How to Disable Lock Computer in XP Professional

You don't need a padlock to lock your computer screen.

Windows XP Professional users will generally want to keep the screen lock feature available on their machines -- locked by pressing "Ctrl" + "L." However, if you have a 2-year-old who presses buttons and you don't know the account password, you may want to disable the screen lock feature. Doing so is a straightforward process.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Computer running XP Professional.

1. Click "Start" and then "Run..."

2. Type "gpedit.msc" int the text box and press "OK" to access the group policy options.

3. Press the "+" (if present) next to User Configuration, then Administrative Templates, then System. Click the folder labeled "CTRL+ALT+DEL Options" to display the settings.

4. Click "Remove Lock Computer" to change this option's settings. Click the radio button next to "Enabled" to disable the lock computer screen option in XP Professional.

Tips & Warnings

• The actions taken in this article are totally reversible if you change your mind.

• Leaving your computer unlocked makes your PC vulnerable in public settings.

References

• How-To Geek; Disable/Enable Lock Workstation Funcationality (Windows + L); Sept. 20, 2007
• Microsoft Support; You can Lock the Computer Even When the Disable Lock Workstation Policy Setting Is in Effect in Windows XP; Aug. 29, 2007
• Victor Laurie; Group Policy Editor (gpedit.msc) in Windows XP Professional; July 13, 2011