The Clock is Back: Why Windows 11's September 2025 Update Matters

The Clock is Back: Why Windows 11's September 2025 Update Matters

The Windows 11 “2025” update (version 25H2) quietly restores something users have missed: a clock with seconds inside the Notification Center. Along with this, Microsoft has delivered several refinements and made the update easier to install. Here’s what you need to know, how to use it, and why it matters.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor 

October 1, 2025

Think about the small things that slow you down. 

Checking the time while you already have notifications open seems trivial, but those moments add up. 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Download the September 2025 Windows 11 Update for the New Notification Center Clock.

With the September update, you no longer need to glance back at the taskbar just to confirm the time. 

It’s not a groundbreaking feature, yet it shows Microsoft paying attention to details that shape daily use. 

For most of us, those details are what separate a smooth workflow from a frustrating one.

What You’ll Gain

• A visible clock with seconds inside the Notification Center
• A lighter, faster installation process through an enablement package
• Future updates delivered on the same servicing branch with less disruption

Feature Spotlight: Time in Notification Center and More

Time (with Seconds) in Notification Center

Windows 11 now shows the time, including seconds, inside the Notification Center. 

This had been missing since the Windows 10 era. 

You can enable it by visiting Settings → Time & Language → Date & Time and toggling “Show time in Notification Center.”

Other 25H2 Changes

The update installs as an enablement package. 

Instead of a full reinstall, it simply activates new features already included in version 24H2.

Legacy components like PowerShell 2.0 and WMIC are no longer part of the default setup.

Administrators now have more flexibility to remove preinstalled apps through Group Policy and device management tools.

Who Can Use It

Available for anyone already on Windows 11 version 24H2 or supported preview builds.

No extra subscription is required; it’s part of the regular Windows servicing model.

Rollout is phased. 

If your PC has known compatibility issues, Microsoft may hold the update back temporarily.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here's how to do it.

On Windows (Desktop)

Prepare your device

1. Go to Settings → Windows Update → Advanced Options.
2. Turn on “Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available.”

fig. 1 - Get the Latest Updates As Soon As They Are Available

Download the update

1. When eligible, the Windows 11 2025 (25H2) update will appear.
2. Select Download and Install. Because it is an enablement package, the process is faster and less disruptive.

Turn on the clock in notifications

1. Open Settings → Time & Language → Date & Time.
2. Switch on “Show time in Notification Center.”

fig. 2 - Show Time in Notification Center

fig. 3 - Show the Time in Notification Window

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Restores a familiar feature that many users wanted back.
• Installation is lightweight with little downtime.

Cons

• Availability is gradual, so not everyone will see it immediately.
• It is a small convenience rather than a major productivity gain.
• Some devices may be blocked from receiving the update if compatibility problems exist.

Score

Score | Criterion | Justification

Value 6

A small but handy addition. It improves flow but does not transform productivity.

Usability 8

Very simple to enable in settings, no learning curve.

Wow Factor 5

Nice to see seconds return, but it is more nostalgic than innovative.

Total: 19 / 30 → 👍 Good. Worth turning on for anyone who uses the Notification Center often.

Key Takeaways

The September 2025 update (25H2) for Windows 11 introduces a visible clock with seconds in the Notification Center, installs quickly through an enablement package, and removes outdated tools. 

It’s a thoughtful quality-of-life improvement that makes notifications more useful without overhauling the interface.

Try It Yourself

Check your Windows Update settings today. 

If 25H2 is available, install it and turn on the new Notification Center clock. 

Then decide for yourself how often it saves you a step. 

Share your experience with colleagues and encourage your team to try it.

READ MORE

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• Do You Know What Your PC Is Really Capable Of?
  
• The Hidden Lifesaver in Windows: How Emergency Restart Can Save Your Day
  

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Rodger Mansfield, a seasoned tech expert, is the mastermind behind www.OneCoolTip.com where he serves as both writer and editor. With a keen eye for simplifying complex tech, Rodger delivers practical advice that empowers readers to navigate the digital world with confidence. Dive into www.OneCoolTip.com for a treasure trove of savvy tips and tricks that keep you one step ahead in tech.

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