Clock App Timer Glitch: No Alert and Reverse Counting

Luke Rodden 5 Reputation points
2026-08-19T20:57:24.4566667+00:00

I regularly use the timer feature in the Clock app for work. Previously, when the timer finished, the app would notify me by flashing orange. However, recently it has been malfunctioning: instead of notifying me when the time is up, the timer starts counting backwards. This issue defeats the purpose of using a timer.

To resolve this, I have attempted the following steps: used the "Repair" and "Reset" buttons, as well as uninstalling and reinstalling the application. Unfortunately, the problem persists.

Has anyone found a solution to this glitch?

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Apps
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  1. AI answer

    2026-08-19T20:57:38.8033333+00:00

    This behavior matches a recent Clock app change, not a local repair issue. In Clock version 11.2605.9.0, timers were updated so that after reaching zero, they continue counting up as negative time such as -00:27:31. The same release also fixed an issue where the "timer finished" notification did not appear when the timer was started from the widget.

    Based on that:

    1. The reverse counting is expected behavior in newer builds of the Clock app.
    2. If the missing alert happens only when starting the timer from the widget, that was a known issue and was fixed in version 11.2605.9.0.
    3. Since Repair, Reset, and reinstall did not help, that is consistent with this being an app-version behavior rather than a corrupted installation.
    4. If the problem continues, file feedback through Feedback Hub (WIN + F) under Apps > Clock.

    If the timer is being started inside the Clock app itself rather than from the widget, the available information only confirms the new overrun counting behavior and the widget-notification fix.


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  2. Clary-N 16,660 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2026-08-20T07:20:05.43+00:00

    Hi Luke Rodden,

    Thank you for sharing your experience. In addition to the information provided above, I'd like to gather a few more details about the notification issue.

    Could you confirm your Windows version and build number (press Win + R, type winver and press Enter), as well as the version of the Clock app installed on your device? Also, does the issue occur when the timer is started directly from the Clock app, or only when started from the Widgets panel?

    You may also want to verify that notifications are enabled for the Clock app under Settings > System > Notifications, and that Do Not Disturb is not preventing alerts from appearing. Microsoft notes that timer notifications depend on Windows notifications being available while the device is awake.

    With those details, I may be able to suggest some additional troubleshooting steps.

    I look forward to your update.


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