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How to Set Your Screen to Lock Automatically: Windows

When you leave your computer, it’s best to start a screen saver that can only be turned off with a password. You should set up a screen saver that will start after your computer has been idle for a set interval (15 minutes or less). 

You can also lock your screen manually.

How to Set Your Computer to Lock Your Screen Automatically

When you leave your computer, it’s best to start a screensaver that can only be turned off with a password.

  1. On the Start menu, click Control Panel.
  2. Click Display, and then click Screen Saver.
  3. In the Wait box, choose 15 minutes (or less)
  4. Click On resume, password protect, and then click OK.

When your computer has been inactive for the set amount of time, the screen saver starts. Your password is required to start using the computer again.

How to Lock Your Screen Manually

Use this procedure to lock your screen without waiting for the screen saver to start.

  1. Press the Windows logo key + L.
    The Windows logo key is near the Spacebar on your keyboard.

Your password is required to start using the computer again.