Windows 11 shows hours and minutes in the taskbar clock by default, but it can show seconds too. Current versions of Windows 11 have a simple switch for this in taskbar settings, so you no longer need a registry edit.
Quick Answer
Right-click the taskbar, choose Taskbar settings, expand Taskbar behaviors and check Show seconds in system tray clock.
How to Show Seconds on the Windows 11 Clock
- Right-click an empty part of the taskbar and choose Taskbar settings. You can also open Settings, Personalization, Taskbar.
- Scroll down and click Taskbar behaviors to expand it.
- Check Show seconds in system tray clock.
- Look at the clock in the bottom-right corner. Seconds appear right away.
- To turn them off, uncheck the same box.
Clock Options at a Glance
| Want to | Where |
|---|---|
| Show seconds | Taskbar behaviors, Show seconds in system tray clock |
| Use 24-hour time | Time and language, Language and region, Regional format |
| Change the date format | Time and language, Language and region, Regional format |
| Hide the clock | Taskbar behaviors, Show time and date in the system tray (on recent builds) |
Troubleshooting
- No checkbox: install the latest updates from Windows Update. The option was added in a 2023 update to Windows 11 version 22H2.
- Older builds only: a registry value named ShowSecondsInSystemClock (DWORD, set to 1) under HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced did the same thing. Back up the registry before editing it.
- Battery life: Microsoft notes that showing seconds uses slightly more power, so laptop users may prefer to leave it off.
- Related: switching to 24-hour time and changing the date format in Windows 11.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this work on Windows 10?
Windows 10 has no setting for this. Older guides use a registry change, but results vary by build.
Can the clock in the calendar flyout show seconds?
The setting only affects the taskbar clock.
Does it change the time format in apps?
No. Apps follow your regional format, not the taskbar setting.
Why do seconds sometimes lag?
The clock updates once per second and may skip briefly when the PC is busy.
Summary
- Right-click the taskbar.
- Choose Taskbar settings.
- Expand Taskbar behaviors.
- Check Show seconds in system tray clock.
- Uncheck it to turn seconds off.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
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