Set up a timer on this computer

This computer needs a Windows timer path that matches how you already install software. Prefer winget when App Installer works, Scoop or Chocolatey when those tools already manage the box, or the portable exe from GitHub Releases when policy blocks package managers.

winget install -e --id VladElaina.Catime

scoop bucket add extras && scoop install catime

choco install catime

Pick one install style

Winget id VladElaina.Catime is the default recommendation for modern Windows 10 and 11 machines. Scoop extras catime fits developer desks that already use Scoop buckets. Chocolatey catime fits fleets that already standardize on choco. The portable catime_*.exe fits locked-down PCs that still allow user-run binaries from GitHub.

Do not install all four. Pick one style, document it, and reuse it after reimages. Home overview: timer home. Package detail: winget and packages. Scoop detail: Scoop install.

macOS and Linux desks are out of scope for this product’s Releases list. If this computer is not Windows, use another countdown tool rather than inventing a brew line that does not exist.

Prove the machine path

After install, find the tray icon. Left-click to set a short duration. Start the countdown and watch the overlay. Enter edit mode only long enough to place the timer where slides or documents stay readable, then exit edit mode.

Confirm timeout action is a message before you enable lock or shutdown. Shared lab PCs should avoid shutdown actions entirely. First run: first run. Overlay tips: tray and overlay.

If the tray icon never appears, check whether the process started and whether the notification area hides new icons. Troubleshooting: troubleshooting.

Policy and SmartScreen

Corporate images may block unknown portables. In that case winget or a store channel your IT already allows may be the only legal path. Do not disable security tools just to force a countdown utility onto a managed disk.

SmartScreen warnings on fresh MinGW builds are discussed in upstream SECURITY.md. Confirm the publisher URL is the GitHub project you intended. Safe fetch: download safe. Safety guide: is it safe.

If group policy forbids portable exe files in user profile folders, stop and ask IT for an approved package. A meeting countdown is not worth a policy violation.

Local config on this disk

PRIVACY.md places configuration under %LOCALAPPDATA%\Catime\, including config.ini and local logs that are not uploaded according to upstream claims. Back up config.ini when presets matter. Copy it off the machine before a wipe if you want the same durations tomorrow.

Plugins and tray GIF packs are optional. Keep them off until the basic timer path works on this computer. Presets guide: countdown presets. Timeout guide: timeout actions.

First hour checklist: installed. Update door: update and uninstall.

When this computer is shared

Write the install style on a card taped near the monitor. Include winget id or filename pattern. After every lab reimage, run the same door and prove one timer countdown. That ritual keeps adware mirrors out of the room.

Students should not chase neon browser timers on exam days once the desktop overlay works. Teachers should keep shutdown timeout actions disabled on shared accounts. Parents should prefer winget when possible because the id is harder to spoof than a random download button.

Switching from browser tabs is optional and covered on switch from online timers. Comparing with Windows Clock is covered on vs Windows Clock timer.

Audio and display on this desk

Timeout sounds use ordinary Windows audio devices. Test speakers or headphones you already trust before you blame the timer for silence. Overlay readability depends on monitor scale; increase overlay size in edit mode rather than squinting through a tiny countdown during a talk.

Multi-monitor desks should place the overlay on the display you actually watch. Click-through helps when the timer sits above slides, but prove positioning with click-through off first so you can still drag safely. Return to the timer home when you need the full pillar.