Lock Your Computer With Your Phone

Whenever you're away from your computer it is a good idea to lock it so other people do not gain access while you're away. There are different ways to lock your system, but with Windows 10 and Dynamic Lock it just got a lot easier. Dynamic Lock works with a paired device (such as your phone) through a Bluetooth connection. Follow these simple steps to pair a device:

1. Click on the Start button in the bottom left corner. Windows displays the Start screen.
2. Click on the Settings button (it looks like a small gear). Windows displays the Settings dialog box.
3. Click on the Devices option. Windows displays the Devices window of the Settings dialog box.
4. Click on the Bluetooth & Other Devices option. Windows displays the Bluetooth & Other Devices window of the Settings dialog box. (See Figure 1.)



Figure 1. The Bluetooth & Other Devices window of the Settings dialog box.

6. Click on the Add Bluetooth Or Other Device option at the top of the window. Windows displays the Add a Device Window. (See Figure 2.)



Figure 2. The Add A Device window.

7. Click on the Bluetooth option. Windows begins looking for Bluetooth devices. You will need to make sure your device is discoverable; Windows displays the device names in the dialog box as it finds them.
8. Click on the device to which you want to connect. Windows displays the pairing pin number that should match the prompt on your device.
9. If the pairing pin numbers match, choose Connect, on your PC, and if needed click pair on your device. (If your device does not have a screen to verify the numbers, then just click Connect on your PC.) (See Figure 3.)



Figure 3. The Add A Device window with pairing pin.

Now that your device is paired with your PC you can turn on Dynamic Lock by following these steps:

1. Click on the Start button in the bottom left corner. Windows displays the Start screen.
2. Click on the Settings button (it looks like a small gear). Windows displays the Settings dialog box.
3. Click on the Accounts option. Windows displays the Accounts window of the Settings dialog box.
4. Click on Sign-in Options. Windows displays the Sign-in Options window of the Settings dialog box.
5. Under Dynamic Lock, click on the Allow Windows to Automatically Lock Your Device When Your Away check box.

There are some items to consider and remember when dealing with Dynamic Lock. The first consideration is the range at which locking is engaged. With Dynamic Lock turned on, when you walk away from your computer taking the paired device with you, your computer will lock once you have gone out of range. This range can vary based on device, but is generally at least 30 feet. This range can be affected by other items that can cause interference, such as walls. Dynamic Lock also just locks; it will not unlock your computer. You may also get mixed signals with Dynamic Lock. For instance, when I had it set up on my system, Windows 10 said it was connected, but my iPhone said it wasn't. Even so, when I walked away from the computer it would still lock for me.

With Dynamic Lock enabled and your paired device with you, you don't have to worry about remembering to lock your computer again.

 This tip (13542) applies to Windows 10.