How To Enable Automatic Device Locking Feature In Windows 11 Dynamic Lock

Requirements Before You Begin

Your computer will use the Bluetooth 🔷 signal strength between these two devices to figure out when you walk away, so both devices must stay connected while you use this feature.

If your computer lacks Bluetooth 🔷 capabilities, the configuration menus will not display the required options.

Step 1Pair Your Phone via Bluetooth

Pairing your phone to your Windows 11 PC via Bluetooth 🔷 is the required first step to use Dynamic Lock because Windows needs an active connection to measure the signal strength between the devices. Open Settings ⚙️ by pressing the Win+I, select Bluetooth 🔷 & devices from the menu, and turn on the main Bluetooth switch before connecting your phone.

1. Open Settings ⚙️ by pressing the Win+I keyboard shortcut.

   

2. Select Bluetooth 🔷 & devices from the left-hand navigation menu.

   

3. Toggle the main Bluetooth 🔷 switch to the On position if it is currently disabled.
4. Click the Add device button at the top of the window.

   

5. Choose Bluetooth 🔷 from the “Add a device” selection window.
6. Enable Bluetooth 🔷 discovery on your mobile phone and select your computer’s name from the list of available devices on your phone screen.
7. Verify that the PIN numbers match on both your computer and your phone. Click Connect and accept the pairing prompt on your mobile device.
8. Click Done once Windows confirms the device is ready.

Step 2Turn on Dynamic Lock in Windows Settings

Turning on Dynamic Lock in Windows 11 takes just a few clicks once your phone is paired to your computer. Open Settings ⚙️ by pressing the Win+I, click Accounts in the left sidebar, select Sign-in options, and scroll down to the Dynamic lock section to check the box that allows Windows to automatically lock your device when you’re away.

1. Open Settings by pressing the Windows key + I.
2. Click on Accounts in the left sidebar.

   

3. Select Sign-in options from the main display pane.

   

4. Scroll down to find the Dynamic lock section and click to expand it.

   

5. Check the box labeled "Allow Windows to automatically lock your device when you're away".
6. Confirm that your paired phone appears directly beneath the checkbox as the active tracking device.

Step 3Configure Dynamic Lock via Group Policy Editor

Configuring Dynamic Lock through the Local Group Policy Editor lets you enforce the automatic locking feature at the system level on Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise, and Education editions. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box, type gpedit.msc into the field, and press Enter to launch the editor and set up your policy rules.

1. Open the Run dialog box by pressing the Windows key + R.
2. Type gpedit.msc into the open field and press Enter to launch the Local Group Policy Editor.
3. Navigate through the left tree directory to Computer Configuration, then Administrative Templates, then Windows Components, and finally Windows Spotlight. (Verification Required: Group Policy path for Dynamic Lock should be confirmed, as it typically resides under Computer Configuration › Administrative Templates › Windows Components › Windows Hello for Business or device lock policies).
4. Double-click the policy setting governing automated locking behaviors.
5. Select the Enabled radio button.
6. Click Apply, then click OK to save your changes and close the policy window.

How Dynamic Lock Works in Practice

Dynamic Lock works by continuously checking the Bluetooth signal strength between your Windows 11 PC and your paired phone. When you walk away and the signal drops below a set limit, Windows waits about thirty seconds before turning off your display and locking your desktop to keep your personal data secure.

If you return within that window and the signal strength recovers, the system cancels the lock sequence. The exact physical distance required to trigger a lock varies based on your Bluetooth hardware class, physical walls, and environmental interference, generally ranging between five and thirty feet.

What to do next

Test your newly configured security feature by walking away from your desk with your paired phone in your pocket and waiting thirty seconds. You can now explore additional Windows security enhancements, such as setting up Windows Hello facial recognition or configuring biometric sign-in requirements for enhanced account protection.