How to Show Seconds in System Clock on Windows 10

Explore the easiest methods to get this done

How to

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by Srishti Sisodia 

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Key notes

  • To configure the system clock to show seconds on Windows 11, you need to change the value of a DWORD in Registry Editor. 
  • There are two methods to make the system clock show time in seconds.
Shows seconds in system clock on Windows 10

The system clock on Windows computer shows hours and minutes by default. However, if you want it to show seconds as well, it can be done.

This guide will discuss two ways to configure the system clock to show seconds on Windows 10. Let’s get started! 

What can I do to configure the system clock to show seconds on Windows 10?

1. Use the Command Prompt

  1. Go to the Search bar, type CMD, and click Run as administrator.Command Prompt Windows Run as Administrator -show seconds in system clock windows 10
  2. Copy and paste the following command and press Enter: powershell.exe Set-ItemProperty -Path HKCU:\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced -Name ShowSecondsInSystemClock -Value 1 -Force
  3. If you don’t see the changes immediately, then restart your PC.

2. Use the Registry Editor

2.1 If the ShowSecondsInSystemClock DWORD is present

  1. Press Windows + R to open the Run window.REGEDIT RUN COMMAND
  2. Type regedit and press Enter to open Registry Editor.
  3. Follow the path: Computer\HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced
  4. Locate and double-click ShowSecondsInSystemClock DWORD and change the Value data to 1.Advanced value data
  5. Click OK. Restart your computer to let the changes take effect.

2.2 If the ShowSecondsInSystemClock DWORD is not present

  1. Press Windows + R to open the Run window.Regedit -
  2. Type regedit and press Enter to open Registry Editor.
  3. Navigate to this path: Computer\HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced
  4. Right-click on the right pane, select New, then click DWORD(32-bit Value).New key 1 -show seconds in system clock windows 10
  5. Now, right-click the DWORD and select Rename. Name the DWORD ShowSecondsInSystemClock.Rename the DWORD
  6. Double-click the DWORD and change the Value data from 0 to 1.Value data change
  7. Click OK. Restart your computer to let the changes take place.

So, these are methods that you can follow to show seconds in the system clock on Windows 10. Try them and let us know which worked for you in the comments below.

More about the topics: windows 10

Srishti Sisodia

Srishti Sisodia Shield

Windows Software Expert

Srishti Sisodia is an electronics engineer and writer with a passion for technology. She has extensive experience exploring the latest technological advancements and sharing her insights through informative blogs. Her diverse interests bring a unique perspective to her work, and she approaches everything with commitment, enthusiasm, and a willingness to learn. That's why she's part of Windows Report's Reviewers team, always willing to share the real-life experience with any software or hardware product. She's also specialized in Azure, cloud computing, and AI.