Windows XP: How to lock your computer
You can lock your computer under Windows XP using a certain key combination. Depending on which logout option you have activated, Windows behaves differently when locking. We show you when and how the different scenarios occur.
Windows XP: Lock computer via shortcut
To lock your computer, press the "Windwos" and "L" buttons simultaneously. In the "Control Panel" you can also set what exactly should happen:
- Click on "Start" at the bottom left and open the "Control Panel".
- Select the item "User accounts" and click on the option "Change type of user login".
- Here you can select the items "Use welcome page" and "Use fast user switching". With a click on the button "Apply options" the settings are saved (see picture).
- Depending on how you combine the two options, different locking scenarios arise. We will present these to you below.
Fast user switching activated
If you have selected both options, you will be taken to the welcome page when you lock your computer as if you changed users. You can log in again later, but other users can also access your accounts.
Fast user switching deactivated
If you deactivate the second option, a small window is displayed when you are locked, prompting you to enter your password. You can only access the computer again after you have done this.
Welcome page deactivated
If the welcome page is deactivated, you can use the key combination "Ctrl" + "Alt" + "Del" to access a menu called "Windows Security". In addition to shutting down and logging out, the "Lock computer" option is also available.
Read this practical tip to find out how to log in as administrator in Windows XP.