Last Updated: August 12 2025
Note: The Automatic App is available in all Time Doctor Plans and installers can be accessed by Owners & Admins.
TL;DR
Install the Automatic App only on computers with one active user profile or those within the same domain network managed by Windows Active Directory or Entra ID. Avoid duplicate accounts to prevent unnecessary billable users. Archive or delete duplicates via Settings / Users, and contact Support for account merges.
How the Automatic App Manages User Accounts
The Automatic App uses a system-wide installation strategy, meaning it is installed on all existing user profiles on a computer across any supported operating system.
Time Doctor user accounts are created only when a user logs into their profile. For example, if the Automatic App is installed and the work profile is accessed, a Time Doctor account will be created only for that profile. The personal profile will not have an account until it is logged into.
Important reminder:
- Each Time Doctor account requires a separate license and is a billable user.
- Multiple user profiles on one computer may create multiple accounts, increasing costs.
- Archive or delete unnecessary accounts via Settings / Users in the web app.
Integration with Identity and Access Management (IAM) Solutions
When using Windows Active Directory or Entra ID (formerly Azure Active Directory), Time Doctor recognizes users logging into different computers with their assigned credentials if those computers are part of the same domain network.
If a local account is used on a machine outside the same domain network or not listed in Windows AD/Entra ID, a new Time Doctor account will be created for that user.
Recommendations:
- Install the Automatic App only on computers with one active user profile, or where the computer is in the same domain network managed by an IAM solution.
- Detection of the same user across multiple computers is automatically enabled for Windows AD.
- For Entra ID, manual activation is required. Contact support@timedoctor.com to enable it.
Common Scenarios That Create Duplicate Accounts
- Using multiple computers without IAM-managed logins or outside the same company domain network.
- Using multiple computers connected to different domain networks, e.g., abc.com and xyz.com.
- Using local admin accounts instead of system/domain admin accounts for IT tasks.
- Reformatted computers or reinstalled operating systems without IAM login credentials.
- Logging into virtual machines or terminal server profiles where both the virtual and host environments have the Automatic App installed.
Archiving or Deleting Duplicate Accounts
Manage duplicates via Settings / Users:
- Archive – Keeps user history and allows restoration if needed.
- Delete – Permanently removes user data and cannot be undone.
If the same user needs tracking across multiple computers, consider merging accounts instead. This process is handled only by the Time Doctor Support Team.
Tip: Contact support@timedoctor.com for account merges or guidance on account management.
Should there be any inconsistencies or concerns regarding the article, contact support@timedoctor.com for prompt assistance.