Thriva Desktop (Windows)
Thriva Desktop (Windows)
Section titled “Thriva Desktop (Windows)”On Windows computers, Thriva Desktop provides a fullscreen native desktop environment during Focused Mode. This section explains what children see and how they can use it.
The Interface
Section titled “The Interface”When Focused Mode activates, the Windows desktop is replaced with Thriva Desktop:
Main Dashboard
Section titled “Main Dashboard”The center of the screen shows:
- Current time and date
- Today’s tasks with status
- Upcoming calendar events
- Quick access to approved apps
Taskbar
Section titled “Taskbar”The bottom shows navigation icons for:
- Schedule & Tasks
- Apps & Websites
- AI Assistant
- Habits (if Habitica enabled)
- Rewards Shop
- Personalization
Status Bar
Section titled “Status Bar”The top shows:
- Current mode (Focused Mode)
- When the next mode change occurs
- Connection status
Navigating ThrivaOS
Section titled “Navigating ThrivaOS”Keyboard Shortcuts
Section titled “Keyboard Shortcuts”| Shortcut | Action |
|---|---|
| Alt+Tab | Switch between open approved apps |
| F11 | Toggle fullscreen (if allowed) |
| Ctrl+Shift+A | Open AI Assistant |
Mouse/Trackpad
Section titled “Mouse/Trackpad”- Click sidebar items to navigate
- Click app icons to launch
- Scroll to see more content
Available Apps
Section titled “Available Apps”Built-In
Section titled “Built-In”These are always available:
- Calculator
- Clock/Timer
- Notes
- ThrivaOS settings (limited)
Approved Apps
Section titled “Approved Apps”Parents configure which apps appear:
- Educational software
- Productivity tools
- Specific approved games (if any)
Accessing Apps
Section titled “Accessing Apps”Click the Apps section to see all available applications. Click any app to launch it.
The Tasks section shows:
- Today’s tasks
- Task descriptions
- Completion buttons
- Rewards earned
Completing Tasks
Section titled “Completing Tasks”- Click on a task to see details
- Complete the actual task
- Click Mark Complete
- For parent-verified tasks, wait for confirmation
Calendar
Section titled “Calendar”The Calendar shows:
- Today’s schedule
- Upcoming events (from connected calendars)
- When mode changes will occur
Children can see what’s planned but can’t modify the calendar.
AI Assistant
Section titled “AI Assistant”Access the AI by clicking the sparkle icon or pressing Ctrl+Shift+A.
The AI can:
- Explain the current schedule
- Help with tasks
- Answer questions about ThrivaOS
- Provide encouragement
What Children Can’t Do
Section titled “What Children Can’t Do”During Focused Mode on Windows:
- Can’t minimize Thriva Desktop - It fills the screen
- Can’t access Task Manager - Ctrl+Alt+Del is restricted
- Can’t switch to regular desktop - Explorer is paused
- Can’t install apps - System settings are locked
- Can’t uninstall Thriva - Protected from tampering
These restrictions prevent circumvention while maintaining a usable environment.
When Focused Mode Ends
Section titled “When Focused Mode Ends”When the schedule changes to Free Time:
- ThrivaOS shows a countdown
- The regular Windows desktop returns
- All normal apps become available
- Any work is saved automatically
Troubleshooting
Section titled “Troubleshooting”Screen is blank or loading
Section titled “Screen is blank or loading”The device may be starting up or connecting. Wait 30 seconds. If it persists, restart the computer.
Apps won’t open
Section titled “Apps won’t open”Some apps may need to be added to the approved list by a parent.
Can’t complete tasks
Section titled “Can’t complete tasks”Make sure you understand what the task requires. Use the AI Assistant or message your parent for help.
Something seems stuck
Section titled “Something seems stuck”Press Ctrl+Alt+Shift+T to open the Thriva diagnostic tool (if enabled by parents).
For Parents
Section titled “For Parents”Adding Apps
Section titled “Adding Apps”- Go to child’s profile in Parent Portal
- Click Apps → Approved Apps
- Add applications that should be available during Focused Mode
Adjusting Appearance
Section titled “Adjusting Appearance”Themes and backgrounds can be customized in ThrivaOS Settings.
Monitoring Usage
Section titled “Monitoring Usage”The Parent Portal shows how time in ThrivaOS is spent and which apps are used.