How to enable automatic device locking using dynamic lock in Windows 11

Pairing Your Phone via Bluetooth

Pairing your phone via Bluetooth 🔷 is the first step to enable automatic device locking feature windows so your PC knows when you walk away. You need to connect your mobile phone to your computer using the built-in Bluetooth settings before Windows can detect when you leave.

1. Open Settings ⚙️.

   

2. Click on Bluetooth 🔷 & devices in the left-hand menu.

   

3. Turn the Bluetooth 🔷 toggle switch to the On position if it is currently disabled.
4. Click the Add device button near the top of the window.

   

5. Choose Bluetooth 🔷 from the Add a device selection window.
6. Select your smartphone from the list of discovered devices and follow any remaining on-screen verification prompts to complete the pairing process.

Ensure that Bluetooth 🔷 remains active on your phone and that both devices stay within normal operating range. Windows cannot detect your absence if the Bluetooth link drops due to interference or disabled radios.

Enabling Dynamic Lock in Settings

Enabling Dynamic Lock in Settings turns on the feature that locks your computer screen automatically when you walk away with your phone. You can find this option hidden inside your account sign-in settings once your mobile device is successfully connected to your PC.

1. Open Settings ⚙️.
2. Click on Accounts in the left sidebar.

   

3. Select Sign-in options from the available account settings.

   

4. Scroll down to the section labeled Dynamic lock.

   

5. Check the box next to Allow Windows to automatically lock your device when you’re away.

If the checkbox is grayed out or displays a message stating that Bluetooth 🔷 is turned off, verify that your phone is actively paired and connected. Windows displays the name of your connected phone directly beneath the Dynamic Lock toggle once the system successfully detects the active pairing.

Verifying and Troubleshooting Bluetooth Connectivity

Verifying and troubleshooting Bluetooth connectivity helps fix problems when your computer fails to lock automatically as you walk away. Wireless connection drops or outdated hardware drivers can stop the feature from working properly.

1. Right-click the Start button and select Device Manager.
2. Expand the category labeled Bluetooth.

   

3. Look for your Bluetooth adapter. A yellow exclamation mark indicates a driver fault or hardware conflict.
4. Right-click your Bluetooth adapter and select Update driver if Windows fails to maintain a stable link with your phone.

You can also check Task Manager (a utility that monitors system resource usage and running processes) by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc to ensure no background power-saving utilities are suspending your Bluetooth radio while you are actively using the computer.

Configuring Proximity Sensitivity and Lock Timers

Configuring proximity sensitivity and lock timers lets you manage how Windows handles your privacy when your paired device moves out of range. While Windows uses a built-in countdown timer that you cannot directly change, you can control related privacy options in your security settings.

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Privacy & security.
3. Select Windows security and click on Open Windows Security.
4. Navigate to Account protection to review sign-in policies and lock configurations.

If your computer locks too quickly when you briefly step away, ensure your phone remains in your pocket or close to the desk to maintain a consistent signal.

What to do next

You should now see your computer lock automatically within a minute of walking away with your paired phone. Next, you can configure biometric sign-in methods like Windows Hello face recognition to make unlocking your device faster when you return.