If you want your Windows 11 taskbar to show a shorter version of the time and date (like “1:59” instead of “1:59 PM” or “6/22” instead of “6/22/2024”), this guide will help you do that easily.

What is Shortened Time and Date?

Shortened time and date means your computer shows a simpler, shorter version of the clock and calendar on the taskbar. It saves space and looks cleaner.

Who Can Use This?

This feature is in a newer Windows 11 update (build 22635.3790 in the Beta Channel). It’s hidden by default, but you can turn it on using a free tool called ViVeTool.

How to Enable Shortened Time and Date Step-by-Step

Step 1: Download and Install ViVeTool

First, you need to download and set up ViVeTool. It lets you turn on hidden Windows features. Follow this guide:

How to install and use ViVeTool on Windows 11

Step 2: Turn On the Shortened Time Feature

After installing ViVeTool, open Command Prompt as an administrator:

• Click Start, type cmd, right-click Command Prompt, and select Run as administrator.

Now, type this command and press Enter:

vivetool /enable /id:48525682

This command tells Windows to enable the short time and date format.

Step 3: Change Taskbar Settings

Next, open Settings:

• Click Start > Settings (or press Windows + I).
• Select Personalization from the left menu.
• Click on the Taskbar tile on the right side.

Then:

• Find and click Taskbar behaviors to expand it.
• Look for the option Show time and date in the System tray.
• Check or uncheck Show abbreviated time and date to turn the short format on or off.

When done, just close the Settings window.

Alternative Way: Use Windows Registry (For Advanced Users)

If you prefer, you can also change this using the Windows Registry Editor. Be careful with this method, and follow these steps:

1. Open the Registry Editor as Administrator:
   • Press Windows + R, type regedit, and press Enter.
   • If prompted, click Yes to allow changes.
2. Go to this folder:
   
   ComputerHKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionExplorerAdvanced
   
3. Look for a setting named ShowShortenedDateTime in the right panel.
   • If it exists, double-click it to open.
   • If it doesn’t exist, right-click in the right panel, choose New > DWORD (32-bit) Value, and name it ShowShortenedDateTime.
4. Set the value to:
   • 1 = Show shortened time and date
   • 0 = Show normal time and date
5. Click OK and close Registry Editor.
6. Restart your computer to see the change.

Summary

• Windows 11 Beta has a hidden feature for shorter time and date on the taskbar.
• You can turn it on using ViVeTool with the command: vivetool /enable /id:48525682.
• Or, you can change a Registry setting called ShowShortenedDateTime to 1.
• Both ways let you customize how your taskbar shows time and date.

Enjoy your cleaner, simpler taskbar clock!