Xiaomi RedmiBook 8
Windows 11
Xiaomi
all possible ways
Why is there no default clock on RedmiBook 8? It's Microsoft policy: since Windows 10, the desktop clock widgets have been replaced by the taskbar. However, that doesn't mean you can't return the familiar element. We tested 5 working methods (including hidden features). MIUI+ for laptops) and collected them in one guide - with step-by-step screenshots, warnings about typical errors and comparison of convenience solutions.
If you prefer a minimalist design, or if you want a watch with weather, calendar and animation, you can find a suitable option here. And for those who are afraid of breaking the system, we have separately identified the safest ways (without administrator rights and registry editing).
1. Windows Standard Watch: How to Return to Desktop
The easiest way is to use the built-in Watch and Calendar gadget from the Microsoft Store, which is officially supported by Xiaomi RedmiBook 8 and does not require additional software installation.
Open the Microsoft Store → Type "Widgets" in the search" → Select Windows Widgets (from Microsoft Corporation). After installation, click on the widget icon in the taskbar (near the clock) and select "Clock." Drag the widget to the desktop.
- ✅ Pros: official solution, automatic time update, synchronization with Microsoft account.
- ❌ Cons: limited customization (only 2 styles), takes up space on the widget panel.
- ⚙️ Feature: only works when connected to the Internet for synchronization.
If the widget is not displayed, check:
- Windows Updated to the latest version (Settings) → Windows Update).
- Whether widgets are included in settings: Parameters → Personalization → Taskbar → Widgets.
⚠️ Note: On some builds of Windows 11 LTSC (Business users' stripped-down version) widgets are disabled at the system level. In this case, use the 3-5 methods from this article.
2. Gadgets of third-party developers: top-3 programme
If you don't like the built-in widgets, look at the specialized programs, we tested dozens of utilities and selected the three most stable and safe for RedmiBook 8:
| Programme | Features | System requirements | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8GadgetPack | Returns gadgets from Windows 7, including watches from 10+ skins, weather support and CPU-monitor. | Windows 10/11, .NET Framework 4.8 | Official website |
| Rainmeter | Full customization: from simple watches to futuristic HUD-It requires customization skills. | Windows 7–11, 50 MB of free space | Download Rainmeter |
| Desktop Clock | Light utility with transparent watch, support for several time zones and alarm clock. | Windows 10/11, portable version available | Programme page |
For installation 8GadgetPack (simpler):
- Download the installer from the official website.
- Launch the file with administrator rights.
- After installation in the context menu of the desktop will appear item "Gadgets" - select "Clock".
It's important: 8GadgetPack It can conflict with antivirus software (e.g., Avast blocks it as a "potentially unwanted program.
Download the program from the official website|Disable the antivirus during installation|Launch the installer on behalf of the administrator|Restart the laptop after installation-->
3. Hours in MIUI+: Hidden feature for Xiaomi owners
Few people know, but RedmiBook 8 is pre-installed. MIUI+ — It's an ecosystem solution that syncs with Xiaomi devices, and it lets you display widgets from your smartphone directly to your laptop desktop, including your watch:
Make sure that:
Instructions for setting:
- Open up. MIUI+ on your laptop and log in.
- On your smartphone, go to Settings → Connected devices → MIUI+.
- Activate the option "Show widgets on PC".
- On the desktop of the laptop will appear icon MIUI+ — Click on it and select the "Clock" widget".
⚠️ Attention: Widgets MIUI+ It only works when you're connecting your smartphone to your laptop with Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, and if you're interrupted, the watch will disappear from the screen.
How to return widgets MIUI+, if they're missing?
4. HTML-Watch: for advanced users
If you're willing to spend 10 In the minutes of setting, you can create a unique watch with the help of HTML/CSS. This method doesn't require any software installation, and it works even on stripped-down versions of Windows:
Create a clock.html text file and insert this code:
<!DOCTYPE html>
<html>
<head>
<style>
body { margin: 0; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; }
#clock {
font-size: 48px;
color: #fff;
text-shadow: 2px 2px 4px rgba(0,0,0,0.5);
position: fixed;
bottom: 20px;
right: 20px;
background: rgba(0,0,0,0.3);
padding: 10px 20px;
border-radius: 10px;
}
</style>
</head>
<body>
<div id="clock"></div>
<script>
function updateClock() {
const now = new Date();
document.getElementById('clock').textContent = now.toLocaleTimeString();
}
setInterval(updateClock, 1000);
updateClock();
</script>
</body>
</html>Save the file and open it in your browser so that the clock always appears on your desktop:
- Press. F11 full-screen.
- Turn the browser window (do not close!).
- Use Always On Top to secure the window over all windows.
For customization:
- 🎨 Change font-size, color or background in the section <style>.
- 🌍 Add date display: replace now.toLocaleTimeString() with now.toLocaleString().
- ⏱️ For stopwatch, add setInterval(updateClock, 1000).
💡
To automatically start the watch when you turn on your laptop, create a shortcut for clock.html and add it to your autoload folder: C:\Users\Your name\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup.
5.Error Correction: Why the clock doesn't work
Even when installed correctly, widgets can disappear or show the wrong time, and we've collected some of the most common problems and solutions.
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The clock is not updated | Time synchronization disabled | Go to the settings. → Time and language → Date and time and enable automatic synchronization. |
| The widget disappears after the reboot | The program is not added to the autoboot | For 8GadgetPack: In the settings of gadgets, mark "Run at the start of the system". |
| The clock is displayed over all windows. | Incorrect Transparency settings | In the properties of the gadget (right click) select "Always in sight" → turn off. |
| MIUI+ It doesn't connect to a smartphone. | An outdated version of the app | Update. MIUI+ on both devices via the Mi App Store. |
If the clock is not showing the right time despite the synchronization:
- Check the time zone: Parameters → Time and language → Time zone.
- Turn off and turn on time synchronization again.
- If the problem persists, enter in the command line (Win) + R → cmd): w32tm /resync
⚠️ Attention: On RedmiBook laptops 8 double-loaded Windows/Linux Time may be lost due to differences in time zone processing between the OS. Solution: in Linux, run the timedatectl set-local-rtc command. 1, In Windows, turn off automatic time synchronization.
💡
Before installing any widgets, create a system restore point: Start → This will help to roll back changes if the clock starts to conflict with other programs.
6. Alternative solutions: clock in the taskbar and lock screen
If you do not need to place the watch on the desktop, consider two built-in options:
1. The clock on the taskbar:
- Right-click on the taskbar → "Taskbar parameters".
- Enable the option "Show the clock on all displays" (relevant for multi-monitor settings).
- Set the time format: Parameters → Time and language → Formats.
The clock on the lock screen:
- Go to the settings. → Personalization → Lock screen.
- Turn on "Show the clock on the lock screen."
- Choose the display style (digital or analog).
These methods do not require additional software installation and do not burden the system, but they are less noticeable than widgets on the desktop.
Comparison of methods: which one to choose?
To help determine, we have compiled a comparative table on the key criteria:
| Method | Convenience | Customization | System load | Admin rights required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Windows widgets | ★★★★☆ | ★★☆☆☆ | ★☆☆☆☆ | No. |
| 8GadgetPack | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★☆☆☆ | Yes. |
| Rainmeter | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ | No. |
| MIUI+ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★☆☆☆ | ★☆☆☆☆ | No. |
| HTML-clockwork | ★☆☆☆☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★☆☆☆ | No. |
Selection recommendations:
- 🏆 For most users: 8GadgetPack — balance of convenience and functionality.
- 🎨 For designers: Rainmeter (takes time to set up).
- 📱 For owners of smartphones Xiaomi: MIUI+ (if you don't need customization).
- 💻 For minimalists: standard Windows widgets or clocks on the taskbar.