By default, Windows 11 only shows hours and minutes in the system tray clock. While this works for most people, some users prefer seeing seconds for precision—whether you’re troubleshooting, timing processes, or just like the extra detail. Fortunately, Windows 11 allows you to enable seconds in the taskbar clock with just a few simple steps.
Why Show Seconds on the Clock?
Adding seconds to the Windows 11 clock can be useful for several reasons:
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Accuracy: Perfect for tasks where every second matters.
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Monitoring system behavior: Helpful during troubleshooting or performance testing.
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Personal preference: Some people simply like seeing a ticking clock.
Think of it as upgrading from a wall clock without a second hand to one that ticks precisely.
Step 1: Open Windows Settings
First, you’ll need to access the system settings:
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Press Windows + I on your keyboard.
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In the left-hand menu, click Personalization.
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Select Taskbar from the options.
This is where you’ll find settings for your taskbar clock.
Step 2: Access Taskbar Behavior Settings
To get more control over the clock display:
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Scroll down in the Taskbar settings.
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Click Taskbar behaviors to expand the section.
Here, you’ll manage how the taskbar and system tray clock behave.
Step 3: Enable Show Seconds on the Clock
Now, enable the hidden option:
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In Taskbar behaviors, look for Show seconds in system tray clock (uses more power).
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Check the box next to it.
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The clock will immediately refresh and start showing hours, minutes, and seconds.
Note: This option is only available starting from Windows 11 version 22H2 (Moment 3 update). If you don’t see it, make sure your system is updated.
Step 4: Update Windows 11 if Option is Missing
If you don’t see the Show seconds option:
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Press Windows + I → Windows Update.
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Click Check for updates.
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Install the latest cumulative updates (at least build 22621.1778 or newer).
Once updated, repeat the steps above, and the option should appear.
Step 5: Alternative Method Using Registry Editor (Advanced Users)
If you prefer enabling seconds manually:
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Press Windows + R, type
regedit, and press Enter. -
Navigate to:
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Right-click the Advanced folder → New → DWORD (32-bit) Value.
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Name it:
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Double-click it and set the value to 1.
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Restart your PC or restart Windows Explorer.
Your taskbar clock will now display seconds.
Step 6: Verify Seconds Display
Once enabled:
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Look at the taskbar clock in the bottom-right corner.
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It should now display HH:MM:SS format.
You can enjoy a precise time display directly on your desktop.
Step 7: Consider Power Usage
Windows warns that showing seconds may use slightly more power, especially on laptops, since the clock refreshes every second instead of every minute.
For most modern PCs, the impact is minimal, but if you’re on battery, you may notice slightly reduced efficiency.
Benefits of Showing Seconds
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Great for time-sensitive tasks like trading, coding, or monitoring system events.
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Adds precision for users who like exact timekeeping.
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Customizable experience to suit your preferences.
Conclusion
Enabling seconds on the Windows 11 taskbar clock is quick and simple. Whether you use the built-in option under Taskbar behaviors or tweak the Registry Editor, you can enjoy a more precise clock display. Just remember that it may use a little extra power, but for most users, the benefits of accuracy outweigh the drawbacks.
FAQs
1. Does Windows 11 show seconds on the clock by default?
No, by default only hours and minutes are displayed. You need to enable the option manually.
2. Which Windows 11 version supports showing seconds on the clock?
Windows 11 22H2 Moment 3 update (build 22621.1778 or newer).
3. Will showing seconds affect battery life?
Yes, slightly, since the clock updates every second, but the impact is minimal on modern devices.
4. Can I enable seconds without updating Windows?
Yes, using the Registry Editor method, though updating is recommended for stability.
5. Can I remove seconds later?
Yes, simply uncheck Show seconds in system tray clock in taskbar behaviors or change the registry value back to 0.