How to Lock a Computer Keyboard

Lock the keyboard to your computer without shutting down the PC.

Computer security is a real concern these days. Many people have confidential and sensitive data on their computers that they would rather not see it fall into the wrong hands. However, if you are back and forth at your computer all day, constantly shutting down and restarting your computer in order to safeguard its contents can really be a hassle.



Fortunately, Windows makes it easy to lock your keyboard and keep passersby out of your computer. You can lock the keyboard without having to log off or shut down your computer. The best thing is you can lock your Windows keyboard in a few seconds.

Things You'll Need

• Microsoft Windows (Versions NT 4.0 to 7)

Instructions

1. Press the "Ctrl," "Alt" and Delete" keys at the same time.

2. Click the "Lock Computer" button or tab on the Windows welcome screen or Windows security screen (depending on your version of Windows). Windows will lock the keyboard and the desktop.

3. Enter the password then press the "Enter" key to unlock the keyboard and return to the Windows desktop.

Tips & Warnings

• Add a password to your screensaver to lock your keyboard when you forget to lock it manually.

References

• Microsoft Support: How to Quickly Lock Your Computer and Use Other Windows Logo Shortcut Keys
• Brookhaven National Laboratory: How to Lock Your Windows Computer
• Indiana University---Information Technology Services: In Windows, How Do I lock My Workstation Without Logging off?
• University of Utah: FAQ: Locking Down Your Computer