Update Overview
In a move that has stirred up mixed reactions among Windows 10 users, Microsoft’s latest update—KB5055518 (Build 19045.5737)—has removed the long-standing feature of displaying clock seconds in the Calendar flyout. Delivered as part of the Windows 10 April 2025 Patch Tuesday cycle, this security update targets users who continue to run Windows 10, as support for the operating system is set to conclude on October 14, 2025. While the update brings along some critical bug fixes and quality-of-life enhancements, the decision to redesign the Calendar flyout by following Windows 11’s approach has left many users questioning the rationale behind this change.The Calendar Flyout Redesign
Key Changes and User Impact
One of the most noticeable differences with KB5055518 is the removal of the seconds display from the Calendar flyout. Traditionally, Windows 10 allowed users to view a detailed clock—complete with seconds—when tapping the time area on the taskbar. This minor but useful feature not only added precision but also provided a quick look at the time in an unambiguous manner. However, the new update strips this functionality away, relegating it solely to the taskbar clock if manually enabled through a Registry tweak.- Clock Display Changes:
- Previously, the Calendar flyout showcased a large, bold clock that clearly displayed the current time complete with seconds.
- Now, with KB5055518, users are left with a less prominent and less detailed taskbar clock which doesn’t show seconds by default.
- The change means that users who relied on quick time precision—such as syncing their wristwatches—will now have to resort to creating a custom Registry entry to bring seconds back.
- User Experience and Design Concerns:
- Many Windows 10 users appreciated the intuitive glanceable information provided by the older design.
- The redesigned Calendar flyout splits the display of the date awkwardly across the interface, with elements like “Tuesday” and “April 8” appearing in separate sections.
- This fragmentation, combined with unnecessary whitespace and a reduction in the overall information density, has led to calls for a more thoughtful reconsideration of the interface layout.
Comparison with Windows 11
As Windows 11 leads the pack with its streamlined design approach, it’s no surprise that certain elements of the Windows 10 experience are being aligned to mirror their newer counterpart. In Windows 11, the Calendar flyout also lacks the seconds display; however, users benefit from a toggle mechanism that allows them to enable seconds on the taskbar. For Windows 10 users, achieving similar functionality requires delving into the Registry—a workaround that may not be immediately obvious to many.- Windows 11 Approach:
- Simpler design with the option to toggle seconds on the taskbar.
- Clean, modern interface that sacrifices certain legacy features in favor of uniformity.
- Migration of Features:
- The removal of the seconds from the Calendar flyout in Windows 10 can be seen as an effort to streamline the user interface in alignment with Windows 11.
- However, by stripping away a small but appreciated feature, Microsoft risks alienating users accustomed to the finer details of the legacy design.
Technical Insights and Fixes
Beyond the user interface modifications, KB5055518 also brings an assortment of bug fixes and improvements that address several longstanding issues:Printing Issues and Peripheral Fixes
- Dual-Mode USB Printers:
- The update resolves issues related to USB-connected dual-mode printers that previously led to erratic printing behavior.
- This fix is especially significant for enterprise environments or home users who rely on such devices for daily tasks.
- Get Help Troubleshooter:
- An issue where the Get Help troubleshooter would not function properly in a Remote Desktop session on enterprise configurations is now patched. This improvement ensures smoother remote support experiences across businesses.
File Handling and Temporary Data
- System Processes and Secure Directories:
- A subtle yet potentially impactful change in the update is the reconfiguration of how system processes handle temporary data.
- With files now being stored under a dedicated C:\Windows\SystemTemp directory rather than the generic temporary file storage, Microsoft aims to reduce unwarranted access by third-party applications.
- Enhanced API Support:
- By shifting to the GetTempPath2 API, the update ensures that system processes have more secure and isolated means to store temporary files. This move is part of a broader trend toward bolstering system security and reducing vulnerabilities.
Windows Search UI Updates
- Splitting Local and Bing Search:
- In compliance with regulatory pressures in the European Economic Area (EEA), the Windows Search interface now clearly delineates results between local files and Bing search results.
- This separation reinforces user privacy and enhances search relevance by preventing unwanted interactions with Bing for locally stored data.
Broader Implications and User Reactions
Legacy Features vs. Forward Thinking
The update underscores the delicate balance between maintaining legacy functionality and shifting towards a modernized, uniform user interface. Critics of the redesign argue that:- Loss of Information Density:
- The removal of seconds from the Calendar flyout reduces the amount of immediately visible timing information.
- For users who depend on a precise look at the clock—whether for productivity or personal habits—this seemingly minor detail can have a disproportionate impact on their workflow.
- Design and Usability Concerns:
- The new layout, with its separated date components and increased white space, has been described as less intuitive.
- Existing users might find the rework jarring, especially if they have grown accustomed to the previous design’s clear and cohesive presentation.
Alternative Perspectives
From a broader viewpoint, this move might be seen as an effort by Microsoft to phase out dated design elements in anticipation of future developments in Windows 11 and beyond. While critics lament the loss of a beloved feature, the update signals Microsoft’s commitment to keeping the platform secure and consistent with their long-term vision.- Security and Stability Focus:
- At its core, KB5055518 is a security update. The choice to rework the Calendar flyout might be viewed as secondary to the pressing need to address security vulnerabilities and improve system stability.
- End-of-Life Considerations:
- With Windows 10 nearing its end-of-life date in October 2025, it is plausible that Microsoft does not see the necessity in retaining every legacy feature indefinitely.
- Users who require the exact historic configuration of Windows 10’s interface might find fewer justifications for new tweaks, as the platform shifts its focus to more modern operating systems.
Enabling Seconds on the Taskbar Clock
For users who find the removal of seconds irritating or who need that precise time detail for daily tasks, there’s a silver lining—albeit one that requires a bit of technical maneuvering. By creating a Registry entry, you can reinstate the seconds display on the taskbar clock in Windows 10.Quick Guide to Customize Your Clock
- Open the Registry Editor by pressing Windows+R and typing regedit, then press Enter.
- Navigate to the following location:
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced
- Create a new DWORD (32-bit) value named ShowSecondsInSystemClock.
- Set its value to 1 to enable the seconds in the taskbar clock.
- Restart Windows Explorer or sign out and back in for the change to take effect.
Real-World Scenarios and Use Cases
Productivity and Precision
For tech enthusiasts and professionals, every second counts—literally. Consider scenarios such as:- Synchronizing Appointments:
Professionals often rely on precise timing to join virtual meetings or sync their schedules. The lack of clock seconds in the flyout might introduce minor inconveniences in time-sensitive environments. - Tech Hobbyists:
Many users, from software developers to electronics hobbyists, appreciate every detail the operating system offers. Being forced to engage with the Registry to correct a seemingly minor oversight could be a source of frustration.
Enterprise Considerations
Enterprises often weigh the pros and cons of updates based on stability and utility. With KB5055518:- Security vs. Usability:
- The balance tilts in favor of enhanced security and bug fixes that improve critical functionalities such as printing and remote support.
- Even if the Calendar flyout redesign isn’t universally popular, enterprises might prioritize the stability enhancements over user interface quirks.
- Extended Support Options:
- While Windows 10 is slated for support until October 2025, businesses have the option to extend support with a modest fee.
- This extension indicates that despite interface changes, Microsoft is still committed to providing a secure and functional environment for legacy systems.
Conclusion
Windows 10 KB5055518 is emblematic of the transitional nature of operating system updates—in this case, highlighting a willingness to align older systems with modern design philosophies, even when it means sacrificing legacy features. While the removal of clock seconds from the Calendar flyout has drawn ire from some long-time users, the update’s critical fixes and security improvements cannot be overlooked.Key takeaways include:
- The Calendar flyout redesign removes seconds from the time display, aligning Windows 10 closer with Windows 11, albeit at the cost of a beloved feature.
- Critical bug fixes in areas such as USB printing, the Get Help troubleshooter, and file handling practices underscore the update’s focus on security and stability.
- Workarounds remain available for those who value precision, although they require manual adjustments in the Windows Registry.
- Enterprise users may focus more on the update’s stability and security enhancements while accepting minor user interface trade-offs.
Source: Windows Latest Windows 10 KB5055518 remove seconds from the clock, following Windows 11
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