Unlocking the New Clock Feature in Windows 11’s Notifications Center
Exciting news for Windows 11 users! The impending 23H2 and 24H2 updates will introduce a sought-after “Clock” feature that displays time with seconds right within the Notifications Center. When you click on the notifications icon or the time and date shown in the system tray, you will now see a fully functional clock. For those who prefer a different setup, you can easily enable or disable this feature from Settings > Date & Time > Show time in the Notification Center.
You might wonder, why has a basic feature like the “Clock with seconds” been absent from Windows for so long? The origins can be traced back to the launch of Windows 11, which was unveiled during the pandemic, and targeted the shift toward remote working.
It’s important to note that Windows 11 was not a significant leap from Windows 10; rather, it emerged as a spin-off stemming from Microsoft’s decision to refresh Windows 10. The newly designed Start menu and taskbar were more cosmetic than functional in most respects.
While the taskbar still bears resemblance to that of Windows 10, it was completely rebuilt to enhance code efficiency. As a result, numerous features were missing at launch, including the ability to view seconds in the system tray clock—a feature that is thankfully returning with the Windows 11 23H2 update.
However, one aspect that remains absent is a comprehensive clock functionality within the Calendar/Notifications. Good news, though—it’s on its way, and testing has shown promising results!
As highlighted by tech enthusiast Phantom on X and confirmed by Windows Latest, Windows 11’s much-anticipated Show clock in notifications feature is now present in the preview builds of Windows 11 23H2 (versions 22635.5240+).
From my testing, the new clock displays seconds (HH:MM:SS) alongside the current day and date, drastically enhancing usability for those who need to gauge time accurately.
This feature will be rolled out to all users in both the 23H2 and 24H2 updates in the coming months. If you prefer not to have a clock in your notification center, you can always opt-out using the same settings menu.
The importance of having precise timekeeping is evident in scenarios like calibrating physical instruments, where every second counts. So, this addition is not just a convenience but an essential tool for precision tasks.
Windows 10’s Clock Disappears While Windows 11 Welcomes It Back
Interestingly, the clock on Windows 11’s taskbar bears a remarkable likeness to the existing clock found in the Windows 10 Calendar flyout. However, Microsoft appears to be on a path to eliminate this feature from Windows 10 altogether.
With the April 2025 update for Windows 10, reports indicate that Microsoft has begun removing the clock display from the Calendar Flyout as part of an ongoing series of A/B tests. At the time, there was no indication that Windows 11 would incorporate this feature.
The rationale behind this strategic move remains unclear. Nevertheless, one thing is certain: Windows 11 users can look forward to this clock feature in their Notifications Center, further differentiating the two operating systems.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I enable the clock feature in Windows 11’s Notifications Center?
To enable the clock feature, navigate to Settings > Date & Time, and toggle the option for Show time in the Notification Center.
2. Why is the clock feature significant for users?
The clock feature with seconds helps users manage their time more accurately, particularly in activities where timing is crucial, such as calibrating instruments or timing tasks.
3. Will users on Windows 10 receive the new clock feature?
No, the clock feature is exclusively being added to Windows 11, and Microsoft is actively removing the clock display from Windows 10 as part of system updates.
Leave a Reply ▼