How to Remove Lock Computer from Ctrl+Alt+Del Screen in Windows

When you press the Ctrl + Alt + Del keys in Windows, it will open the Ctrl+Alt+Del security screen that provides the Lock computer, Switch user, Sign out, Change a password, and open Task Manager options. You will also have the Network, Ease of access, and Power menu buttons available on this screen.

Locking your PC protects it from unauthorized use when you need to step away from the PC, and don't want to sign out or shut down.

When you lock the computer, you will be taken to the lock screen by default to unlock and sign in when ready to continue where you left off. Other users can still sign in to their accounts from the sign-in screen.

This tutorial will show you how to add or remove the Lock computer option from the Ctrl+Alt+Del screen for all or specific users in Windows 7, Windows 8, and Windows 10.

If you remove the Lock option from the Ctrl+Alt+Del screen, it will also prevent users from being able to lock the computer other than from Task Manager.



Contents

  • Option One: Add or Remove Lock from Ctrl+Alt+Del Screen for All or Specific Users in Local Group Policy Editor
  • Option Two: Add or Remove Lock from Ctrl+Alt+Del Screen for Current User using a REG file



EXAMPLE: Ctrl+Alt+Del screen
How to Remove Lock Computer from Ctrl+Alt+Del Screen in Windows-ctrl-alt-del_screen.png






OPTION ONE

Add or Remove Lock from Ctrl+Alt+Del Screen for All or Specific Users in Local Group Policy Editor


You must be signed in as an administrator to use this option.

In Windows 7, the Local Group Policy Editor is only available in the Professional, Ultimate, and Enterprise editions.

In Windows 8, the Local Group Policy Editor is only available in the Pro and Enterprise editions.

In Windows 10, the Local Group Policy Editor is only available in the Pro, Enterprise, and Education editions.

All editions can use Option Two.


1 Open the all users, specific users or groups, or all users except administrators Local Group Policy Editor for how you want this policy applied.

2 In the left pane of the Local Group Policy Editor, click/tap on to expand User Configuration, Administrative Templates, System, and Ctrl+Alt+Del Options. (see screenshot below)

How to Remove Lock Computer from Ctrl+Alt+Del Screen in Windows-remove_lock_from_ctrl-alt-del_screen-1.png

3 In the right pane of Ctrl+Alt+Del Options, double click/tap on the Remove Lock Computer policy to edit it. (see screenshot above)

4 Do step 5 (add) or step 6 (remove) below for what you would like to do.


5 To Add Lock from Ctrl+Alt+Del Screen

A) Select (dot) either Not Configured or Disabled, click/tap on OK, and go to step 7 below. (see screenshot below)

Not Configured is the default setting.



6 To Remove Lock from Ctrl+Alt+Del Screen

A) Select (dot) Enabled, click/tap on OK, and go to step 7 below. (see screenshot below)

How to Remove Lock Computer from Ctrl+Alt+Del Screen in Windows-remove_lock_from_ctrl-alt-del_screen-2.png


7 When finished, you can close the Local Group Policy Editor if you like.






OPTION TWO

Add or Remove Lock from Ctrl+Alt+Del Screen for Current User using a REG file


The downloadable .reg files below will add and modify the DWORD value in the registry key below.

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System

DisableLockWorkstation DWORD

(delete) = Add
1 = Remove


1 Do step 2 (add) or step 3 (remove) below for what you would like to do.


2 2. To Add Lock from Ctrl+Alt+Del Screen for Current User

This is the default setting.

A) Click/tap on the Download button below to download the file below, and go to step 4 below.

Add_Lock_to_Ctrl+Alt+Del_screen_for_current_user.reg

Download


3 To Remove Lock from Ctrl+Alt+Del Screen for Current User

A) Click/tap on the Download button below to download the file below, and go to step 4 below.

Remove_Lock_from_Ctrl+Alt+Del_screen_for_current_user.reg

Download


4 Save the .reg file to your desktop.

5 Double click/tap on the downloaded .reg file to merge it.

6 When prompted, click/tap on Run, Yes (UAC), Yes, and OK to approve the merge.

7 You could now delete the downloaded .reg file if you like.


That's it,
Shawn Brink


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