How to Turn On or Off Dynamic Lock to Automatically Lock Windows 10 PC


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 the computer is locked, you will be taken to the lock screen by default to dismiss 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.

Starting with Windows 10 build 15002, Microsoft has added a new Dynamic Lock feature that allows Windows to detect when you're away and automatically lock the device.

Starting with Windows 10 build 15031, Microsoft officially introduces Dynamic Lock. Dynamic Lock automatically locks your Windows 10 PC when you’re not around based the proximity of a Bluetooth-paired phone. If your Bluetooth-paired phone is not found near your PC, Windows turns off the screen and locks the PC after 30 seconds.

Windows Hello biometrics lets you sign in to your devices, apps, online services, and networks using your face, iris, or fingerprint. If you forget to lock your PC or tablet when you step away, Windows Hello can use your devices that are paired with your PC to automatically lock it shortly after you're out of Bluetooth range. To set things up, you’ll need to use Bluetooth to pair your phone with your PC and then turn on Dynamic lock in settings. Additionally, you can use participating Windows Hello companion devices to lock your PC or tablet.

Even if your Windows 10 device can use Windows Hello, you don’t have to. If it’s the right choice for you, you can rest assured that the info that identifies your face, iris, or fingerprint never leaves your device. Windows never stores pictures or images of your face, iris, or fingerprint on your device or anywhere else.

See also: Windows 10 sign-in options and privacy | Microsoft Privacy Support

To enable Dynamic Lock, make sure your supported device or phone is paired to your PC via Bluetooth and toggle Dynamic lock to “on”.

This tutorial will show you how to turn on or off Dynamic Lock to automatically lock the PC when away for your account in Windows 10.


Contents

  • Option One: To Turn On or Off Dynamic Lock in Settings
  • Option Two: To Turn On or Off Dynamic Lock using a REG file






OPTION ONE

To Turn On or Off Dynamic Lock in Settings


1 If you want to turn on Dynamic Lock, make sure your phone is paired to your PC via Bluetooth first.

2 Open Settings, and click/tap on the Accounts icon.

3 Click/tap on Sign-in options on the left side, and check (on) or uncheck (off - default) Allow Windows to automatically lock your device when you're away under Dynamic Lock on the right side for what you want. (see screenshot below)

4 When finished, you can close Settings if you like.

Turn On or Off Dynamic Lock with Phone in Windows 10-windows_10_dynamic_lock.jpg






OPTION TWO

To Turn On or Off Dynamic Lock using a REG file


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

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon

EnableGoodbye DWORD

0 = Off
1 = On


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


2 Turn On Dynamic Lock for your Account

A) Make sure your phone is paired to your PC via Bluetooth first.

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

Turn_on_Dynamic_Lock.reg

Download


3 Turn Off Dynamic Lock for your Account

This is the default setting.

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

Turn_off_Dynamic_Lock.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 If you like, you can delete the downloaded .reg file if you like.


That's it,
Shawn


Related Tutorials



  • Windows 11 Tutorials