GUIDE
Always-on-Top Clock for Windows 11 (Built-in Options First)
The clock at the right end of the Windows 11 taskbar is small, fixed in place and hidden by full-screen apps. If you want the date and time somewhere bigger, such as on a large or second monitor, here is the order that makes sense: the built-in setting first, then a desktop clock you can place yourself.
1. Start with the built-in taskbar clock
If what you want is more detail, not a bigger clock, Windows can show seconds on the taskbar clock:
- Select Start > Settings > Time & language > Date & time.
- Make sure Show time and date in the System tray is turned On.
- Select Show seconds in system tray clock (uses more power).
Microsoft notes that the time in the system tray normally doesn't show seconds. On some versions of Windows 11 the same option is under Settings > Personalization > Taskbar > Taskbar behaviors. Our step-by-step guide covers both places: How to show seconds on the Windows 11 taskbar clock.
That is the built-in fix. It makes the taskbar clock more detailed. It doesn't make it larger or move it.
2. What the built-in clock can't do
- It stays small and in its corner. You can't drag the taskbar clock to another part of the screen.
- Full-screen apps hide it. If you play or present full screen, the taskbar clock is covered. If your problem is the opposite, a taskbar that sits on top of a full-screen game, see Taskbar showing over a full-screen game on Windows 11.
- Keep on top belongs to individual apps. Calculator, for example, has its own Keep on top button: switch to Standard mode, then select Keep on top or press Alt + Up arrow. That pins Calculator, not a clock.
3. A desktop clock you place yourself
Disclosure: we (SolaceSoftware) make and sell Solace Clock.
Solace Clock doesn't change or replace the taskbar clock. It is a separate, borderless readout you drag anywhere on the desktop, sized and styled the way you like.
- Your format. Pick a date and time format from presets, from "2:48 PM" to ISO week, or build your own with simple {codes} and a live preview.
- Countdown mode and any time zone. Use New clock in Settings to run a second clock for another zone next to your local one.
- Themes, colors, fonts and size, with optional always on top and a tray icon that brings the clock back when it is hidden.
- Nothing to install. Unzip and run. Tested: no network connections from launch to exit, no admin rights, and nothing to install.
Limits: always on top is an option you choose, and we haven't tested the clock over every full-screen app, so don't count on it above an exclusive full-screen game. You need Windows 10 or Windows 11 with .NET Framework 4.8.1, which is built into current Windows 11. The download is about 1.3 MB, and the shop page lists the size and SHA-256 of the exact ZIP you download. Keep SolaceClock.exe and SolaceClock.exe.config together in the same folder, and turn off Start with Windows in Settings before you delete the app folder. The app isn't code-signed yet, so on first launch Windows may show "Windows protected your PC". Click More info, then Run anyway.
$18.39 USD once. No subscription and no automatic renewal. 14-day money-back guarantee, no questions asked. Refund terms.
Questions before you buy: solacesoftware@smilingface.cloud
4. Which one should you pick?
- You only want seconds: use the built-in taskbar setting in step 1. You don't need an app.
- You want the time bigger, on a second monitor, or with another time zone or a countdown: a desktop clock such as Solace Clock does that.
- You need the clock above a full-screen game: the taskbar clock won't be there, and we haven't tested Solace Clock over every full-screen app. Check the limits above before you buy.
5. Questions
Does Solace Clock stay on top of full-screen apps?
It has an optional always-on-top setting. We haven't tested it over every full-screen app, so we can't promise it will show above an exclusive full-screen game.
Does it need the internet or an account?
No. In our test it made no network connections from launch to exit, and it has no account.
Can I show two time zones?
Yes. Use New clock in Settings to run a second clock for another zone next to your local one.
Does the countdown play a sound?
Only if you choose one. "Play sound when countdown ends" is on by default and plays the WAV file you pick in Settings > Alerts. No WAV file is set by default, so the clock stays silent until you pick one.
Can I get a refund?
Yes. There is a 14-day money-back guarantee, no questions asked. See the Refund terms.
Quick answer
- Built in: Settings > Time & language > Date & time, then Show seconds in system tray clock.
- Not there? Settings > Personalization > Taskbar > Taskbar behaviors, same option.
- Keep in mind: the taskbar clock stays small and fixed, and full-screen apps hide it.
- For a clock you drag anywhere on the desktop (it doesn't change the taskbar clock): Solace Clock, $18.39 once, 14-day money-back guarantee.
Not sure which app you need? Answer one question
Questions: solacesoftware@smilingface.cloud.