How to Lock Your Desktop in Windows XP

You can prevent others from accessing your desktop.

If your Windows XP computer is easily accessible by others and you do not want it accessed, you can lock it so that it is password-protected. No one else will have access to it until you give her the required information.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Windows XP

Create a Password

1. Click "Start" and "Control Panel."

2. Double-click "User Accounts."

3. Click your user account and click "Create a password."

4. Enter a password.

Lock the Desktop

1. Press "Ctrl," "Alt" and "Delete" on your keyboard at the same time.

2. Click "Lock Computer." Your computer will be locked immediately.

3. Press "Ctrl," "Alt" and "Delete" to unlock your computer.

4. Enter your password and you will be able to resume activity on the computer.

Tips & Warnings

• You can also lock your computer by pressing the "Windows" key and the "L" key on your keyboard.

• Do not forget your password! You will not be able to log back into your machine if so.

References

• Microsoft Support; How to Quickly Lock Your Computer and Use Other Windows Logo Shortcut Keys; May 7, 2007