Locking your Windows 10 PC is the best way to secure your computer when you step away. This will not quit or interrupt any running applications. When you return, you have to enter your PIN or password to get past the lock screen. Let’s explore these five methods.
This is for smartphones and devices using Windows 10
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Method 1 – Use the Start Menu
First, click the Start button. Next, select your account name. Now, click the Lock option. Refer to below image:
Method 2 – Use the Keyboard
The Lock Shortcut
Hit the Windows+L key on your keyboard to lock your device.
The Combination Key
Press Ctrl+Alt+Del keys. Next, click the Lock option in the menu that appears.
Method 3 – Use a Desktop Icon
If you’d rather lock your PC with just a click, you can create a desktop icon.
First, right-click on your desktop. Now, hover over the New option. Next, click the Shortcut option. See below image:
The Create Shortcut window will be displayed. Now, type the following command in the Type the location of the item text box. Once you have entered the command, click Next.
Rundll32.exe user32.dll,LockWorkStation
See following image:
Now, enter an icon name like “Lock PC”. Next, click Finish. Refer to below image:
Your icon will appear on your desktop. Just double-click it any time to lock your device.
Method 4 – Use the Screen Saver
Another method is to set your PC to lock after the Screen Saver has been on for a certain length of time. First, type in screen saver in the Cortana search box. Next, click Change screen saver in the search results at upper left hand corner of your screen. See below image:
In the Screen Saver menu, checkmark the box labeled On Resume, display logon screen option. Now, use the arrow buttons in the Wait box to select how many minutes should pass before your device locks. Next, to save your change click Apply. See following image:
For security reasons, it is best to use another method to lock your device before you step away from it.
Method 5 – Use Dynamic Lock
Dynamic Lock is a feature that automatically locks your PC after you step away from it. It does this by detecting the strength of the Bluetooth signal. When the signal drops, Windows 10 assumes you have left the immediate area of your PC and locks it for you.
This is a nifty feature and my favorite. You just walk away from your PC with your smartphone in hand and let the Dynamic Lock feature lock your PC.
Setup the Smartphone
To use Dynamic Lock, you will first need to pair your smartphone with your PC.
To do this:
On your smartphone, go to Settings > Bluetooth and enable the toggle. Refer to below image:
Setup the PC
On your PC, go to Settings (the gear icon) > Devices > Bluetooth and Other devices.
Now, click Add Bluetooth or other device. Next, select your phone, confirm the PIN, and they will be paired. See below image:
Next, close Settings and relaunch the app. Now, go to Accounts > Sign-in options. Scroll down to the Dynamic Lock section. Next, checkmark the box labeled Allow Windows to automatically lock Your device when you’re away option. See following image where Raymond’s Phone is paired:
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