diff --git a/runtime.c b/runtime.c
index 5f8a0ca..1368595 100644
--- a/runtime.c
+++ b/runtime.c
@@ -584,6 +584,9 @@ int CHICKEN_initialize(int heap, int stack, int symbols, void *toplevel)
   /*FIXME Should have C_tzset in chicken.h? */
 #ifdef C_NONUNIX
   C_startup_time_seconds = (time_t)0;
+# if defined(_WIN32)
+  _set_output_format(0); /* Don't print unneccessary digits in exponent */
+# endif
 # if defined(__MINGW32__)
   /* Make sure _tzname, _timezone, and _daylight are set */
   _tzset();