Windows 10 Reinstates Clock Seconds Display After User Outcry
In a surprising turn of events, Microsoft is bringing back the seconds display to the Windows 10 clock, reversing a controversial decision that sparked considerable backlash from users. The seemingly minor change of removing seconds from the Calendar flyout in a recent update had a surprisingly significant impact, prompting Microsoft to reconsider its design choice.
As reported by Windows Latest, the reintroduction of the seconds display is included in the latest cumulative update, Windows 10 22H2 Build 19045.5912 (KB5058481). This update is currently available to the Release Preview Channel for Windows Insiders and is expected to roll out to all users later this month with the May 2025 optional update, with wider distribution expected on June 10, 2025, as part of the June 2025 Patch Tuesday.
The removal of the seconds display was initially implemented as part of a new Calendar flyout UI, which was rolled out in stages to Windows 10 users starting in January 2025. While the new UI offered a richer experience with events, the absence of the seconds display from the taskbar clock did not go unnoticed.
According to reports, one of the reasons cited for removing the seconds display was the belief that it consumed extra processing resources and burdened the graphical user interface, potentially hindering the PC's power-saving mode and impacting performance. However, many users found the accurate, second-by-second time display essential for their workflows.
The release notes for Build 19045.5912 explicitly state that the update "Brings back the clock view that displays seconds onto the calendar that was once removed." The update also enhances the Rich Calendar feature by extending the upcoming events period to 30 days and adding description text for the weather button.
This reversal highlights the importance of user feedback in shaping software development. Microsoft's willingness to listen to its users and reinstate a feature that was deemed important demonstrates a commitment to user satisfaction. While the initial decision to remove the seconds display may have been driven by performance considerations, the outcry from users clearly demonstrated the value of this feature.
The return of the seconds display to the Windows 10 clock is a welcome change for many users who rely on this seemingly small detail. It serves as a reminder that even seemingly minor design choices can have a significant impact on the user experience and that Microsoft is paying attention.
What are your thoughts on the return of the seconds display? Do you find it a useful feature, or did you not miss it? Share your opinions in the comments below!
