Forum Discussion
Digital Wellness and productivity
Microsoft should make a native app with fluent style to help users watch their screen/app time. In 2026 there hasn't been an app that's free, solid and that feels native in Windows 11, because there aren't any API for that. Apps like Activity Watch for some reason don't work in my PC and apps like SolidTime are paid and not really fluent. Naturally, something like this should be made by Microsoft itself. Android has it since the beginning, why Windows doesn't have it yet?
2 Replies
Historically, Windows has lacked a robust, unified API for granular app usage and screen time tracking comparable to mobile OSes. Efforts like Windows Parental Controls or Microsoft Family Safety exist but are often limited in scope and not deeply integrated into the core OS with a modern Fluent design.
Yes, Myrans, you hit the core of the issue.
I was thinking... With Microsoft currently pushing the Windows K2 initiative, which focuses on rebuilding core features, it could make sense for them to introduce the missing API on Windows.
If they build it, do you believe that Microsoft should have an open API for other developers or keep it strictly closed with no system hooks as they have done with the taskbar's search bar?
