Getting Started

Follow these simple steps to install Screen Goal and start managing your screen time mindfully.

System Requirements

  • ✓ Operating System: Windows 10 or Windows 11 (64-bit)
  • ✓ RAM: Minimum 4 GB (8 GB recommended)
  • ✓ Disk Space: 500 MB free space
  • ✓ Internet: Required for initial setup and updates
  • ✓ Permissions: Administrator rights for service installation
1

Download Screen Goal

Download the latest version of Screen Goal for Windows from our secure download server.

Download Screen Goal Installer

File: ScreenGoalSetup.exe

Version: 1.1.63

Size: ~150 MB

2

Install the Windows Service

The Screen Goal service runs in the background to monitor your application usage. It needs to be installed first.

a

Right-click on the downloaded ScreenGoalSetup.exe file and select "Run as Administrator"

b

If you see a User Account Control (UAC) prompt, click "Yes" to allow the installer to make changes

c

The installer will first install the Screen Goal Service component

  • The service monitors active applications in the background
  • It starts automatically with Windows
  • No visible window - runs silently
d

Wait for the service installation to complete (usually takes 30-60 seconds)

💡 Tip: The service needs administrator privileges because it monitors system-wide application activity. Your data stays local on your computer and is never sent to external servers.

3

Install the Desktop Application

After the service is installed, the installer will automatically proceed to install the desktop application.

a

Choose your installation location or use the default: C:\Program Files\Screen Goal

b

Choose whether to create desktop shortcuts and Start menu entries (recommended)

c

Click "Install" to begin the installation

d

Wait for the installation to complete (usually 1-2 minutes)

e

Check the box to "Launch Screen Goal" when installation completes

4

Initial Setup & Configuration

When you first launch Screen Goal, you'll go through a quick setup wizard.

Set Your Daily Screen Time Goal

Choose how many hours per day you want to spend on screen activities. You can adjust this later, and set different limits for different days of the week.

Configure Allowed Periods

Define time blocks when screen use is generally permitted. For example, you might allow screen time from 3 PM to 9 PM on weekdays.

Set Category Limits (Optional)

Optionally, set time limits for specific categories like Games, Social Media, or Educational apps. You can skip this and configure it later.

Set Up Admin Lock (Optional)

If you're setting up Screen Goal for a child or want to prevent accidental changes, you can set a PIN to lock the settings.

5

Verify Everything is Working

Make sure both the service and desktop app are running correctly:

Check the Service

  1. Press Win + R to open Run dialog
  2. Type services.msc and press Enter
  3. Look for "Screen Goal Service" in the list
  4. Verify that Status shows "Running" and Startup Type is "Automatic"

Check the Desktop App

  • The Screen Goal icon should appear in your system tray (bottom-right of screen)
  • Open the app and check the Dashboard - you should see activity being tracked
  • After a few minutes of use, you should see data appearing in the charts

Troubleshooting

Service won't start

  • Make sure you ran the installer as Administrator
  • Check Windows Event Viewer for error messages
  • Try restarting your computer
  • Temporarily disable antivirus and try installing again

Desktop app shows no data

  • Verify the service is running (see Step 5)
  • Wait a few minutes for initial data collection
  • Make sure you're actively using other applications
  • Try restarting both the service and desktop app

Installation fails with error

  • Ensure you have enough disk space (500 MB free)
  • Check that you're using Windows 10/11 64-bit
  • Close any antivirus software temporarily
  • Download the installer again (file might be corrupted)

You're All Set! 🎉

Screen Goal is now monitoring your activity and helping you build better screen habits.

📖

Read the Help Docs

Learn about all the features and how to customize your experience

View Help
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Understand the Psychology

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📝

Read Success Stories

See how others transformed their screen habits

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