If you want to use the inbuilt Pomodoro technique in Windows 11 or Windows 10, here is how you can set things up and use it without any third-party application. You can use the inbuilt Clock app to set all the timers and start using the Pomodoro technique to get more things done in less time.
The Pomodoro technique uses a timer to break down work into intervals, traditionally 25 minutes in length, separated by short breaks.
There are mainly two ways to use the Clock app as a Pomodoro timer. Before that, you should know a few things about the Pomodoro technique. The Pomodoro technique is built upon a simple psychology. It would be best if you took more breaks than usual to get more things done by using the full potential of your brain. That is why there are a few steps you need to take:
- You need to assign a task for a 25-minute-long timer.
- Then, you need to take a break for 5 minutes.
- After that short break, you need to start working again for another 25 minutes.
- After each of the four 25-minute sessions, you need to take a long break of a minimum of 15 minutes. It could be more, but it should be exceeding 30 minutes.
In other words, we are going to show you how you can create a timer of 25 minutes and assign a task to it.
How to use inbuilt Pomodoro technique in Windows 11/10
To use the in-built Pomodoro technique in Windows 11/10, follow these steps:
- Open the Clock app on your computer.
- Click on any existing timer and set 25 minutes.
- Click on the plus sign to create a new timer.
- Enter 5 minutes and click the Save button.
- Create a new timer of 15 minutes using the same steps.
- Start the 25-minute timer by clicking the Play button.
- Start working on your tasks.
- Start the 5-minute timer.
- Start working again after 5 minutes.
- Repeat the same thing three more times.
- Click the Play button for 15 minutes timer.
As said earlier, you need to create three timers – 25 minutes, 5 minutes, and 15 minutes. For that, open the Clock app on your computer first and make sure that you are in the Timer tab. If you already have an existing timer, you can edit it, or you can create a new timer. To do that, click on the plus(+) sign and create a 25-minute timer.
You can name it as well.
Then, repeat the same steps to create another 5-minute and 15-minute timer. The 15-minute timer could be long, but it should not be more than 30 minutes. At this moment, you have three timers ready to work for you.
Now, you need to click on the Play button of the 25-minute timer and start working on your task. As soon as the 25-minute timer ends, you need to stop working – no matter whether you have finished it or not and start the 5-minute timer to take a short break.
Once the 5-minute timer is over, you need to start the 25-minute timer again. Then, repeat the same steps four times in total.
After that, start the 15-minute timer and take a long break.
There is another way to use the in-built Pomodoro technique in Windows 11/10. You need to use the Focus sessions to get the job done. In that case, you need to set a timer of a minimum of 26 minutes. For that, switch to the Focus sessions tab in the Clock app and set a timer. It could be anything, but it should not be less than 26 minutes.
After that, click on the Start focus sessions button. The Clock app will do everything for you. Having said that, it stops after 25 minutes and gives you an option to take a short break of 5 minutes.
Note: You must uncheck the Skip breaks checkbox if you use the Focus sessions method.
We have tried it many times, and this Pomodoro technique has helped us a lot. I hope you can increase your productivity by doing the same.
Read: Best online Pomodoro timers for PC users
Does Microsoft have a Pomodoro timer?
Although Microsoft doesn’t have a standalone Pomodoro timer app, you can use the Clock app on Windows 11 and Windows 10 to set things up as per your requirements. As it is integrated with Microsoft To Do, you can set your tasks in Microsoft To Do and set the timers in the Clock app. On the other hand, you can take advantage of Focus Sessions, which is a lifesaver for those who want to use Pomodoro without installing third-party applications. Although you need to do everything manually, this app works pretty well.
Read: How to Set an Alarm on a Windows PC
Is there a built-in timer in Windows 11?
Yes, you can find a built-in timer in Windows 11. However, there is no standalone application. You need to use the Clock app, which is readily available in Windows 11 as well as Windows 10. You can open the Clock app and switch to the Timer section. Then, you can click on any preset timer and set the time accordingly. Alternatively, you can click on the plus(+) sign to create a new timer.
Read: Break Reminder software to help you take a break from Computer screens.
