How To Lock Computer With Keyboard? [All Methods]

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Abdul Hadi

At HI Digital I test and write about different hardware configurations to show other PC users what they can expect from their build. My end goal is to educate the masses to make the right decision when they are looking for new PC parts to buy

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Locking your computer when you step away is an essential practice to ensure the security and privacy of your data. While there are various ways to lock your computer, keyboard shortcuts are efficient and convenient. Shortcuts like Ctrl + Shift + Power can help to lock computer with keyboard.

Key Takeaways 

• Locking a computer hides all your programs and documents and prevents other people from accessing them.  
• Easily lock your computer from the start menu or use the Windows key + L shortcut.
• You can also take the help of other shortcuts such as Ctrl + Alt + Del, Alt + F4, and more. 

Start Menu

Before trying the other options, press the Windows key. Select the Power symbol using the arrow keys. Choose the profile icon and click on Lock.

Windows Key + L 

The easiest way to lock Windows on your computer is using the Windows + L shortcut. Doing so instantly locks your computer screen.

Ctrl + Alt + Del

Press Ctrl + Alt + Del to access the Task Manager. Then, select Lock to secure your computer with a password. 

Ctrl + Shift + Power Button  

In case you’re trying to lock your Windows on a laptop device, hold Ctrl and Shift, then press the Power button to lock your computer; a password is required to unlock it.

Windows Key + X + U

Another shortcut to use when trying to lock your computer is to use the Windows + X shortcut. Once the menu appears, hit the U key for Shut Down Or Sign Out submenu. Proceed with the Lock option.

Using The Windows Security Dialog

Here’s how to do it: 

1. Launch Task Manager: Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
2. Execute New Task: Go to File menu > Run New Task > Type tsdiscon.exe > OK.

Alt + F4 

Close all windows or programs. Then, hold the Alt key and press F4 to open the Shut Down Windows dialog. Select Sleep and hit Enter.

Windows Key + U 

This is what I followed:

1. Access Lock Screen Settings: Press Windows + U > Find Lock Screen Settings in Ease of Access Center.
2. Change Timer: Select Screen Timeout Settings at the bottom > Change the timer to 2 minutes > Wait for 2 minutes, and your screen will be locked.  

Custom Shortcut

Create a custom shortcut on a Windows PC:

1. Create Shortcut: Right-click on your Desktop screen > Select New > Shortcut.
2. Run The Code: In the Location field, type:
   

    rundll32.exe user32.dll,LockWorkStation

3. Name The Shortcut: Click Next > Name the shortcut, Lock > Finish. 
4. Choose Properties: Come to the Desktop > Right-click on the created shortcut > Properties. 
   
5. Create The Shortcut Combination: Navigate to the Shortcut tab > Select the Shortcut Key field > Tap your desired key combination > Apply > OK. 
6. Lock Computer: Press the assigned key combination to lock your computer.
   

   

Using Command Prompt 

Take note of the prescribed method: 

1. Open Command Prompt: Press the Windows + R to open the Run utility > Type cmd > Enter.  
2. Use The Code: Execute the following command:  

   rundll32.exe user32.dll,LockWorkStation 
   

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• How To Shut Down Laptop From Keyboard? [Mac & Windows]
• How To Shut Down PC With A Keyboard [All Methods]

Abdul Hadi

[How-To Guides Expert]

Laiba, our tech guru at HI Digital, simplifies and crafts How-To Guides with a Google IT Support Certificate. Beyond tech, she captures the city’s aesthetics through her lens. Join her journey where tech meets creativity!

Get In Touch: Laiba@hidgt.com