Microsoft is currently in the process of rolling out the KB5053643 update for Windows 10, which debuted on March 25 as an optional enhancement requiring manual installation. However, come April’s Patch Tuesday, this update will be automatically pushed to all Windows 10 devices.
For those who rely on precise timing, the KB5053643 update may not be well-received. Reports from Windows Latest indicate that Microsoft has decided to eliminate the clock display from the flyout menu, which is typically accessed by clicking the time in the taskbar. While this change may seem minor, it could prove to be quite inconvenient for users who frequently need to know the exact time for synchronization, programming, or other tasks.
Post-installation of KB5053643, the clock that appears when you click on the time in the taskbar will now only present the monthly calendar, the day of the week, and the current date at the top. The precise time, previously displayed down to the second, has been removed entirely from this menu. The taskbar clock itself remains unchanged, still showing only hours and minutes.
Why is Microsoft removing seconds?
According to Windows Latest, Microsoft has justified this removal by stating that the seconds display places an unnecessary burden on the graphical user interface and can negatively impact performance. The operating system expends additional resources to update the time every second, which can hinder the CPU’s ability to enter a power-saving state. This rationale echoes the initial design choices for Windows 11, which also omitted a seconds display until it was reintroduced as an option in 2023.
This decision raises questions, particularly as it comes just months before the end of support for Windows 10. It appears that Microsoft may be intentionally making Windows 10 less appealing, nudging users towards an upgrade to Windows 11. This strategy aligns with the company’s broader objective of encouraging users to transition from their existing Windows 10 machines, even if those devices remain fully functional.
