Locking Computer System while Out for a While?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around how to keep a Windows 10 computer locked while stepping away for a short period, specifically in a school lab setting. Participants explore various methods to maintain session integrity without logging out, while addressing the limitations imposed by system configurations.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about locking the computer for a brief period without losing open tabs.
  • Several participants suggest using Ctrl-Alt-Delete to access the lock feature, though some report not seeing this option.
  • It is noted that the lock feature may require account configuration, such as having a password or disabling automatic logon.
  • Another participant proposes using the Switch User option to keep the session active while allowing others to use the system.
  • Concerns are raised that the system may be configured to prevent locking to avoid students leaving the computer unattended.
  • Participants suggest trying the Windows-L shortcut, but some report it has no effect.
  • A suggestion is made to test the Switch User functionality to confirm if it retains open applications, with a caution that rebooting the system would close all programs.
  • One participant concludes that if the lock feature is ineffective, it may be disabled by the system administrators.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the availability and effectiveness of locking options, with no consensus on a definitive solution. Some methods are proposed, but their applicability seems contingent on system settings.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include potential restrictions set by system administrators that may disable certain locking features, as well as the uncertainty regarding the behavior of the Switch User function in this specific environment.

WWGD
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Hi All,
Is there a way of keeping the computer (Win 10 Enterprise 2015 LTSB) locked, meaning locking access by others while out for some 10-15 minutes? I don't need this while at work, but I am in a school lab, and I have many tabs open; I don't want to log out and then have to reopen all the tabs. Any ideas?
Thanks.
 
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Ctrl-Alt-Delete, then select Lock this Computer.
 
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Borg said:
Ctrl-Alt-Delete, then select Lock this Computer.
Thanks, but only options I get are: Switch User, Sign Out Task Manager.
 
WWGD said:
Thanks, but only options I get are: Switch User, Sign Out Task Manager.
You have to configure your account to use a password or disable automatic logon in order to use the lock feature.
 
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WWGD said:
Thanks, but only options I get are: Switch User, Sign Out Task Manager.
Use switch user. This will keep your session active and allow others to use the system while you are away. Unless the system is rebooted, all your programs will remain active when you log back in.
 
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WWGD said:
Thanks, but only options I get are: Switch User, Sign Out Task Manager.
I guess that the admins set it up so that students wouldn't lock out others and walk away for the day. If that's the case, I would verify that Switch User doesn't log you off as well.
 
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Try Windows-L
 
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Vanadium 50 said:
Try Windows-L
Thanks, but it seems to have no effect whatsoever.
 
WWGD said:
Thanks, but it seems to have no effect whatsoever.
Do a quick test.
log in. open up a browser, open a couple tabs.
then click switch user

this will drop you back to the login screen.
then log in again and verify that the browser is still open.

this is how windows is supposed to normally behave. Switch user is exactly what you are looking to do.

Edit: the only thing that can derail you is if someone reboots/shutsdown the system.
 
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  • #10
WWGD said:
Thanks, but it seems to have no effect whatsoeve

Then the feature is disabled.
 

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