Windows 7: Create a Shortcut to Lock Your Computer
If you want to lock your Windows workstation there are a couple of different key combinations you can use. You can also create a shortcut and pin it on the Windows 7 taskbar. If you’re running Windows 10, we documented those steps also. For Windows 7 however, here’s how to do it.
Create a Shortcut to Lock Your Windows 7 PC
First, right-click the Desktop and select New > Shortcut.
![sshot-2011-12-08-[03-43-08]](https://www.groovypost.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/sshot-2011-12-08-03-43-08.png "sshot-2011-12-08-[03-43-08]")
In the Create Shortcut window type or copy in the following:
Rundll32.exe User32.dll,LockWorkStation
![sshot-2011-12-08-[05-05-16]](https://www.groovypost.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/sshot-2011-12-08-05-05-16.png "sshot-2011-12-08-[05-05-16]")
Next, give the shortcut a name like “Lock Computer” and click Finish.
![sshot-2011-12-08-[05-05-56]](https://www.groovypost.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/sshot-2011-12-08-05-05-56.png "sshot-2011-12-08-[05-05-56]")
Now the “Lock Computer” icon will appear on the desktop. Right-click on it and select Properties.
![sshot-2011-12-08-[05-06-32]](https://www.groovypost.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/sshot-2011-12-08-05-06-32.png "sshot-2011-12-08-[05-06-32]")
In the Properties window select the Shortcut tab. Click Change Icon.
![sshot-2011-12-08-[05-06-49]](https://www.groovypost.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/sshot-2011-12-08-05-06-49.png "sshot-2011-12-08-[05-06-49]")
Now type: C:\Windows\System32\imageres.dll into the “Look for Icons this file” field. Select the icon you want to use for the shortcut and click OK.
![sshot-2011-12-08-[19-17-38]](https://www.groovypost.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/sshot-2011-12-08-19-17-38.png "sshot-2011-12-08-[19-17-38]")
Set the Run dropdown menu to Minimized, then click OK.
![sshot-2011-12-08-[19-24-20]](https://www.groovypost.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/sshot-2011-12-08-19-24-20.png "sshot-2011-12-08-[19-24-20]")
Then drag the Lock Computer icon you just created to the Taskbar and pin it.
![sshot-2011-12-08-[19-25-22]](https://www.groovypost.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/sshot-2011-12-08-19-25-22.png "sshot-2011-12-08-[19-25-22]")
Now you can click the icon to lock your computer.
![sshot-2011-12-08-[19-27-56]](https://www.groovypost.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/sshot-2011-12-08-19-27-56.png "sshot-2011-12-08-[19-27-56]")
There you go. Now, of course, you will need to sign in to your PC again the next time you want to access a session.
![sshot-2011-12-08-[19-30-13]](https://www.groovypost.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/sshot-2011-12-08-19-30-13.png "sshot-2011-12-08-[19-30-13]")
If you’re a keyboard master, use Ctrl+Alt+Delete then select Lock Computer. Or you can use an even quicker shortcut combination of Windows Key+L. One of our readers also pointed out that you can also assign an unused Function Key (I use F11) as a shortcut key if WIN+L takes too long for you.
16 Comments
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Rajesh
December 9, 2011 at 1:22 pm
like it !!!
Austin Krause
December 9, 2011 at 2:25 pm
I always use Windows Key + L, but this is very nice for touch-screens – especially if it works with Windows 8!
KG
December 11, 2011 at 2:42 am
Wouldn’t the Control-Alt-Delete combo work? I guess it is an extra step, but it seems to work for me every time….
Noah
June 17, 2013 at 3:05 pm
Yes! I don’t even know why they made this article. Windows Key+L is built in!
James Perkins
January 5, 2016 at 10:27 am
I found this useful. I use my Ubuntu workstation mouse and keyboard provide most of the input to my Windows 7 notebook via the Synergy app, and avoid touching the notebook keyboard most of the time.
Since the remote computer keyboard is not a keyboard master, the WindowsKey + L method is not honored. I have set my shortcut key combination to Ctrl + Alt + L, which is the same as Ubuntu.
I still have to touch the noteboook keyboard to enter Ctrl + Alt + Del and password, but that’s all I need it for.
Ritesh
July 27, 2016 at 8:25 pm
awesome !!! this is very userful. Thank you
Vaibhav Dingre
October 23, 2016 at 2:19 am
Thanks a million for this tiny yet most useful setting and the keyboard shortcut.
hydralisk
December 13, 2016 at 9:03 am
At my work I have to lock the workstation every time when I’m leaving the desk… On the Linux machine I’ve changed the shortcut from Ctrl + Alt + L to Pause/Break button, which is very convenient, and not used by any program.
Is it possible to change Win + L, to Pause/Break button on Windows without third party programs?
I don’t know why the aren’t using that button…
Steve Krause
December 13, 2016 at 11:11 am
Not that I’m aware of. This is a “BASE OS” function and Microsoft is fairly picky with the LOCK function. There is a way in the registry to disable Win+L however, I don’t think there is a native function to reassign the keys to lock Windows 10 (or previous version).
Austin
December 13, 2016 at 11:16 am
It can be scripted with autohotkey, or better yet I believe if you make a shortcut like in the article above you can assign a keyboard shortcut to run the shortcut.
hydralisk
December 14, 2016 at 4:54 am
Unfortunately I can’t assign Pause/Break button as a shortcut to run the shortcut… But with autohotkey I should do this :)
Thank you.
Noah Gregory
December 13, 2016 at 11:24 am
My Linux works with Win-L
trailmax
January 12, 2017 at 9:52 am
I work from home and we have a 2 month baby. Many times I find myself with a baby in one hand and a need to lock the workstation. Win+L assumes (on my keyboard) you have 2 hands on the keyboard.
This shortcut saves the day since it can be operated with a mouse!
some guy
May 26, 2017 at 8:35 am
thanks computer dude!! saves me a lot of hassle. i pinned it to my taskbar so now its right next to the windows/start button thingy.
Danae
November 5, 2019 at 1:01 am
Thank you! I always use Windows Key + L, but there’s been an upgrade to our Win10 Citrix and now the WinKey+L combination no longer works! Your shortcut works a treat though :)
J. Martin
June 16, 2021 at 9:38 pm
TIP:
1) Right-click on the shortcut and select Properties.
2) In the Properties window select the Shortcut tab.
3) Click on the box “Shortcut key”.
4) So hit a function key you do not use (F7, F8, F10, etc.).
5) Then click OK.
Now every time you hit that function key you will lock your computer. =)