How to Change OneDrive Personal Vault Lockout Time in Windows 11

This guide explains how to change the time it takes for your OneDrive Personal Vault to lock itself when you are not using it.

The OneDrive app service helps you keep your files synced between your computer and the cloud. It lets you reach your files from anywhere.

Your OneDrive Personal Vault has a safety feature that locks it after you stop using it for a while. By default, this happens after 20 minutes of inactivity. You will get a warning 5 minutes before it locks. You can tell it to stay open or let it lock.

Why change this setting?

If you find that 20 minutes is too short, you can change the timer. You can set it to 1, 2, or 4 hours instead.

What happens when done?

Once you change this setting, your Vault will stay open for the amount of time you selected. This gives you more time to work without having to unlock it again.

Method 1: Using OneDrive Settings

This is the easiest way to change your settings.

1. Click the OneDrive icon in your Taskbar (Taskbar overflow).
2. Select the gear icon and choose Settings.

Alternatively, you can open your OneDrive folder in Windows File Explorer, click the OneDrive button at the top, and select the Settings gear.

1. When the window opens, click Account on the left.
2. Look for Personal Vault.
3. Pick the time you prefer from the list: 20 Minutes, 1 Hour, 2 Hours, or 4 Hours.

Close the window when you are finished.

Method 2: Using the Windows Registry (Advanced)

Note: This method requires admin privileges.

You can also change this using the  Windows Registry Editor. Open the Windows Registry and go to this path:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\OneDrive

If you do not see the OneDrive folder, right-click the Microsoft folder and create a new key named OneDrive.

1. Right-click in the empty space on the right side.
2. Select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value.
3. Name the new item VaultInactivityTimeout.
4. Double-click the new item. Set the Base to Decimal.
5. Enter one of these numbers in the Value data box:
   • For 20 minutes: 0
   • For 1 hour: 1
   • For 2 hours: 2
   • For 4 hours: 4

Save your changes and restart your computer to finish.

Summary

Adjusting your OneDrive Personal Vault lockout time helps you balance security and convenience. You can change this setting quickly through the standard OneDrive menu or by using the Windows Registry if you prefer a more technical approach.