Desktop Clock for Windows 11: Built-in Options First

1. The taskbar clock and seconds

Windows can show seconds on the taskbar clock. The setting is under Start > Settings > Time & language > Date & time, then Show seconds in system tray clock (uses more power). On older Windows 11 builds it is under Settings > Personalization > Taskbar > Taskbar behaviors. The full steps are in How to show seconds on the Windows 11 taskbar clock.

2. A world clock in the Clock app

1. Select Start > Clock > World clock.
2. Select Add a new city, type the first letters of the city and select it.
3. Select Add. Use the slider to compare times.

For a countdown, open the Clock app and select Timer. The Timer also has a Keep on top option.

3. Extra taskbar clocks for other time zones

1. Press Win + R, type timedate.cpl and press Enter.
2. Open the Additional Clocks tab.
3. Select Show clock 1, choose the time zone for clock 1 and enter a display name. Clock 2 works the same way.

Windows describes it this way: "Additional clocks can display the time in other time zones. You can view them by clicking on or hovering over the taskbar clock."

4. 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. If you want a clock that stays above your windows, see Always-on-Top Clock for Windows 11 (Built-in Options First).

• 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.
• 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. 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. Refund terms.

Solace Clock, $18.39 once, 14-day money-back guarantee.

or buy on Shopify

Questions before you buy: solacesoftware@smilingface.cloud

5. Questions

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 it replace the taskbar clock?

No. Solace Clock doesn't change or replace the taskbar clock. It is a separate, borderless readout you drag anywhere on the desktop.

Can I get a refund?

Yes. There is a 14-day money-back guarantee, no questions asked. See the Refund terms.