Steps to Restore Full Date and Time Display on Windows 11 Taskbar

Recently, Microsoft implemented a change in Windows 11 that altered how date and time are displayed on the taskbar. Instead of showing the full date (day, month, and year), users now see only the day and month. Similarly, time is displayed without AM or PM indications, showcasing only the hours and minutes. While this streamlined view aims to free up taskbar space for additional icons, it hasn’t been well received by everyone.

For those who find this new layout less informative, Microsoft has graciously provided a way to revert to the classic taskbar format with full date and time details.

How to Restore Full Date and Time Display on Windows 11

Follow these steps to restore the traditional taskbar behavior:

Right-click the date and time on the taskbar.
Select “Adjust date and time.”Alternatively, you can navigate manually by going to Settings > Time & language > Date & time.
Expand the section titled “Show time and date in the system tray”by clicking the down-arrow icon.
Uncheck the option labeled “Show abbreviated time and date.”

Your settings will refresh immediately, displaying the full date and time back on your taskbar.

Restoring Full Display via the Registry Editor

Registry Show Full Date and Time Windows 11

For IT administrators or tech-savvy users, the Registry Editor also provides a method to revert to the classic display:

Open the Start menu.
Type regedit and press the Enter key.
Confirm any security prompts that arise.
Navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced.
Check for the existence of ShowShortenedDateTime on the right side.
1. If found, proceed to step 6.
2. If not present, right-click on Advanced, select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value, and name it ShowShortenedDateTime.
Double-click ShowShortenedDateTime.
Set its value to 0.
Restart your PC to apply changes.

Using the Group Policy Editor for Advanced Users

Group Policy Editor: Turn Off Abbreviated Date Time Windows 11

Note that the Group Policy Editor is available exclusively for Pro, Enterprise, and Education editions of Windows 11. Home users should refer to the Registry method above:

Open the Start menu.
Type gpedit.msc and press Enter.
Navigate to User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Start Menu and Taskbar.
Double-click on “Turn off abbreviated time and date format.”
Set the value from “Not configured”to “Enabled.”
Click OK.
Close the Group Policy Editor window.
Restart your PC to see the changes reflected.

Final Thoughts

With just a few clicks or simple registry edits, you can easily restore the full date and time format on your Windows 11 taskbar. This customization can improve your daily functionality and productivity.

Now we want to hear your thoughts! Do you prefer the new simplified format, or does the classic display serve you better? Share your opinions in the comments below!

Additional Insights

1. Can I change the date and time format to something else?

Yes! Within the Settings app, you can choose from various formats depending on your locale and preferences. This can be done through Settings > Time & language > Date & time.

2. What should I do if the Registry Editor does not open?

If the Registry Editor fails to open, ensure you have administrative privileges on your Windows 11 system. If issues persist, a system scan could help diagnose other potential problems.

3. Is it safe to modify the Registry or Group Policy Editor?

While modifying these settings is generally safe if done correctly, incorrect changes may lead to system issues. Always ensure you back up your current settings before proceeding with any modifications.

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