Getting started

The DeskTime setup guide

Follow this step-by-step guide to get started, customize your setup, and make DeskTime work for your team.

Sign up
SourceForge icon G2 logo Capterra logo
G2 Star rating 4.5/5 avg. (2000+ reviews)

What brings you to DeskTime today?

Let’s set the stage so DeskTime fits you perfectly.

Nice, let’s show you around

Here’s what makes DeskTime different and how it gives you a clear view of work with minimal effort.

Fully automatic tracking

DeskTime starts tracking as soon as the computer is on, no timers, no manual input. This means more accurate data and fewer interruptions during the workday.

Built to fit your workflow

From productivity settings to team-level controls, DeskTime is one of the most customizable tools on the market, so you can tailor it to your exact needs.

Designed for hybrid teams

DeskTime makes it easy to manage office and remote work in one place. With our hybrid work features, you’ll always know how and where work is happening.

Nice, let’s get your team set up

Before you start tracking, here’s what to consider to ensure a smooth and transparent rollout for your team.

Set clear expectations

Before you start, define what you’ll track and why. When employees understand the purpose, whether it’s improving planning or balancing workloads, they’re more likely to support the process.

Focus on team benefits

Time tracking isn’t just for managers. It helps employees manage their time, avoid burnout, and work more flexibly, creating a fairer, more balanced work environment.

Build trust through transparency

Give employees access to their own data and communicate openly. When people feel informed and in control, time tracking becomes a helpful tool, not something to worry about.

Now, let's set up the environment

First things first:
download the DeskTime app

Follow step-by-step tutorials for Windows, Mac, and Linux to get the app up and running.

Windows (.exe) Mac (Apple Silicon) Linux (AppImage)

most common

Download Download Download

Windows (.msi) Mac (Intel) Linux (DEB)

Download Download Download

Not sure which version to download?

The .exe version is recommended for most users as it installs directly on your device. Get the .msi version if you need enterprise-level mass deployment. Click the Apple icon in the top-left corner of your screen and select “About This Mac”. If it says Apple with an M-series number (M1, M2, or M3, etc.), you’ve got an Apple Silicon chip. If it says Intel, that’s your pick! Check out the full list of systems DeskTime supports here.

Your setup progress

Follow the steps below to get up and running. Complete each task to move your progress forward.

Completed -
Set up your workspace & start tracking

Get familiar with how DeskTime works and tailor it to your workflow. In this step, you’ll start tracking time and adjust key settings to fit your needs

Need more help?
Good job! Onboarding completed!
Understand your data

See how your tracked time turns into insights. In this step, you’ll explore your data and learn how to use it to understand work patterns.

Need more help?
Good job! Onboarding completed!
Set up your billing

Choose a plan and prepare your account for team use. In this step, you’ll select user seats and activate your subscription.

Need more help?
Good job! Onboarding completed!

Ready to onboard your team?

You’ve covered the essentials–now let’s bring your team on board.

Add your team

Set up your account structure and invite your team. In this step, you’ll make sure everyone is connected under one main account.

Need more help?
Good job! Onboarding completed!
Organize work with schedules

Plan workdays, manage absences, and keep track of who’s working when. In this step, you’ll create shifts and set clear expectations for your team.

Need more help?
Good job! Onboarding completed!
Make time tracking work for your team

Create a setup that feels fair and flexible for your team. In this step, you’ll enable employee-friendly features that improve accuracy, privacy, and overall experience.

Need more help?
Good job! Onboarding completed!

Unlock more with DeskTime Premium

Take your time tracking to the next level with advanced features designed for deeper insights, better oversight, and seamless workflows.

Get visibility with Screenshots

Understand how work gets done with optional screen capture. Set custom intervals, enable it for specific users, and blur screenshots to protect sensitive information while still getting the full picture.

Connect your favorite tools

Integrate DeskTime with your favorite project management tools like Jira, Asana, and more. Automatically track meetings, sync workflows, and reduce manual input across your team.

See where work happens with IP Location

DeskTime automatically detects whether work is done remotely or in the office based on IP address, no GPS tracking needed. This gives you clearer visibility into hybrid work setups.

We’re here if you need us

Our experts are here to guide you through every step of your DeskTime journey.

Ready to try DeskTime Premium?

Discover smarter ways to manage and support your team with Premium features.