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If you want to lock your Windows workstation there are a couple of different key combinations you can use. You can also create a shortcut and pin it on the Windows 7 taskbar. If youre running Windows 10, we documented those steps also. For Windows 7 however, heres how to do it.
Create a Shortcut to Lock Your Windows 7 PC
First, right-click the Desktop and select New > Shortcut.
In the Create Shortcut window type or copy in the following:
Rundll32.exe User32.dll,LockWorkStationNext, give the shortcut a name like Lock Computer and click Finish.
Now the Lock Computer icon will appear on the desktop. Right-click on it and select Properties.
In the Properties window select the Shortcut tab. Click Change Icon.
Now type: C:\Windows\System32\imageres.dll into the Look for Icons this file field. Select the icon you want to use for the shortcut and click OK.
Set the Run dropdown menu to Minimized, then click OK.
Then drag the Lock Computer icon you just created to the Taskbar and pin it.
Now you can click the icon to lock your computer.
There you go. Now, of course, you will need to sign in to your PC again the next time you want to access a session.
If youre a keyboard master, use Ctrl+Alt+Delete then select Lock Computer. Or you can use an even quicker shortcut combination of Windows Key+L. One of our readers also pointed out that you can also assign an unused Function Key [I use F11] as a shortcut key if WIN+L takes too long for you.
16 Comments
Rajesh
like it !!!
ReplyAustin Krause
I always use Windows Key + L, but this is very nice for touch-screens especially if it works with Windows 8!
ReplyKG
Wouldnt the Control-Alt-Delete combo work? I guess it is an extra step, but it seems to work for me every time.
ReplyNoah
Yes! I dont even know why they made this article. Windows Key+L is built in!
ReplyJames Perkins
I found this useful. I use my Ubuntu workstation mouse and keyboard provide most of the input to my Windows 7 notebook via the Synergy app, and avoid touching the notebook keyboard most of the time.
Since the remote computer keyboard is not a keyboard master, the WindowsKey + L method is not honored. I have set my shortcut key combination to Ctrl + Alt + L, which is the same as Ubuntu.
I still have to touch the noteboook keyboard to enter Ctrl + Alt + Del and password, but thats all I need it for.
Reply
Ritesh
awesome !!! this is very userful. Thank you
ReplyVaibhav Dingre
Thanks a million for this tiny yet most useful setting and the keyboard shortcut.
Replyhydralisk
At my work I have to lock the workstation every time when Im leaving the desk On the Linux machine Ive changed the shortcut from Ctrl + Alt + L to Pause/Break button, which is very convenient, and not used by any program.
Is it possible to change Win + L, to Pause/Break button on Windows without third party programs?I dont know why the arent using that button
ReplySteve Krause
Not that Im aware of. This is a BASE OS function and Microsoft is fairly picky with the LOCK function. There is a way in the registry to disable Win+L however, I dont think there is a native function to reassign the keys to lock Windows 10 [or previous version].
ReplyAustin
It can be scripted with autohotkey, or better yet I believe if you make a shortcut like in the article above you can assign a keyboard shortcut to run the shortcut.
Replyhydralisk
Unfortunately I cant assign Pause/Break button as a shortcut to run the shortcut But with autohotkey I should do this :]
Thank you.
Reply
Noah Gregory
My Linux works with Win-L
Reply
trailmax
I work from home and we have a 2 month baby. Many times I find myself with a baby in one hand and a need to lock the workstation. Win+L assumes [on my keyboard] you have 2 hands on the keyboard.
This shortcut saves the day since it can be operated with a mouse!Replysome guy
thanks computer dude!! saves me a lot of hassle. i pinned it to my taskbar so now its right next to the windows/start button thingy.
ReplyDanae
Thank you! I always use Windows Key + L, but theres been an upgrade to our Win10 Citrix and now the WinKey+L combination no longer works! Your shortcut works a treat though :]
ReplyJ. Martin
TIP:
1] Right-click on the shortcut and select Properties.
2] In the Properties window select the Shortcut tab.
3] Click on the box Shortcut key.
4] So hit a function key you do not use [F7, F8, F10, etc.].
5] Then click OK.Now every time you hit that function key you will lock your computer. =]
Reply
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