How to Check Screen Time on Windows 11

How to Check Screen Time on Windows 11

Want to track your screen time on Windows 11? Whether you're monitoring productivity, managing digital habits, or simply curious about your device usage, Windows 11 provides built-in tools to check your screen-on time. This Cool Tip guides you through the process step by step.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

May 21, 2025

Why Tracking Screen Time Matters

In today’s digital world, screen time awareness is more important than ever. 

For business professionals, understanding time spent on tasks can help optimize workflow. 

Educators managing online learning sessions can monitor engagement, while productivity enthusiasts can assess habits and set intentional screen breaks. 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Check Your Screen Time on Windows 11.

Windows 11 makes it easy to check how long your display has been active.

What You'll Gain

• Better time management: Gain insights into your daily PC usage. 
• Improved productivity: Identify distractions and optimize work sessions. 
• Health benefits: Encourage screen breaks to reduce eye strain.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here's how to do it.

Windows 11 (Laptop Users)

1. Click the Start menu.
2. Select Settings.
3. Navigate to System > Power & battery in the left panel.
4. Scroll down and click Battery usage to view a detailed breakdown.
5. Below the battery level graph, you'll see screen on time, screen off time, and sleep time for the past 24 hours.
6. Switch to the Last 7 days option to check your average screen-on time for the week.

fig. 1 - Example of Checking Screen Time on Windows 11

For Windows 11 (Desktop Users)

For desktop users, try this:

1. Open Task Manager app.
2. Select Performance > CPU to see how long your system has been running.

Note: This doesn’t reflect active screen time, but rather total system uptime since the last restart.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Built-in tracking for laptops and tablets. 
• Helps manage productivity and digital habits. 
• Easy access via Windows Settings.

Cons

• Not available for desktops without third-party apps. 
• Limited app-specific breakdowns compared to mobile devices. 
• Requires additional software for advanced analytics.

Feature Access

• Available for Windows 11 laptops and tablets. 
• Not built-in for desktop users (third-party apps required).

Key Takeaways

• Windows 11 offers screen-on time tracking for laptops and tablets via Battery Usage settings.
• Desktop users must rely on third-party apps or Task Manager for uptime tracking.
• Monitoring screen time helps with productivity, focus, and digital wellness.

Try It Yourself

Take control of your digital habits today! 

Open Settings > Power & battery > Battery usage to explore your daily and weekly screen time stats.

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READ MORE

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Rodger Mansfield, a seasoned tech expert, is the mastermind behind www.OneCoolTip.com where he serves as both writer and editor. With a keen eye for simplifying complex tech, Rodger delivers practical advice that empowers readers to navigate the digital world with confidence. Dive into www.OneCoolTip.com for a treasure trove of savvy tips and tricks that keep you one step ahead in tech.

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