Enable or Disable Lock Computer in Windows  

    Enable or Disable Lock Computer in Windows

    Enable or Disable Lock Computer in Windows

    How to Enable or Disable Lock Computer in Windows
    Published by Category: General Tips
    25 Apr 2021
    Designer Media Ltd

    How to Enable or Disable Lock Computer in Windows


    When you lock the computer, it 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 dismiss (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 enable or disable the ability to lock the computer (Win+L) for all users in Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8, and Windows 10.

    If you disable lock computer, Lock will also be removed from the Start menu, Power menu, Ctrl+Alt+Del screen, and Alt+F4 Shut Down Windows locations in Windows.

    You must be signed in to Windows as an administrator to enable or disable lock computer.

    I would like to thank our member @WOT for bringing this to my attention to create a tutorial for.

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

    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon

    DisableLockWorkstation DWORD

    0 = Enable
    1 = Disable




    Here's How:

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


    2 To Enable Lock Computer for All Users

    This is the default setting.

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

    Enable_Lock_computer.reg

    Download


    3 To Disable Lock Computer for All Users

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

    Disable_Lock_computer.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






  1. Posts : 42,919
    Win 10 Pro (22H2) (2nd PC is 22H2)
       #1

    This is also possible via Group Policy for Pro upwards users:
    2 Options to Remove the Lock Option from Windows Start Menu | Password Recovery

    And to note: exactly as stated in the Group Policy description, all this does is to remove the option from the Start Menu - Windows key + L will still lock the computer if this is in force.
      My Computers


  2. Posts : 68,839
    64-bit Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
    Thread Starter
       #2

    dalchina said:
    This is also possible via Group Policy for Pro upwards users:
    2 Options to Remove the Lock Option from Windows Start Menu | Password Recovery

    And to note: exactly as stated in the Group Policy description, all this does is to remove the option from the Start Menu - Windows key + L will still lock the computer if this is in force.



    Add or Remove Lock in Account Picture Menu in Windows 10
      My Computers


  3. Posts : 42,919
    Win 10 Pro (22H2) (2nd PC is 22H2)
       #3

    Good one in the thread on missing Lock option.. bet you're right on that one..
      My Computers


  4. Posts : 68,839
    64-bit Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
    Thread Starter
       #4

    dalchina said:
    Good one in the thread on missing Lock option.. bet you're right on that one..
    I hope one of the options was the cause.
      My Computers


  5. Posts : 1
    windows
       #5

    Hello! I tryed to do this but nothing happend, my lapton still won't lock unless y press win+L
    I'm I missing something?
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 68,839
    64-bit Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
    Thread Starter
       #6

    monchi said:
    Hello! I tryed to do this but nothing happend, my lapton still won't lock unless y press win+L
    I'm I missing something?
    Hello monchi, and welcome to Ten Forums.

    Are you able to lock your computer using the other options from the tutorial below?

    Lock Computer in Windows 10
      My Computers


  7. Posts : 3
    win 10
       #7

    Registry hack not working for me


    I've set this, and the control l key is still active, however it seems to switch the computer into some sort of assisted mode where the keyboard does not work as usual, and instead does things related to navigating the UI.

    I've also got a bunch of alternative language packs installed on my computer, including simplified Chinese, and it seems to be sometimes involved in flipping the machine into its shortcut Chinese typing mode.

    I'd be very happy for a solution, as I'm an artist, and control L should invoke the levels panel in Photoshop, which is something I need to do many times daily sometimes.
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 68,839
    64-bit Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
    Thread Starter
       #8

    zab abbey said:
    I've set this, and the control l key is still active, however it seems to switch the computer into some sort of assisted mode where the keyboard does not work as usual, and instead does things related to navigating the UI.

    I've also got a bunch of alternative language packs installed on my computer, including simplified Chinese, and it seems to be sometimes involved in flipping the machine into its shortcut Chinese typing mode.

    I'd be very happy for a solution, as I'm an artist, and control L should invoke the levels panel in Photoshop, which is something I need to do many times daily sometimes.
    Hello Zab,

    I just tested on my system, and still only disables the ability to lock the computer without any other side effects.

    Do you have anything else installed that may be a cause?
      My Computers


 

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