Quickly Lock Your Computer With Shortcut Key
Software Architecture, DevOps & System Design
You shouldn't forget to lock your PC, even when leaving for a short while. 'Log Off' and 'Lock' are different things. This article describes how to quickly lock your computer running windows OS. Also few other useful Windows logo shortcut keys that you can use and save time.
All Windows OS (including Windows XP, Win Vista and Win7) provides a quick option to instantly 'Lock the computer' with just a simple shortcut key. The "Windows logo key+L" shortcut can lock the computer. Lock option is also provided in Windows 7 start menu.
"Lock" is different from "Log Off" because your computer and processor still runs if you lock your computer, and power is consumed same as in case of normal operation. But in Log Off, processors stops working and very nominal power is consumed.
You can also use the following keyboard shortcuts with a Microsoft Natural Keyboard or any other compatible keyboard that includes the Windows logo key and the Application key. Here Win is used to mean Windows logo key.
Shortcut
Action
Win
Display or hide the Start menu
Win+L
Lock the computer
Win+BREAK
Display the System Properties dialog box
Win+D
Show the desktop
Win+M
Minimize all windows
Win+SHIFT+M
Restore minimized windows
Win+E
Open My Computer
Win+F
Search for a file or folder
CTRL+Win+F
Search for computers
Win+F1
Display Windows Help
Win+R
Open the Run dialog box
Win+U
Open Utility Manager
Application key
Display the Shortcut menu for the selected item
Suggested Readings:-
Microsoft Support Article
Sandeep Kumar
Founder & Software Architect | Author of “The Operational State Control Plane”
Electronics engineer, software architect, and author of The Operational State Control Plane. Specializing in system design, distributed resilience, and building scalable tech solutions with real-world engineering insights.