Locking your PC whenever you step away is essential for privacy and security, whether you’re in an office setting or at home. However, manually locking your PC each time can be a hassle. The good news is that Windows offers automatic locking features that can make your life easier.
One of these features is Dynamic Lock, which uses Bluetooth to pair your phone with your PC. When you walk away with your phone, the Bluetooth signal weakens, prompting Windows to lock your PC. While Dynamic Lock is convenient, it has some limitations. For instance, it only locks your PC and doesn’t automatically unlock it when you return.
If you have a modern Windows 11 laptop with a built-in presence sensor, you can take advantage of Presence Sensing. This feature can detect your presence and automatically lock and unlock your PC. Combined with a Windows Hello-compatible webcam for facial recognition, Presence Sensing offers a seamless and secure login experience.
To set up Dynamic Lock, go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options and enable the Dynamic lock option. Make sure your phone is paired with your PC via Bluetooth to activate this feature. For Presence Sensing, navigate to Settings > System > Power & battery and customize the Presence Sensing settings based on your preferences.
While automatic locking features like Dynamic Lock and Presence Sensing are convenient, it’s always a good idea to know the keyboard shortcut for manually locking your PC. Pressing Windows key + L allows you to quickly lock your PC without navigating through menus.
Overall, automatic locking features can enhance your privacy, security, and battery life by ensuring that your PC is always locked when unattended. Whether you opt for Dynamic Lock, Presence Sensing, or manual locking, incorporating these features into your routine can provide peace of mind and streamline your computing experience.
