Trace uses a desktop application that works with Actionstep to help you capture and record billable work outside of the Actionstep platform (e.g., recording work you do in emails and documents).

The Trace application runs quietly in the background on your computer. It monitors activity in your active window and captures details such as application names, file names, and content to help build an accurate record of your work, which you can then turn into billable (or non-billable events) in Actionstep.

There are two ways to install the desktop application:

• Admins / IT: If you are a system admin or IT person, you can remotely install this application for timekeepers.
• Timekeepers: If your IT department can't remotely install Trace, you (as a timekeeper) might need to install the application yourself.

Instructions for both scenarios are included below.

Caution: During installation, you may see the following message, indicating that running the installation may put your computer at risk. Microsoft Defender SmartScreen flags new applications based on reputation data built from download volume and digital signature history. Since Trace is still a new product, it hasn't yet accumulated enough installs to be "recognized" by Microsoft's system. This is normal for newly released software and isn't itself a sign of malware. As long as you have downloaded the installer directly from Actionstep (i.e., the Admin > Trace page), you can choose Run anyway to complete the installation.

Note: An admin user must enable Trace for your system by going to Admin > General settings and toggling the following feature flags to on:
• Trace
• Trace Timesheet
• Trace Suggestion

Admin/IT Users: Remotely Installing Trace Desktop

Admin users can download an installation file and have their IT staff deploy it to their Trace users via remote installation.

To do this:

1. In Practice Management, go to Admin > Trace. The Trace page appears.
2. Follow the installation instructions to download the installation file for remote installation.
3. Share the file with your IT staff, if necessary.

Your IT staff can then deploy the Trace application to timekeepers' computers using your organization's normal software deployment process.

Once the application has been deployed, you can instruct your timekeepers to sign in to the application so they can start recording billable activity. The article, Launching, Starting, and Stopping the Trace Desktop Application includes instructions for doing this.

Fee Earners: Individually Installing the Trace Desktop Application

In some cases, admins/IT staff cannot remotely install the Trace desktop app for you. In these situations, you need to install the file yourself.

You can work with your admin or IT manager to get a copy of the installation file, which they can download from Admin > Trace.

To install the Trace desktop app:

1. Acquire a copy of the Trace installation file (Trace.msi) from your admin or IT staff. They can download it by going to Admin > Trace.
2. Double-click the .msi file and complete the Trace Setup Wizard.
3. At the end of the setup process, select Launch Trace and click Finish. This launches Trace and prompts you to sign in to Actionstep (which you should do).

Once the installation is complete, make sure you are signed in so Trace can begin recording potential timesheet activities. You can tell if you're signed in by reviewing the Trace icon in your system tray:

Trace is tracking

Trace is not tracking

If you aren't signed in (and Trace is not tracking your activity), see Launching, Starting, and Stopping the Trace Desktop Application for help.

Installation FAQs

When I finish the installation and am trying to sign in to Trace, I see the following message: "Turn off extensions in developer mode: Running extensions in developer mode can harm your device …"

You may see this message if your default browser isn't Microsoft Edge but the sign-in page opens in Edge. Click X to close the message.

Updated July 16, 2026 20:50