How to show seconds on the Windows 11 taskbar clock
Open Settings → Time & language → Date & time, expand Show time and date in the System tray and tick Show seconds in system tray clock. On earlier Windows 11 versions the same option is under Settings → Personalization → Taskbar → Taskbar behaviors.
Windows 11 (current versions)
- Open Settings (press Windows + I).
- Go to Time & language → Date & time.
- Expand Show time and date in the System tray.
- Tick Show seconds in system tray clock (uses more power).
Earlier Windows 11 versions (2023 updates)
- Right-click an empty part of the taskbar and choose Taskbar settings.
- Expand Taskbar behaviors.
- Tick Show seconds in system tray clock.
If you can't find the option in either place, your Windows 11 needs updating: open Settings → Windows Update and install the latest updates.
Windows 10
Windows 10 has no switch for this in Settings. It can be turned on with a registry value, but editing the registry carries risk, so the simplest option is to keep a clock with seconds open in a browser tab or on a second screen.
A bigger clock with seconds
Seconds in the corner of the taskbar are still tiny. Our online clock shows the time with seconds as large as your screen allows, and can stay open on a second monitor or in full screen. For precise timing there is also a clock with milliseconds.
Questions people ask
Why does showing seconds use more power?
The taskbar has to redraw the clock every second instead of every minute, which keeps the processor slightly busier. On a desktop the difference is negligible; on a laptop on battery it is small but real.
Can I show seconds on Windows 10?
Not from Settings. A registry tweak exists, but the safer option is a clock with seconds in your browser.
Sources
- Pureinfotech: How to show seconds in Taskbar clock on Windows 11
- Windows Central: How to add or remove seconds from the clock on Windows 11
Last updated October 21, 2026. Menu names can differ slightly between versions. Found a step that's changed? Tell us.