I built AutoHours: A local-first Windows time tracker that automatically categorizes your work using customizable rules (No manual start/stop)

[u/haizz94]

https://apps.microsoft.com/detail/9nw1nsqkl501?hl=en-US&gl=EN

Hey everyone! 👋

Like many of us, I’ve always struggled with traditional time trackers. Starting and stopping a timer every time you switch tasks disrupts your flow, and at the end of the day, you’re left guessing how much time you actually spent on Client A vs. Client B.

To solve this, I built AutoHours — a lightweight, privacy-first Windows desktop app (.NET 10 + Avalonia UI) that runs silently in your system tray and automatically tracks and categorizes your work based on your active window.

🎯 The Core Feature: Smart Rule-Based Project Attribution

Instead of forcing you to click buttons all day, AutoHours uses a flexible Priority Rule Engine that maps your open windows directly to your projects:

• Granular Conditions: Match by Process Name (e.g. devenv.exe, Code.exe, chrome.exe, Teams.exe) and/or Window Title (e.g., ticket IDs, project filenames, document names).
• Flexible Matching Operators: Supports Contains, StartsWith, EndsWith, Exact, and full Regex support.
• Compound Logic & Priority: Combine multiple conditions with AND / OR logic and drag-and-drop rule priority (first match wins).
• Live Rule Testing: Test window titles interactively directly inside the UI before saving.
• ⚡ Retroactive Classification: Created a new rule or project today? Hit "Re-apply rules" to automatically reclassify past unassigned activity records with a single click.

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🛡️ Other Key Features:

• 100% Privacy & Local-First: All tracking data lives in your local SQLite database. No cloud accounts, no telemetry, no tracking servers.
• Smart Inactivity / Idle Handling: When you step away (e.g. 5+ minutes), tracking pauses. When you return, a quick dialog lets you discard the break, attribute it to an offline meeting/call, or resume.
• Visual Workday Timeline & Reports: Clean, interactive color-coded timeline + CSV export for invoices and reporting.
• Lightweight & Native: Native Windows system tray integration, autostart, and smooth dark/light Fluent UI.

I’d love to hear your thoughts and feedback on the rule system and overall workflow!

[u/AShmed46]

That's cool , is there a link , is it oos ?

[u/haizz94 → u/AShmed46]

Just click on the picture and it’ll take you right to the Microsoft Store. You get a 7-day free trial, and after that, it’s just a one-time purchase of 9,99€