How to Use Windows Dynamic Lock to Automatically Lock Your Computer When You Walk Away

Introduction

Locking your Windows computer anytime you walk away from it is a good habit to get into, given all of the sensitive information you likely have on your device. This is especially important when using your computer in public locations, such as the library, or shared living spaces, such as on a college campus. Thankfully, Windows has a Dynamic Lock feature you can turn on after pairing your iPhone, Android or other smartphone with your computer, that will automatically lock your PC after your phone moves out of Bluetooth range for 30 seconds. Examples of all instructions in the steps can be seen in the YouTube video below.

Steps to Pair Your iPhone or Android with Your Windows Computer

The first thing you need to do is pair your iPhone, Android or other smartphone to your Windows computer. Let’s walk through the steps to do that.

1. Press “Windows” and “I” at the same time on your Windows home screen to open the Settings screen, and then click “Devices.” You’ll land on the Bluetooth and Other Devices screen.
2. Make sure “Bluetooth and Other Devices” is selected in the menu on the left side of the screen, and then click the toggle to turn on Bluetooth on the right side of the screen if it isn’t turned on already.
3. Click the plus sign next to Add Bluetooth or Other Device. The Add a Device window is displayed.
4. Navigate to the list of Bluetooth devices on your iPhone, Android or other smartphone. This will ensure your device is discoverable.
5. Click “Bluetooth” in the list of options. You’ll see a list of available devices you can connect to, and you should see your smartphone in this list.
6. Click the smartphone you want to add as your dynamic lock device you can use to lock your Windows computer when you walk away. You’ll see a PIN in this window and also a request on your smartphone. Verify the numbers match, and then click “Pair” on your smartphone and “Connect” on your Windows computer. A message letting you know that your smartphone is ready is shown. Tap “Done.” You’ll see your smartphone in the list of connected Bluetooth devices.

Steps to Use Windows Dynamic Lock

Now, with your iPhone, Android or other smartphone paired with your Windows computer, you’re ready to turn on the Dynamic Lock feature, which will automatically lock your Windows computer after your smartphone is out of range for 30 seconds. Let’s walk through the steps to turn on Windows Dynamic Lock.

1. Press “Windows” and “I” at the same time on your Windows home screen to open the Settings screen, and then click “Accounts.” You’ll land on the Accounts screen.
2. Click “Sign-in Options” in the menu on the left side of the screen. The Sign-in Options menu is shown on the right side of the screen.
3. Scroll down this screen to the Dynamic Lock section, and then click to place a check mark next to “Allow Windows to Automatically Lock Your Device When You’re Away.” Going forward, your Windows computer will automatically lock after your smartphone moves out of its Bluetooth range for 30 seconds.