions of Windows 11, but it's still a great option for those looking for advanced options and full customization.

ElevenClock

For users of Windows 11 interested in experimenting with a more modern and adaptable watch, the app ElevenClock is an interesting alternative. It is completely free and can be downloaded from the Microsoft Store or directly from its repository on GitHub.

• Allows show/hide seconds in a flexible manner.
• It offers the ability to customize the clock's appearance—colors, fonts, location—and automatically synchronize the time with the Internet.
• It has support for multiple monitors, displaying the clock on all connected desktops.
• Allows you to create individual profiles according to your preferences and needs.

Furthermore, ElevenClock adds additional functions, such as changing the clock position, adapting it to the dark mode or clear, and many small improvements that make it a perfect choice for those who want to go beyond the standard Windows clock.

Other settings related to the Windows 11 clock

Synchronize time and activate automatic settings

To ensure maximum accuracy, you can activate automatic time synchronization from the settings. Date and TimeIt's also possible to enable automatic daylight saving time, which is useful in many countries, to avoid time lags.

You only have to:

• Ir a Settings → Time & language → Date & time.
• Activate the checkbox automatically adjust the date and time.
• Activate the option automatically switch to daylight saving time, if available in your country.

Add multiple clocks or time zones

Do you need to check the time in different countries? You can add more than one clock on the taskbar following these steps:

• From settings Date and Time, look for the option Add clocks for different time zones.
• Select the additional time zone and assign an identifying name.
• This way, you can see several times directly from the clock on the tray.

Change the clock format (24-hour, 12-hour, include seconds, etc.)

If you want to modify the way the time is displayed in the system, you can do it from the Old control panel:

1. Open the Control Panel (you can search for it in Start).
2. Choose Region. Change the view to big icons if you don't see it.
3. Click on Additional configuration and open the tab Time.
4. En Short time, Add :H.H to the format (HH: mm: ss to display seconds, for example).
5. Apply and accept the changes.

This method may not be sufficient to display the seconds everywhere in the system, but it helps customize how they appear in certain applications and panels.

Aspects to consider

Displaying seconds on the taskbar clock can be useful for those who need precision to the second. However, activate it only if you really need it, since its constant use can affect the battery of portable devices.

Methods that involve modifying the Windows registry are safe if followed correctly, but it is always recommended make a restore point before making any changes. Additionally, keeping your system up-to-date ensures access to the latest watch customization features.

Third-party apps like ElevenClock or T-Clock Redux offer advanced customization beyond the standard options and are ideal for users who want more control and aesthetics in their clock display.

Displaying seconds on the Windows 11 taskbar clock is an accessible and versatile option, with methods ranging from simple configurations to advanced tools. Now you have all the information you need to adapt it to your specific preferences and needs.