How to turn On or Off Dynamic Lock to Automatically Lock Windows 11

What is Dynamic Lock?

Windows 11 Dynamic Lock is a handy feature that automatically locks your computer when you walk away. It uses your phone’s Bluetooth connection to know when you’re gone. When your phone moves out of Bluetooth range, Windows locks your PC to keep it safe from others.

This is great if you often get up from your desk. Instead of remembering to press ⊞ Win+L, you can relax knowing your PC locks itself.

Important Note: Dynamic Lock needs Bluetooth. Make sure Bluetooth is turned on for both your Windows 11 PC and your smartphone, and that they are paired together.

Setting Up Dynamic Lock Through Windows Settings

This is the most accessible way to set up Dynamic Lock. There's no need to navigate complicated menus; everything you need is in your PC's settings.

Step 1Open Windows Settings

Press the Windows key + I on your keyboard. Or, click the Start button and then click the Settings gear icon.

Step 2Go to Accounts and Sign-in Options

In the Settings window, click on Accounts on the left side. On the right side, find and click on Sign-in options.

Step 3Configure Dynamic Lock

To configure Windows 11 Dynamic Lock, find the Dynamic lock section on the Sign-in options page. To turn it ON, check the box that says "Allow Windows to automatically lock your device when you're away." To turn it OFF, simply uncheck that same box.

• To turn Dynamic Lock ON: Check the box that says "Allow Windows to automatically lock your device when you're away."
• To turn Dynamic Lock OFF: Make sure the box next to "Allow Windows to automatically lock your device when you're away" is NOT checked. This is how it is set by default.

Step 4Close Settings

Once you've adjusted the settings for Windows 11 Dynamic Lock, you can close the Settings window. The feature will become active or inactive based on your choice the next time you leave your PC with your paired phone. It's a good idea to test it by walking away and seeing if your PC locks.

Practical Tip: After you turn on Dynamic Lock, test it! Pair your phone, then walk away from your PC. Wait a minute or two, and check if your PC has locked itself. This confirms the Bluetooth connection is working and the feature is on.

Understanding Dynamic Lock Through the Windows Registry (Advanced Users)

For advanced users, you can manage Windows 11 Dynamic Lock settings directly through the Windows Registry Editor. This method requires caution, as incorrect changes can cause system issues. The setting is controlled by a specific value within the registry, and knowing how to find or create it allows for manual configuration.

The Dynamic Lock setting is controlled by a specific value in the Windows Registry. Here's how to find or create it.

Accessing the Registry Editor

To access the Registry Editor for Windows 11, first press the Windows key + R to open the Run box. Then, type regedit and press Enter or click OK. If a User Account Control message appears, click Yes. It's wise to back up your registry before making any changes.

To open the Registry Editor:

1. Press Windows key + R to open the Run box.
2. Type regedit and press Enter, or click OK.
3. If a User Account Control (UAC) message appears, click Yes.

Registry Path and Value for Dynamic Lock

The setting for Dynamic Lock resides here:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon

Inside this location, look for a value called EnableGoodbye. It should be a DWORD (32-bit) Value type, which is a common data type for registry entries.

Turning Dynamic Lock ON via Registry

To turn on Windows 11 Dynamic Lock using the Registry Editor, navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon. Look for a DWORD value named EnableGoodbye. If it doesn't exist, create it by right-clicking in the empty space, selecting New › DWORD (32-bit) Value, and naming it EnableGoodbye.

1. Go to the registry path: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon
2. In the right-hand side, look for a DWORD value named EnableGoodbye.
3. If it's not there, right-click in the empty space on the right side, select New › DWORD (32-bit) Value, and name it EnableGoodbye.
4. Double-click on the EnableGoodbye value to change it.
5. In the "Value data" box, type 1.
6. Make sure the "Base" is set to Hexadecimal.
7. Click OK.
8. Close the Registry Editor.

A Value data of 1 means Dynamic Lock is turned on.

Turning Dynamic Lock OFF via Registry

To turn off Windows 11 Dynamic Lock via the Registry Editor, go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon. Find the EnableGoodbye DWORD value (create it if it's missing). Double-click it and set the 'Value data' to 0. This action disables the Dynamic Lock feature.

1. Go to the registry path: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon
2. In the right-hand side, look for a DWORD value named EnableGoodbye.
3. If it's not there, you can create it as described above.
4. Double-click on the EnableGoodbye value to change it.
5. In the "Value data" box, type 0.
6. Make sure the "Base" is set to Hexadecimal.
7. Click OK.
8. Close the Registry Editor.

A Value data of 0 means Dynamic Lock is turned off. This is the default setting.

Pairing Your Phone with Your 🪟 Windows 11 PC

For Dynamic Lock to work, your phone and PC must be connected via Bluetooth. If they aren't already paired, here's how:

Step 1Turn on Bluetooth

Make sure Bluetooth is on for both your Windows 11 PC and your smartphone. You can usually find this in your PC's Settings app under Bluetooth & devices, or in your phone's quick settings menu.

Step 2Add a Device on Your PC

On your Windows 11 PC:

1. Go to Settings (Windows key + I).
2. Click on Bluetooth & devices.
3. Click on Add device.
4. In the "Add a device" window, select Bluetooth.

Step 3Make Your Phone Discoverable

On your smartphone, go to its Bluetooth settings and make sure it can be seen by other devices (discoverable or visible). The exact steps depend on your phone model and operating system (Android or iOS).

Step 4Select Your Phone on Your PC

Your PC will look for nearby Bluetooth devices. When your phone shows up in the list on your PC, click on it.

Step 5Finish Pairing

To finish pairing your phone for Windows 11 Dynamic Lock, check that the pairing code shown on both your PC and phone matches. Accept the pairing request on both devices. Once successfully paired, your phone will appear in the list of connected devices on your PC, ready for Dynamic Lock to work.

Practical Tip: Keep your phone's Bluetooth turned on all the time if you plan to use Dynamic Lock often. Also, make sure your phone is close enough to your PC when you're using it so the connection stays strong.

Summary

Windows 11 Dynamic Lock is a security feature that automatically locks your PC when you step away, using your phone's Bluetooth. This means you don't have to remember to lock it yourself. You can easily turn this feature on or off in Windows Settings under Accounts › Sign-in options. Remember, Bluetooth must be on for it to work.