How to Lock Your Computer Screen (Automatically and Using Shortcuts)

Key Points

• Both PC and Mac users can use keyboard shortcuts to automatically lock their screens.
• PC users can set their computer screen to lock automatically by going to “Settings” and selecting “Sign-in Options.”
• Mac users can set their computer screen to lock automatically by clicking on the Apple icon and selecting “System Settings.”

The best way to keep your computer secure is to lock it each time you go away from your keyboard (AFK). Unfortunately, going to settings and hitting the lock button is a little tedious. Fortunately, we’ll show you how to lock your computer screen automatically and use keyboard shortcuts in a few simple steps!

Both PC and Mac users have the ability to automatically lock their screens using keyboard shortcuts. We’ve used these features for years on both operating systems, and we’ll teach you everything we know in the following sections.

Keyboard Shortcuts to Lock Your Computer Screen — PC

If you’re at work or you’re an avid gamer, you may want a little more control over when your computer lock than setting it automatically. Fortunately, that’s what keyboard shortcuts are for. These are simple key combinations that you can use to perform tasks without ever touching the mouse.

If you want to lock your Windows computer using a shortcut click the Windows key with the L key. After you’ve hit the right keys, your computer will lock and require your password to allow entry (assuming you have a password set).

Keyboard Shortcuts to Lock Your Computer Screen — Mac

Our Mac readers can use keyboard shortcuts, too! Fortunately, it’s just as simple as the Windows shortcut, and, assuming you have a password set, it will lock your screen until you’ve input the right code.

If you use a Mac or MacBook, click the Control button with the Command button and the Q button simultaneously. Your screen will lock. When you’re ready to wake it up again, just input your lock screen code or password, and you’re all set.

How to Set Your Computer Screen to Lock Automatically — PC

Suppose you’re prone to forgetting to lock your computer at all. If you’ve gotten in trouble for leaving your computer unlocked or are worried about security, you can set the screen to lock automatically.

The really neat feature about this is that you can set an inactivity timer to lock your screen at different intervals. We’ll show you how to do all of that on your PC. Just follow the steps below.

Step 1: Go to “Settings”

Start out in your PC’s settings. Click the Windows icon in the bottom right corner. Then, click on Settings.

Step 2: Click on “Accounts”

You’ll see a plethora of options on this page. Click on Accounts.

Step 3: Choose “Sign-in Options”

Choose the Sign-in options button on the left-hand side.

Step 4: Select “Allow Windows to automatically lock your device when you’re away”

Scroll down the page to the Dynamic lock section. Then, check the box to the left of Allow Windows to automatically lock your device when you’re away. Now, when you walk away, your computer will lock the screen.

If you already have a timer set, you’re all done with this section. However, if you need to tweak those settings, keep going. The following steps will teach you how to set your computer to lock after a time of inactivity.

Step 5: Click on “Personalization”

Go back to Settings (the menu in Step 1 above) and click on Personalization.

Step 6: Select “Lock screen”

Now, choose the Lock screen option on the left.

Step 7: Choose “Screen timeout settings”

Scroll down this new page just a bit. Then, select the Screen timeout setting option. A drop-down menu will appear.

Step 8: Set the Sleep Timer

Now, choose how long before your screen locks. Whenever you go AFK, your computer will lock automatically at the time you set.

How to Set Your Computer Screen to Lock Automatically — Mac

Our Mac readers can set the screen to lock automatically, too. Fortunately, it only takes a few steps. Just follow the steps below.

Step 1: Click on the Apple Icon

Nearly every Mac control you’ll need is in the Apple Menu. You can access this by tapping the Apple icon in the far top left corner of your Mac screen.

Step 2: Click on “System Settings” (System Preferences)

Now, you can choose System Settings. If you don’t have the most updated macOS version, choose System Preferences.

Step 3: Search for “Lock Screen”

The lock screen option that we need now is located in different places, depending on the version of your macOS. The easiest way to find it is to type Lock Screen in the search bar.

Note: You can also find it by clicking Desktop & Screensaver.

Step 4: Set the Time

Now, choose the time limit before your screen goes to sleep and locks.

Note: Select Require password after screen saver begins or display is turned off to ensure your computer locks and will require a password.

All About Computer Lock Screens

Lock screens are a simple way to protect your private information and your computer. While most computers require a password after a restart, setting the lock screen to automatically time out is another layer of protection.

If you hate lock screens, you can use a keyboard shortcut and bypass the automatic lock screen altogether. This method is preferable for many of our readers because you won’t have to worry about your computer locking when you step away for a second. However, this method is also less secure, especially if you’re forgetful.

On the other hand, if you like having the peace of mind that your computer is locked while you’re away, setting it to lock automatically is ideal.

Fortunately, there are many customization options to make the feature work better for you. On both Mac and Windows computers, you can set times, change your password, or turn off the lock screen entirely.

Wrap Up

Computer lock screens have come a long way since the early days of computers. Fortunately, setting yours to fit your needs is simple and easy to do now. Just follow the steps above and keep your computer more secure without much effort.

Summary Table

The image featured at the top of this post is ©Pixels Hunter/Shutterstock.com.