BuildNotch
Get for Windows
NewVersion 1.1.0: see what changed

The notch that never gave you.

Keep your music, tasks, focus timer, AI tools, active projects, and work stats at the top of your screen. One hover away, on your Windows.

Get BuildNotch See it work ↓
01

Keep your music close.

See what is playing and control it without leaving your work.

02

Your AI apps, found for you.

Launch the AI tools you use from one spot at the top of your screen.

03

Start a focus timer.

Drag the timer out when you need it in view. Choose from seven themes.

04

Keep projects together.

Keep your active builds and the next task one hover away.

Everything you need, one hover away.

Project task list with completed tasks

Review tasks.

Organize work by project and keep the next task close.

Codex Claude Cursor Antigravity
Codex usage
5-hour limit
Resets Sep 28, 5:49 PM
0% used · 100% left
Weekly limit
Resets Oct 3, 8:58 PM
0% used · 100% left
Example usage

Track AI usage

Track your daily and weekly usage for your favorite AI agents.

GitHub contribution activity widget

See your GitHub activity.

Check your contribution history without opening GitHub.

Quote widget: Stay hungry. Stay foolish. — Steve Jobs

A line for the hard hours.

Micro-doses of philosophy and founder wisdom to keep you locked in.

Favorite apps

Launch the apps you live in.

Keep your favorite everyday apps close, ready whenever you need them.

Static Python scratchpad preview without spellcheck underlines

Draft code in a flash.

A lightweight playground docked at the top. Auto-saved as you type.

Personal note: I don't need to finish everything today. I just want to enjoy the work and learn one new thing.

Write down your plan.

Keep a quick note, idea, or plan at the top of your screen.

They already tried it:

Nick Smith@mansfieldrv6
I ran this all day yesterday. And it was brilliant! For $3 lifetime licence? There’s no thinking involved!
View post on X ↗
Spencer@spencerclarkdev
running it now. very cool
Spencer's screenshot of BuildNotch running on his desktop
View post on X ↗
JourneyDeck by Patrick@JourneyDeck
I totally forgot to use the launch code lol. Oh well. It's still well worth the full price.
View post on X ↗
Anshit Gupta@AnshitGupta7x7
lessgooo it's really smooth you can also update the timer , so i can set custom timer s
View post on X ↗

BuildNotch for Windows

$3 one-time
Launch price for the first 50 customers38 remaining

12 of 50 claimed · Then $4.99 one-time

You will get your installer after payment, from the Polar order, so keep an eye on your email. Windows SmartScreen may warn on first run because BuildNotch isn’t code-signed yet.

Good to know before you install

What can BuildNotch do?
  • Music controls: See what is playing and pause or skip without leaving your work.
  • Focus timers: Give a task a clear block of time, with a timer style you actually want to keep on screen.
  • Tasks and quick notes: Keep the next step and stray ideas close instead of opening another tab.
  • Projects and app shortcuts: Jump back into the work and tools you use most.
  • AI app detection: Find supported AI apps on your PC and open them from the notch.
  • GitHub activity: Glance at your contributions without visiting your profile.
  • Code playground: Draft and save a small idea while it is fresh.
  • Clipboard history: Reuse something you copied earlier without searching for it again.
  • Short quotes: A small nudge to reset your attention when you need one.

They are there when you need them, then out of the way when you do not.

Does BuildNotch work on Windows 11?

Yes. BuildNotch is built for Windows 11 and also targets Windows 10 version 2004 or newer. The current installer is for x64 PCs.

Which AI apps does it detect?

BuildNotch detects supported AI apps installed on your PC and puts them within easy reach. You can also add your own shortcuts, so your setup stays yours.

Why might Windows SmartScreen show a warning?

BuildNotch is not code-signed yet. That means Windows may show an unrecognized-app warning when you first run the installer. Download it only from your Polar order, check that the file is named BuildNotch-Setup.exe, then choose More info and Run anyway if you want to continue. If the source or filename is different, cancel the install.

Where do I get the installer after buying?

Polar gives you access to the download through your order benefits. Open the customer portal using the email you checked out with, then download the BuildNotch installer from your order.

BuildNotch is ready

Your purchase includes a private installer download.

Open your Polar customer portal with the same email you used at checkout. Your BuildNotch installer is available in your order benefits.

Windows SmartScreen may show a warning

BuildNotch isn’t code-signed yet, so Windows may say it protected your PC. If you downloaded BuildNotch-Setup.exe from your Polar order, choose More info, then Run anyway. If the file name or download source doesn’t match, cancel setup.