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How to Make Windows 11 Lock Itself When You Walk Away

Set Windows 11 to lock when your paired phone leaves Bluetooth range, or use sign-in on wake and sleep settings as an inactivity-based alternative.
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Turn on Dynamic lock in Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options, then pair your phone with the PC over Bluetooth if needed. When you carry the phone out of Bluetooth range, Windows says it will lock within a minute. If Dynamic lock is unavailable, configure sign-in when the PC wakes and choose an inactivity interval for the display or PC to sleep.

Enable Dynamic lock in Windows 11

  1. Open Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options.
  2. Scroll to Additional settings and turn on Dynamic lock. Microsoft says the feature is available only on compatible hardware. Microsoft’s Sign-in options guidance covers the setting and its behavior.
  3. If your phone is not already paired with the PC, follow the Bluetooth pairing steps below. Pairing and enabling Dynamic lock are separate steps.
  4. Take the paired phone with you when you leave the PC. Windows monitors the Bluetooth signal and locks when it indicates the phone is no longer nearby.

Microsoft describes the delay as “within a minute” after the phone is out of Bluetooth range. It does not specify a fixed distance or promise instantaneous locking, and the support guidance does not guarantee compatibility for a particular phone brand or Bluetooth adapter.

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Pair your phone with the PC over Bluetooth

  1. Make sure the PC has Bluetooth capability. In Windows, open Settings > Bluetooth & devices and switch Bluetooth on.
  2. Make the phone discoverable and keep it near the PC.
  3. Select the Network, Sound, or Battery icon beside the clock to open Quick Settings. Open the Bluetooth device-management chevron, select your phone under New devices, and follow the prompts. Select Done when pairing is complete.

Microsoft’s Bluetooth pairing instructions explain the Windows steps. Once paired, devices connect when Bluetooth is on and they are in range; pairing by itself does not turn on Dynamic lock.

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If Dynamic lock is missing or you prefer an inactivity timer

Use Windows’ sign-in-on-wake and sleep settings as an alternative. This method locks after inactivity triggers the display or PC to sleep; it does not detect whether your phone has left the room.

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  1. In Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options, set Windows to require sign-in when the PC wakes from sleep.
  2. Open Settings > System > Power & battery and configure when the screen and, if desired, the PC go to sleep. Choose an interval that fits your situation. Microsoft’s support guidance describes 10 or 15 minutes as a usual suggestion, not a required or universal security setting.

Microsoft notes that putting the screen to sleep is enough to activate the lock when sign-in on wake is required. Having the PC sleep as well can save electricity. See Microsoft’s power and sleep settings guidance.

Dynamic lock or sleep-based locking?

Method Trigger Timing What it needs
Dynamic lock Paired phone leaves Bluetooth range Windows says it locks within a minute after the phone is out of range Compatible hardware, Bluetooth, and a paired phone
Sign-in after sleep Chosen inactivity interval causes the display or PC to sleep The interval you configure; Microsoft suggests 10 or 15 minutes as a usual option Sleep settings and sign-in required on wake
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

Lock the PC immediately

Press Windows key + L to lock the screen at once. Locking leaves your apps and files open in the background; signing out is different and closes your session. Microsoft documents the shortcut in its Windows keyboard shortcuts reference.

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