10 ways to lock Windows computer super fast

Locking your Windows PC is the best way to protect it when you walk away. It won't quit or interrupt any running applications, and you'll need to enter a PIN or password to bypass the lock screen. Here are 10 ways you can lock your computer.

10 ways to lock Windows computer super fast

Windows + L

Use the Windows + L key combination . Like many other versions of Windows, this is the most traditional and familiar way to lock your computer.

Ctrl + Alt + Delete

Press Ctrl + Alt + Del . After the pop-up window appears, select Lock to lock the device.

Lock computer in Start menu

Click the Start button in the left corner of the screen, then select the user icon and click Lock.

10 ways to lock Windows computer super fast

Lock computer in Task Manager

You can also lock your PC in Task Manager . Press Ctrl + Alt + Delete , then click Task Manager . You can also type Task Manager in the Windows Search box, then select it in the search results.

Click Disconnect at the bottom right.

A pop-up window will appear asking if you are sure you want to disconnect, click Disconnect User to confirm.

10 ways to lock Windows computer super fast
Click Disconnect User to confirm

Lock from Command Prompt

You can also type “CMD” into the Windows Search box to open Command Prompt . Click “Command Prompt” in the search results.

Enter the following command:

Rundll32.exe user32.dll,LockWorkStation

While this process is executing, the PC will be locked.

Using Run

This method is exactly the same as the Command Prompt method above, except you use Run. Just type “run” into the Windows Search box, then click “Run” in the search results.

In the Run window , type the following command, and then click OK:

Rundll32.exe user32.dll,LockWorkStation
10 ways to lock Windows computer super fast
Enter the command in the Run window

While this process is executing, the PC will be locked.

Create a desktop icon to lock your computer

If you want to lock your PC with one click, you can create a desktop icon. To do so, right-click on the desktop, hover over New , then select Shortcut.

10 ways to lock Windows computer super fast
Create new shortcut

In the Create Shortcut window that appears, type the following command in the Type the Location of the Item text box , and then click Next:

Rundll32.exe user32.dll,LockWorkStation

Give the icon a name, then click Finish.

10 ways to lock Windows computer super fast
Name the icon

An icon will appear on your desktop - double-click it at any time to lock your PC.

Set in Screen Saver settings

You can set your PC to lock after the screen saver has been on for a certain amount of time. To do this, type Screen Saver in the Windows Search box. Click Change Screen Saver in the search results.

In the Screen Saver Settings menu , select the check box next to the On Resume, Display Logon Screen option . Use the arrow buttons in the Wait: box to select the number of minutes that should elapse before the PC locks, then click Apply.

10 ways to lock Windows computer super fast
Select the number of minutes that will elapse before the PC locks

This method is not recommended for security reasons. It is best to lock your PC before leaving it.

Using 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 assumes that you have left the PC area and locks it.

Refer to: How to automatically lock the computer when the user leaves with Dynamic Lock on Windows 10 for details on how to do it.

Using the Remote Lock feature

The Remote Lock feature should only be used as a last resort. You should lock your PC before you leave it. However, everyone forgets sometimes. If you forget to lock your PC before you leave, Microsoft gives you a way to lock your PC remotely.

Refer to: How to remotely lock PC on Windows 10 for more details.

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