How to Show Shortened Time and Date on Your Windows 11 Taskbar
Shortened time and date formats on your Windows 11 taskbar save space and declutter its appearance.
Windows 11 lets you display a simpler clock, showing just the time (like “1:59”) and a two-digit month and day (like “6/22”). This is different from the default format, which can show the full date and AM/PM.
You can make this change using the Registry Editor, a powerful tool that lets you adjust hidden Windows settings. Specifically, you’ll modify a value called `TaskbarClock` within the registry.
Enable the shortened time and date format in Windows 11 by running `vivetool /enable /id:48525682` in an administrator Command Prompt. Then, navigate to Settings Personalization Taskbar Taskbar behaviors and check the “Show abbreviated time and date” option.
What is Shortened Time and Date?
A shorter time and date means your computer displays a simpler, more compact version of the clock and calendar on your taskbar. This helps free up a little screen real estate and contributes to a tidier look.
Who Can Use This?
This feature is available in Windows 11 build 22635.3790 and newer. While it’s hidden by default, you can enable it using a free tool called ViVeTool.
How to Enable Shortened Time and Date Step-by-Step
Step 1Download and Install ViVeTool
First, download and install ViVeTool. Think of it as a special key that unlocks hidden Windows features. You can find out how to set it up here:
How to install and use ViVeTool on Windows 11
Step 2Turn On the Shortened Time Feature
You can turn on the shortened time and date format for your Windows 11 taskbar using a command in Command Prompt.
Click Start, type cmd, then right-click on Command Prompt and select “Run as administrator.”
Now, type the following command and press Enter:
vivetool /enable /id:48525682
This command tells Windows to switch to the short time and date format.
Step 3Change Taskbar Settings
Changing your Windows 11 taskbar settings lets you control how the time and date appear on your screen.
Click Start Settings (or press ⊞ Win+I).
Select “Personalization” from the left-hand menu.
Click on the “Taskbar” section on the right side.
Then:
Find and click “Taskbar behaviors” to expand that section.
Look for the option labeled “Show time and date in the System tray.”
Check or uncheck “Show abbreviated time and date” to turn the shorter format on or off.
Once you’re finished, you can close the Settings window.
Alternative Way: Use Windows Registry (For Advanced Users)
Alternatively, if you’re comfortable making system changes, you can change the Windows 11 taskbar time format using the Windows Registry.
Opening the Registry Editor as an administrator is necessary for changing Windows 11 taskbar settings. This requires administrator privileges to access and change system files, which helps maintain system stability. The Registry Editor is a powerful tool that alters how Windows operates. It must be opened with administrator rights for system-wide taskbar display adjustments.
Press ⊞ Win+R, type regedit, and then press Enter.
If prompted, click ‘Yes’ to allow it to make changes.
Navigate to the following folder path:
Computer\HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced
If it doesn’t exist, right-click in the empty space on the right, select ‘New’ > ‘DWORD (32-bit) Value’, and then name it `ShowShortenedDateTime`.
Now, set the value for `ShowShortenedDateTime`:
- 1 = Show shortened time and date
- 0 = Show normal time and date
Click ‘OK’, close the Registry Editor, and then restart your computer to see your taskbar update.
Summary
A hidden feature in Windows 11 allows you to display a shorter time and date on your taskbar.
How to change clock to 12 hour format in 🪟 Windows 11?
Let’s dive in. First, open Settings by clicking the Start menu and selecting Settings. Next, go to Time & Language in the left-hand menu, then click on Language & region.
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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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