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How to lock your computer with a keyboard
If you’re a coder or type a lot using your excellent keyboard, you’re probably already aware of the joys of keyboard shortcuts. Not only can you zip across massive walls of text quickly, but you can also execute complex functions and sequences with minimal hand movements. In short, you’re way faster than users who use the mouse to click buttons while operating their system.
One of the most common things we do on our great laptops or computers is lock the screen. It may not happen as often at home, but most people lock their computers when they leave their desks at work. Let’s look at all the different ways you can lock your computer using your keyboard.
Keyboard shortcuts to lock your computer
Most computers out there run one of these three operating systems: Windows, macOS, or ChromeOS. Let’s look at the ways you can lock each of these devices.
How to lock your computer on Windows
Windows 11 has a ton of shortcuts you can utilize, including for locking your keyboard. To lock your Windows PC or laptop using your keyboard, press Windows + L together. This will immediately lock your computer and display the lock screen.
A longer method is to press the Ctrl + Alt + Delete keys simultaneously. This will pull up a screen that will offer options like Lock, Switch User, Sign out, Change password, and Task Manager. You'll obviously want to hit Lock here.
A third method exists if you want to go for the geekiest option possible. Press Windows + R to pull up the run box on your Windows system. In the text field, type this command and hit Enter:
rundll32.exe user32.dll, LockWorkStation
Your computer will immediately lock itself.
How to lock your computer on macOS
Locking your Apple computer using Mac keyboard shortcuts is pretty simple — press Ctrl+ Cmd + Q together. Be cautious when using this key combo because Cmd + Q will quit the application you have open. You can avoid this by pressing the Ctrl key first as you execute the key combination.
: 14 SECRET Combinations on Your Keyboard (Secret History)
How to lock your computer on ChromeOS
The Search button has replaced the Launcher button on newer Chromebooks, so depending on your keyboard layout, the key combo to lock your Chromebook is different. You have to either hit Launcher + L or Search + L to lock your laptop.
Final thoughts
With these shortcuts, you can quickly lock your computer if you’re going away for a bit. But it’s not all about convenience — it’s also good practice to lock your laptop or PC before you get away from your workstation, especially in an office.
