Enabling a screensaver with an automatic screen lock will lock the screen after a period of inactivity (such as when you step away from your computer) and will require a password to unlock it. 

You can also lock your screen manually before leaving your computer.

Below are step by step instructions on locking your screen for PCs and Macs.

You can also view a demo on locking your screen for PCs and Macs .

Enable Screen Lock: PCs

How to Set Your Computer to Lock Your Screen Automatically

 

  1. On the Start menu, click Control Panel .
  2. Click Display , and then click Screen Saver .
  3. In the Wait box, set number of minutes (recommend 15 or less)
  4. Click On resume, password protect , and then click OK .

 

The screen saver will start after the designated period of inactivity.  Your password will be required to unlock the screen.

How to Lock Your Screen Manually

 

Use this procedure to lock your screen without waiting for the screen saver to start.

  1. Press the Windows logo key + L . (The Windows logo key is near the Spacebar on your keyboard.)

 

Your password will be required to unlock the screen..

Enable Screen Lock: Macintosh

How to Set Your Computer to Lock Your Screen Automatically

 

  1. From the Apple menu, choose System Preferences .
  2. Click Desktop & Screen Saver .
  3. Click Screen Saver , and then use the slider to choose the number of minutes (recommend 15 or less). 
  4. Click Show All to go back to the main System Preferences window.
  5. Click Security , and then click Require password to wake this computer from sleep or screen saver .
  6. Close the System Preferences window.

The screen saver will start after the designated period of inactivity.  Your password will be required to unlock the screen.

How to Lock Your Screen Manually Using a Hot Corner

 

First, set up a Hot Corner so you can quickly activate the screen saver when you leave your computer.

  1. From the Apple menu, choose System Preferences .
  2. Click Desktop & Screen Saver .
  3. Click Screen Saver , and then click Hot Corners .
  4. Click the list next to the corner of the screen you want to use as a hot corner and select Start Screen Saver , and then click OK .
  5. Close the System Preferences window.

 

Now that you've set up a Hot Corner, you can use this procedure to lock your screen without waiting for the screen saver to start.

  1. Move your mouse to the corner you set up as your  Hot Corner.

The screen saver starts. Your password will be required to unlock the screen.