How to Enable Shortened Time on Windows 11 Taskbar
You can enable a shortened time and date display on your Windows 11 taskbar to save space and achieve a cleaner look.
This feature transforms the default, longer time and date format into a more compact version, which is particularly useful if your taskbar already feels crowded. For example, instead of seeing “1:59 PM” and “6/22/2024,” you’ll see “1:59” and “6/22.”
This functionality is currently available in Windows 11 builds within the Beta Channel, such as build 22635.3790. You’ll need a tool like ViveTool to activate this hidden option.
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
You can make the time and date on your Windows 11 taskbar shorter so you can see it more easily at a glance. This guide shows you how to turn the Windows 11 shortened time taskbar feature on or off using a tool called ViveTool. You’ll need to set up ViveTool first to get started.
First, read the post below to get ViveTool set up on Windows 11.
Unlock Hidden Features in Windows 11 with ViVeTool
Once you have ViveTool downloaded, run the following command to enable the hidden feature that displays a shortened version of the date and time:
vivetool /enable /id:48525682
After you turn on the setting for shortened taskbar time, go to Windows 11 Settings, select Personalization, and then choose the Taskbar tile on the right side of the screen.

Select the Taskbar behaviors tile in the Taskbar settings pane to expand it.

Windows 11's System tray settings allow you to show abbreviated time and date. To do this, first expand the "Show time and date in the System tray" tile. Then, you can check or uncheck the box next to "Show abbreviated time and date" to turn this feature on or off.

Close the Settings app when you’re finished.
Show Shortened Time and Date on Taskbar Using Windows Registry
You can adjust your Windows 11 taskbar to show a shorter time and date by using the Windows Registry Editor. This method involves opening the Registry Editor with administrator rights and going to a specific location. There, you will change a setting called ShowShortenedDateTime to get the shorter display.
Then, navigate to the following registry key.
Computer\HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced
In the right pane of the key, double-click the value named ShowShortenedDateTime (REG_DWORD) to change it.
The Windows Registry editor lets you create 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.

You might need to restart your computer for the changes to take effect.
That’s it!
Summary
Windows 11 lets you easily switch the shortened time and date display on your taskbar on or off. You can use the ViveTool command vivetool /enable /id:48525682 to activate this feature for the Windows 11 shortened time taskbar. Alternatively, you can achieve the same result by using the Windows Registry Editor and changing the ShowShortenedDateTime value.
Users can use ViVeTool to turn on this feature with the command vivetool /enable /id:48525682.
You can also use the Windows Registry Editor to change 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 you use ViVeTool or the Windows Registry, this guide gives you the steps you need to customize the time and date display on your Windows 11 taskbar.
How do I show abbreviated time and date in 🪟 Windows 11?
How do you show an abbreviated date and time? Head to Settings Personalization Taskbar. Expand Taskbar behaviors and toggle Show shortened time and date. If you don't see this in settings, abbreviate date and time settings via Registry Editor.
How to get seconds on 🪟 Windows 11 taskbar Clock?
And then go into time and language. And then in time and language you want to click on date. And time. And then you want to click the option that says show time and date in the system tray.
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Richard
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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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