The fastest way to lock your screen in Windows is to press Windows key + L. Your apps stay open, and you’ll need your PIN, password, or Windows Hello to get back in. You can also press Ctrl + Alt + Delete and choose Lock, or open Start, click your profile picture, and choose Lock. These methods work in Windows 11 and 10.
Quick Answer
Press Win + L. Or Ctrl + Alt + Delete > Lock, or Start > profile picture > Lock.
Ways to Lock Your PC
- Keyboard shortcut: Press Windows key + L.
- Security screen: Press Ctrl + Alt + Delete, then click Lock.
- Start menu: Click Start, click your account picture or name, and choose Lock.
Lock Automatically
| Method | Where | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| Dynamic Lock | Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options | Locks the PC shortly after your paired phone moves out of Bluetooth range |
| Screen timeout + sign-in on wake | Settings > System > Power; Sign-in options > “If you’ve been away” | Asks for sign-in when the PC wakes |
| Screen saver with lock | Search “screen saver” > check On resume, display logon screen | Locks after a set number of idle minutes |
| Presence sensing | Settings > Privacy & security > Presence sensing (supported PCs) | Locks when you walk away from a PC with a presence sensor |
Set Up Dynamic Lock
- Pair your phone with the PC over Bluetooth.
- Go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options.
- Under Dynamic lock, check Allow Windows to automatically lock your device when you’re away.
Lock vs. Sleep vs. Sign Out
- Lock: Apps keep running; the screen needs sign-in.
- Sleep: Saves power; also asks for sign-in when you wake it, if set. See how to put Windows 11 to sleep.
- Sign out: Closes your apps and ends your session.
Troubleshooting
- Win + L does nothing: A keyboard utility or policy may block it. Use Ctrl + Alt + Delete instead.
- The PC doesn’t ask for a password after locking: Your account has no password or PIN. Add one in Sign-in options.
- Dynamic Lock doesn’t work: Keep Bluetooth on for both devices; it can take up to a minute after you walk away.
- You forgot your password: See how to get back in if you forgot your Windows password.
Locking is one part of keeping your PC safe; see our Windows 11 security checklist for more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does locking the screen close my apps?
No. Everything stays open exactly as you left it.
Can someone else use the PC while it’s locked?
Other users can sign in to their own accounts from the lock screen, but they can’t see yours.
How do I lock a Mac instead?
Press Control + Command + Q.
Summary
- Press Win + L to lock instantly.
- Or use Ctrl + Alt + Delete > Lock.
- Turn on Dynamic Lock or a timeout for automatic locking.
- Make sure your account has a PIN or password.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.