Adding the Day of the Week to the Taskbar Clock

Written by Eric Wyatt (last updated March 22, 2021)

3

In another article</>, I discussed how to add the seconds to the clock in the taskbar of a Windows 10 system. Shortly after, a reader, Chuck, emailed me and asked if it was possible to show the extended date, i.e., day of the week, in the taskbar as well. Fortunately, this is possible and something that I believe many users might find helpful. To do this is very similar to the method used to display the seconds in the taskbar outlined in the previously mentioned tip. To achieve this, we need to make a change in the Registry Editor.

Since we will be making a change to the Registry, it is good to close any open programs as most Registry edits require a system restart to take effect.

  1. PressÊWin+R. Windows opens the Run window.
  2. Type "regedit" (without quotes) and pressÊEnter. Windows opens the Registry Editor.
  3. In the left-side panel, navigate to
    4. HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\International
  4. In the right-hand window, select and double click on the entry labeled "sShortDate" from the list. This opens the Edit String dialog box.
  5. In the Value Data field, add (without quotes) "ddd." at the beginning of the string already in the box. (Don't forget the period after the "ddd.") (See Figure 1.)

    6. Figure 1. sShortDate with updated value entered.

  6. Click OK to close the Edit String dialog box.
  7. Close the Registry Editor.
  8. Restart your computer to have the changes take effect.

By utilizing this simple Registry modification, the taskbar will display the day of the week as part of the date in the taskbar.

 This tip (13838) applies to Windows 10.

Author Bio

Eric Wyatt

Eric Wyatt is a swell guy (or so his friends tell him). He is a formally trained designer and branding expert, bringing a wide range of skills to his Tips.Net articles. ...

MORE FROM ERIC

Create a Desktop Shortcut that Opens the Favorites Folder

Shortcuts save time and quickly open an item, thereby reducing mouse clicks. Create a shortcut to quickly open the ...

Discover More

Command Prompt's New Tricks

Command Prompt has been around for a while in various versions of Windows. With Windows 10 the Command Prompt window has ...

Discover More

Showing File Extensions

All file types have an extension, and Microsoft hides them by default. Learn how to turn file extensions on.

Discover More
More WindowsTips

Changing How Tasks Appear on the Taskbar

The Windows Taskbar is much more robust than it was in previous versions of the operating system. One of its many ...

Discover More

Pinning a Shortcut to the Taskbar

It's usually easy to pin items to the Taskbar. But if what you want to pin is not a shortcut to an application? This tip ...

Discover More

Pinning a File to the Taskbar

In an effort to make your computer use more efficient you can pin non-executable files to the taskbar for easy access. ...

Discover More
Comments

If you would like to add an image to your comment (not an avatar, but an image to help in making the point of your comment), include the characters [{fig}] (all 7 characters, in the sequence shown) in your comment text. You’ll be prompted to upload your image when you submit the comment. Maximum image size is 6Mpixels. Images larger than 600px wide or 1000px tall will be reduced. Up to three images may be included in a comment. All images are subject to review. Commenting privileges may be curtailed if inappropriate images are posted.

What is seven more than 3?

2021-03-24 10:35:44

Miguel

Hi there. Can you tell me, please, where I can get 'How to add the seconds to the clock in the taskbar of a Windows 10 system' WindowsTip'? I couldn't find it. Thank you very much in advance for your attention.

2021-03-23 21:26:11

Dennis

The registry change had the desired task bar effect, but caused Excel 365 to take "3/23/2021" and display it as "3.23.2021".

2021-03-22 20:12:42

Malcolm Halliwell

Great tip, Eric, thank you. But... Down Under we put the date first then the month. I was able to figure out how to do that thanks to your tip. Look forward to your email every week.

all the best

Malcolm

Newest Tips
Links and Sharing
OUR COMPANY
OUR PRODUCTS
OUR SITES
 

Copyright © 2025 Sharon Parq Associates, Inc.