Downtime Scheduling¶
Downtime scheduling lets you define specific periods when the computer is restricted. During downtime, blocked websites are inaccessible and limited apps cannot be used, helping you maintain boundaries between work and personal time.
How Downtime Works¶
When a downtime period begins:
- All websites on your block list become inaccessible
- Applications with time limits are blocked regardless of remaining time
- A notification informs you that downtime has started
- The desktop wallpaper or overlay may change to indicate restricted mode (configurable)
When downtime ends, normal rules resume (block lists and app limits apply as configured).
Setting Up Downtime¶
- Open Focus settings (admin password required).
- Navigate to Productivity > Downtime.
- Click Add Schedule.
- Configure the schedule:
- Days -- Select which days of the week this schedule applies (e.g., Monday through Friday)
- Start time -- When downtime begins (e.g., 10:00 PM)
- End time -- When downtime ends (e.g., 7:00 AM)
- Click Save.
Schedule Examples¶
| Use Case | Days | Start | End |
|---|---|---|---|
| Evening wind-down | Mon-Sun | 10:00 PM | 6:00 AM |
| Work focus hours | Mon-Fri | 9:00 AM | 12:00 PM |
| Weekend mornings | Sat-Sun | 6:00 AM | 10:00 AM |
| Study time | Mon-Fri | 4:00 PM | 6:00 PM |
Multiple Schedules¶
You can create multiple downtime schedules for different parts of your day or week. For example:
- Schedule 1: Work focus -- Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 12 PM
- Schedule 2: Evening -- Every day, 10 PM to 6 AM
Schedules can overlap. When any active schedule applies, the downtime restrictions are enforced.
What Happens During Downtime¶
Essential Apps
You can designate certain applications as "essential" so they remain available during downtime. This is useful for communication tools, alarm clocks, or emergency contacts.
Overriding Downtime¶
If you need to use the computer during a scheduled downtime period, you can temporarily override it by entering the admin password. See Pause Restrictions for details.
Self-Discipline
In Productivity Mode, the ability to override downtime is by design -- you are managing yourself. If you find yourself overriding too often, consider having someone else manage your admin password.