Some links on this page are affiliate links: if you buy through them we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.
WhatPulse is a desktop activity-analytics app for Windows, macOS, and Linux that measures keystrokes, mouse actions, applications, websites, uptime, and bandwidth. It turns those signals into counts, timelines, heatmaps, and reports without storing the sequence of keys you press or the contents of your documents and messages. The free plan is enough for basic personal tracking; Premium adds domain-level web reports, deeper application analysis, longer history, profiles, exports, and network breakdowns. WhatPulse is therefore a measurement and reflection tool, not proof that a particular workflow or game makes you more productive.
This guide explains exactly what it collects, how to read the reports, which privacy controls matter, and where the Free, Premium, and Professional editions differ.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →What does WhatPulse track?
WhatPulse runs in the background and aggregates activity from four main input and usage streams. Its advertised model is “Tracks activity, never content.” The result is metadata about how a computer is being used rather than a replay of what was written, viewed, or said.
| Data stream | What you can see | Important boundary |
|---|---|---|
| Keyboard | Key totals, typing history, heatmaps, layouts, peak typing hours, and application breakdowns | Keys are counted in aggregate; their order is not logged, so the exact text cannot be reconstructed |
| Mouse | Clicks, scrolls, pointer distance, timelines, click-position heatmaps, and multi-monitor views | It measures input events and locations, not the content of a page or document |
| Applications | Time, keys, clicks, scrolls, distance, and—since version 6.3—window-title detail | Application usage patterns are measured without recording the content inside the application |
| Websites | Domain-level usage through the Premium Web Insights feature | Premium reports the domain rather than full page text or page contents |
| Uptime and bandwidth | Computer uptime and traffic totals, with additional network dimensions in Premium | Network reporting describes usage metadata, not the payload of network traffic |
Gamepad button clicks appear in the mouse-details view, which can be useful when a game is played with a controller rather than a keyboard and mouse.
Popular on Amazon
- Spacious Design: Measuring 21.1" wide and 14.1" deep, our lap desk comfortably fits most laptops up to 15.6". Extra room for accessories ensures convenience.
- Enhanced Functionality: Packed with handy features, including a 5x9" precision tracking mouse pad and a built-in phone slot for seamless work or video calls. Plus, enjoy ergonomic support with the integrated cushioned wrist rest.
- Cool Comfort: Enjoy a stable surface with our lap desk's dual bolster cushion, designed for comfort and airflow, keeping your lap cool during extended use.
- Durable Surface: Work with confidence on our lap desk's solid surface, featuring a sleek black carbon color, ensuring optimal air circulation to prevent your laptop from overheating.
- On-the-Go Convenience: With an integrated handle and lightweight design (2.8 lbs), our lap desk is portable for travel or moving around the house, offering flexibility in any space.
How do I start tracking my computer activity?
Install the consumer desktop client for your operating system, let it collect a baseline, and then use the reporting tabs to examine a chosen period. The following workflow uses the controls documented in WhatPulse’s current client.
- Choose the client for your computer. The consumer application supports Windows, macOS, and Linux. Leave it running while you work or play so the first reports represent a normal sample rather than a single short session.
- Open the Input tab. Select a period such as today, yesterday, a week, a month, or six months. The same area exposes keyboard and mouse summaries, including timelines and heatmaps where your edition supports them.
- Inspect application usage. Review time and input totals by application. Premium users can open per-application statistics and Input History for a more detailed view.
- Check the privacy controls before collecting sensitive work. Pause collection when needed, exclude individual applications or websites, and disable data types that you do not want included.
- Save or share only the reports you intend to disclose. Export and sharing controls are available in the relevant views; Premium adds CSV exports and custom reports.
- Use Reset deliberately. The Input and mouse views include reset controls. Resetting removes the usefulness of that period for comparisons, so export anything you need before clearing it.
These steps produce useful results only after the client has had time to observe your normal routine. A one-hour snapshot can show activity, but it cannot represent a typical week of work, study, or gaming.
Can WhatPulse show which applications use my time?
Yes. WhatPulse reports time and input totals by application, and version 6.3 makes the view substantially more granular by adding window titles.
Application totals
At the application level, you can compare time with keystrokes, clicks, scrolls, and pointer distance. That helps distinguish an application that is open all day from one in which you are actively typing or clicking. It also lets you spot background programs that consume attention without producing much measurable input.
Window titles and projects
Since WhatPulse 6.3, an application can be expanded into individual window titles. Each title can show keys, words, clicks, scrolls, and distance for a document, site, or other window. Titles can be searched across applications and grouped into projects or workspaces, allowing a project view to combine activity from several programs.
Window-title tracking is more informative than a simple application timer, but it creates a privacy consideration: a title can contain a document name, customer name, email address, or other sensitive text. Configure title filtering before enabling this level of detail.
Also popular on Amazon
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Does WhatPulse record what I type?
No, according to WhatPulse’s privacy documentation, the client counts keystrokes in aggregate rather than logging their order. Because there is no ordered keystroke stream, the exact sentence, password, or message cannot be reconstructed from the keyboard count alone.
WhatPulse 6.2 added word counting based on typing patterns while still avoiding storage of the typed text itself. A word total is therefore a statistical activity measure, not a copy of your writing. The distinction matters: a report can say that many words were typed in an application, but it is not a transcript of those words.
What about window titles?
Window titles are metadata and can reveal more than an application name. Version 6.3 added per-application controls, global word or pattern filters, and ready-made filters for email addresses, credit-card numbers, and login information in web addresses. It also automatically hides titles from incognito or private browser windows.
Use those controls for shared computers, client work, health information, financial tasks, or any environment where a filename or page title is confidential. You can also pause collection and exclude applications or websites entirely.
How do the keyboard and mouse reports work?
The Input tab is designed for period-based analysis. Choose a date range, then move from a high-level total to the timeline and heatmap views that explain when and where activity occurred.
Keyboard reports
- Key usage: identifies frequently pressed keys without preserving their sequence.
- Typing history: shows activity over time; detailed Input History is a Premium feature.
- Heatmaps and layouts: visualize which areas of a keyboard receive the most use. Version 6.3 corrected heatmap behavior for non-QWERTY layouts.
- Peak typing hours: highlights when typing is concentrated during the selected period.
- Application breakdowns: connect keyboard activity to the programs in which it occurred.
Mouse reports
- Clicks and scrolls: count the two most common pointer actions.
- Distance: estimates pointer movement, including a multi-monitor visualization.
- Click-position heatmaps: show where clicks land on the screen.
- Timeline, export, share, and reset: provide ways to inspect, preserve, disclose, or clear a period.
- Gamepad buttons: appear in mouse details, so controller input is not invisible to the activity summary.
Heatmaps are descriptive, not diagnostic. A dense region can reflect a particular layout, game interface, or accessibility setup; it does not by itself identify an ergonomic problem or a better keybinding.
Also popular on Amazon
- Note: Not suitable for MacBooks released after 2023 or devices with a protruding front camera; Not applicable to full-screen or notch-style tempered glass screen protectors; Do not use on the rear camera of the phone.
- 💻 Why Do You Need a Webcam Cover Slide? — Safeguard your privacy by covering your webcam with our reliable webcam cover when not in use. Don't let anyone secretly watch you. Stay protected!
- ✅ Thin & Stylish — Enhance your laptop's functionality and aesthetics with our 0.027" ultra-thin webcam covers. Seamlessly close your laptop while adding a touch of sophistication.
- ✅ Fits Most Devices — Compatible with laptops, phones, tablets, desktops! Keep your privacy intact on Ap/ple, Mac/Book, iPh/one, iP/ad, H/P, L/novo, De/ll, Ac/er, As/us, Sa/msung devices.
- ✅ 365 Days Protection — Our upgraded 3.0 adhesive ensures a strong hold that won't damage your equipment. Experience reliable, long-term privacy protection day in and day out.
What website and network information does WhatPulse collect?
Premium Web Insights reports website use at the domain level. It can show how much activity is associated with a domain, but it is not a page-content archive. The documented network view is similarly limited to usage metadata such as traffic totals by interface, application, protocol, port, and country.
WhatPulse’s privacy documentation states that it has no insight into the network traffic itself, only the headers of that traffic. In practical terms, the network reports can help identify which applications or interfaces generated traffic and how much, but they do not provide the transferred documents, messages, images, or video payload.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsWhat is the difference between WhatPulse Free and Premium?
The free consumer plan covers the basic activity counters on Windows, macOS, and Linux and does not require a credit card. Premium is aimed at readers who need deeper analysis, longer retention, and richer reporting.
| Capability | Free | Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Keyboard and mouse counting | Available | Available |
| Application activity | Basic application view | Per-application statistics and deeper history |
| Input History | Not included | Included |
| Website reports | Not included | Domain-level Web Insights |
| Heatmaps and timelines | Core views | Per-application heatmaps and timelines |
| History retention | More limited | Extended or unlimited history, depending on the current Premium entitlement |
| Profiles | Not included | Included |
| Exports and reporting | Basic sharing and available view exports | CSV exports and custom reports |
| Network analysis | Basic totals | Breakdowns by application, protocol, and country |
Premium is most useful when you need to compare projects or months, export data for your own analysis, or connect web and application activity. If you only want a running count of keys, clicks, uptime, and basic application use, the free tier provides the essential measurement.
What is WhatPulse Professional, and who needs it?
Professional is the team edition rather than simply a larger personal plan. Its organization-wide dashboards cover application adoption, keyboard and mouse activity, network traffic, remote computer management, data export, and privacy-oriented controls.
| Edition | Best fit | Platform and billing details |
|---|---|---|
| Consumer Free | Individuals who want basic personal activity statistics | Windows, macOS, and Linux; no credit card required for the free plan |
| Consumer Premium | Individuals who need web insights, detailed application analysis, profiles, exports, and extended history | Paid subscription; features described above |
| Professional | Organizations managing multiple computers and needing dashboards or remote administration | Windows 10 or later and macOS 11 or later; billed per active computer per month; the Professional FAQ states a 30-day money-back guarantee |
Professional’s administrative scope changes the consent question. A team should explain what is collected, who can see dashboards, how long records are retained, and how exclusions are handled before deploying it on employee computers.
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchPC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Also popular on Amazon
- Anti-Slip Surface - Transform your laptop into a mobile workstation with the AboveTEK portable laptop lap desk. The anti-slip surface provides a strong grip for laptops up to 15.6 inches(Diagonal), while the double rubber strip on the bottom ensures a stable display or typing experience on your lap, couch, or bed.
- Retractable Mouse Pad - Retractable laptop mouse pad extends on both directions for the left/right handed with elevation along the edges for stopping mouse from falling off. The size of laptop tray is 14" X 9.7" and the size of mouse pad is 7.4" X 6.1".
- Effective Heat Shield - The effective heat shield made of sturdy and thick material protects your laptop from overheating. Prioritizes your comfort and safety, an ideal lap pad or board for working anywhere.
- EASY to Carry and Store - With an ergonomic and simplistic design, the lap desk is portable to store in a backpack. Only 15" in size, 2.2 lb of weight and with slim 0.6 inch thickness, it is ready to be easily carried around.
- Widely Applicable - The smooth platform accommodates laptops and tablets up to 15.6 inches(Diagonal), making it a versatile accessory and one of the best gifts for mom, dad, students and professionals. Perfect for use as a laptop bed tray or tablet holder anywhere at home, library, or park.
What changed in WhatPulse during 2026?
The 2026 release sequence matters because privacy and reporting behavior changed within the year.
| Date | Release or event | What changed |
|---|---|---|
| May 2026 | WhatPulse 6.2 | Added word counting based on typing patterns without storing text and introduced a runtime pause toggle |
| July 14, 2026 | WhatPulse 6.3 | Added window-title tracking, title privacy filters, project and workspace grouping, a redesigned tray dashboard, and corrected heatmaps for non-QWERTY layouts |
| August 8, 2026 | WhatPulse 6.3.2 | Fixed tray-menu “today” values and listed downloads for Windows, macOS Intel, Apple Silicon, and Linux |
| September 7, 2026 | Weekly WhatPulse Leagues | Placed users into groups of roughly 50 active users and ranked them through eight divisions, from Bronze to Legend |
| October 8, 2026 | Profile redesign | Added prominent weekly activity, rankings, badges, league form, live profile numbers, and easier sharing |
The league and profile features add a social layer to an otherwise private dashboard. Treat rankings as motivation or entertainment; they are not a controlled comparison of productivity because users have different hardware, schedules, workloads, and input styles.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Is WhatPulse safe and private enough for sensitive work?
WhatPulse is designed to store collected data locally and send it through secure connections, while allowing users to exclude applications or data types. Its documented boundaries—aggregate key counts, no application-content capture, domain-level web reporting, and network metadata rather than payload—reduce the risk of turning activity analytics into surveillance of the actual material on screen.
Privacy still depends on configuration and audience. Window titles can expose sensitive names, and a shared or managed computer may give another person access to reports. Before collecting, review these safeguards:
Recommended Free Tools
- Disable window-title tracking for applications where titles reveal confidential information, or apply the word and pattern filters.
- Use the ready-made filters for email addresses, credit-card numbers, and login information in web addresses.
- Confirm that private-browser titles are being hidden as expected.
- Exclude applications or websites that should never contribute to the profile.
- Pause collection during confidential sessions.
- Limit sharing and exports to the people who need them, because a report can still reveal work patterns even without content.
No regulator assessment, peer-reviewed privacy audit, or independent benchmark is established here. The practical conclusion should therefore be limited to the documented data boundaries and controls, not a guarantee that every deployment is risk-free.
Does WhatPulse improve productivity or gaming performance?
There is no independent benchmark or peer-reviewed productivity study establishing that WhatPulse itself improves output. It measures behavior; improvement depends on how you interpret the data and what change you make afterward.
Also popular on Amazon
- Spacious Design: Measuring 21.1" wide and 12" deep, our lap desk comfortably fits most laptops up to 15.6". Extra room for accessories ensures convenience.
- Enhanced Functionality: Packed with handy features, including a 5x9" precision tracking mouse pad and a built-in phone slot for seamless work or video calls. Plus, enjoy laptop support with the integrated device ledge.
- Cool Comfort: Enjoy a stable surface with our lap desk's dual bolster cushion, designed for comfort and airflow, keeping your lap cool during extended use.
- Durable Surface: Work with confidence on our lap desk's solid surface, featuring a blush pink color, ensuring optimal air circulation to prevent your laptop from overheating.
- On-the-Go Convenience: With an integrated handle and lightweight design (2.14 lbs), our lap desk is portable for travel or moving around the house, offering flexibility in any space.
For work or study, compare activity across similarly sized periods, look for applications or projects that consume time, and test one workflow change at a time. For gaming, keyboard, mouse, gamepad, uptime, and application statistics can describe how you play, while click-position and key heatmaps can reveal recurring input patterns. None of those measurements proves that a particular game, control layout, or session is optimal.
What should I do if the numbers look wrong?
Most surprising results have a simple explanation: the wrong period, a reset, an excluded application, a paused runtime, or a tray display that has not refreshed.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
- “Today” does not match your expectation: check the selected profile and date boundary. Version 6.3.2 specifically fixed tray-menu “today” values.
- An application is missing: verify that collection was not paused and that the application is not on an exclusion list.
- Titles are absent: inspect per-application title settings and privacy filters; private-browser windows are hidden automatically.
- A heatmap looks incorrect: confirm the keyboard layout, particularly if you use a non-QWERTY layout; version 6.3 corrected related heatmap behavior.
- History vanished: determine whether the view was reset and whether your plan retains the period you are trying to inspect. Export before resetting or changing profiles.
- Network totals seem high: remember that the report measures traffic metadata and totals, not a readable record of the transferred content.
WhatPulse’s live counters: how should they be interpreted?
On October 26, 2026, the WhatPulse homepage snapshot displayed 932,033,595,029 keystrokes, 493,454,868,704 mouse clicks, 935.9 million hours of uptime, 625.9 petabytes moved, and 11,898,961 kilometres of mouse travel. These are changing site counters, not a controlled study, a verified adoption figure, or a productivity benchmark. They illustrate the scale of aggregated activity reported by the service at that moment and should not be treated as a permanent statistic.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pause WhatPulse without uninstalling it?
Yes. The client includes a pause control, and version 6.2 added a runtime pause toggle. Pausing is useful for a confidential meeting or task when you want to keep existing history but avoid collecting a new session.
Will a private-browser session appear in my window-title reports?
WhatPulse 6.3 added automatic hiding for titles from incognito or private browser windows. You can also use global word and pattern filters if a normal window title contains sensitive information.
Does WhatPulse support Apple Silicon Macs?
The 6.3.2 release listed separate downloads for macOS Intel and Apple Silicon, in addition to Windows and Linux downloads. The Professional edition separately specifies macOS 11 or later as its supported baseline.
Are WhatPulse League rankings a measure of productivity?
No. Weekly Leagues group roughly 50 active users in eight divisions from Bronze to Legend, but rankings reflect measured activity rather than the quality or value of work. Different jobs, schedules, devices, and accessibility settings make direct productivity comparisons inappropriate.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
