How to Enable Shortened Time on Windows 11 Taskbar
Shortened time on the Windows 11 taskbar shrinks the system clock display to save space when your screen gets crowded. This handy setting cuts out extra text to show just the numbers, trading the standard “1:59 PM” and full date for a clean, minimal look.
Microsoft tests this compact clock feature in Windows 11 Beta Channel build 22635.3790 and newer versions. Since the setting is hidden by default, you need a small command-line tool called ViveTool to turn it on.
Enable the shortened time and date by using ViveTool with the command vivetool /enable /id:48525682. Afterward, navigate to Settings Personalization Taskbar Taskbar behaviors, expand “Show time and date,” and check “Show abbreviated time and date.” Alternatively, modify the ShowShortenedDateTime value in the Windows Registry.
Enable or Disable Shortened Time and Date on the Taskbar in Windows
Making the time and date on your Windows 11 taskbar shorter helps you check information at a glance. This guide shows how to turn the Windows 11 shortened time taskbar feature on or off using a tool called ViveTool. Setting up ViveTool first is required to get started.
Unlock Hidden Features in Windows 11 with ViVeTool
Once ViveTool is downloaded, run the following command to enable the hidden feature that displays a shortened version of the date and time:
vivetool /enable /id:48525682
Head to Settings > Personalization > Taskbar to configure the display after running the command.
Select the Taskbar behaviors tile in the Taskbar settings pane to expand it.
Windows 11's System tray settings allow showing an abbreviated time and date. To do this, first expand the "Show time and date in the System tray" tile. Then, check or uncheck the box next to "Show abbreviated time and date" to turn this feature on or off.
Close the Settings app when finished.
Show Shortened Time and Date on Taskbar Using Windows Registry
Configuring the Windows 11 taskbar to show a shorter time and date works through the Windows Registry Editor as well. This method involves opening the Registry Editor with administrator rights and navigating to a specific location. Modifying a setting called ShowShortenedDateTime there yields the shorter display.
Then, navigate to the following registry key.
Computer\HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced
Double-click the DWORD (a 32-bit value representing numerical data) named ShowShortenedDateTime (REG_DWORD) in the right pane.
Type `1` to show the shortened time and date on your taskbar. Type `0` to revert to the standard time and date format.
The Windows Registry editor permits creating a new setting named "ShowShortenedDateTime" for your Windows 11 taskbar. Right-click an empty space in the editor, select 'New' > 'DWORD (32-bit) Value', and name it "ShowShortenedDateTime". Set the value data to `1` to turn on the shortened date and time display, or `0` to turn the shortened date and time display off.
Restarting the computer might be necessary for the changes to take effect.
That completes the process.
Summary
Windows 11 allows switching the shortened time and date display on your taskbar on or off through multiple methods. Activating this feature for the Windows 11 shortened time taskbar happens via the ViveTool command vivetool /enable /id:48525682. Alternatively, achieving the same result occurs by using the Windows Registry Editor and modifying the ShowShortenedDateTime value.
Activating this hidden feature takes only a quick command in ViveTool or a manual tweak in the Windows Registry Editor using vivetool /enable /id:48525682.
The Windows Registry Editor also handles changing the shortened time and date display on the taskbar. Change the ShowShortenedDateTime value in the registry path HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced.
Whether utilizing ViveTool or the Windows Registry, this guide provides the necessary steps to customize the time and date display on your Windows 11 taskbar.
How do I show abbreviated time and date in 🪟 Windows 11?
Showing an abbreviated date and time involves heading to Settings > Personalization > Taskbar. Expand Taskbar behaviors and toggle Show shortened time and date. Abbreviating date and time settings via the Registry Editor serves as an alternative if this option remains absent in settings.
How to get seconds on 🪟 Windows 11 taskbar Clock?
Proceeding into time and language follows next. Clicking on date and time within the time and language section comes after that. Selecting the option labeled show time and date in the system tray concludes the process.
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About the Author
Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.
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