Password Protected: Screensaver

Set the time (5 minutes is a common balance between security and convenience).

When a password-protected screensaver is enabled, the operating system executes the following sequence:

If your computer automatically logs into your desktop when you turn it on, a password-protected screensaver is easily bypassed by a simple restart. password protected screensaver

Setting this up involves a quick toggle in your system's personalization settings:

Setting this up takes less than a minute on most modern operating systems. For Windows 10 and 11 Set the time (5 minutes is a common

If you forget to lock your computer (Win+L or Cmd+Ctrl+Q), the screensaver timer does it for you.

If typing a password every time is annoying, use Windows Hello (face/fingerprint) or Apple’s Touch ID. This makes "waking up" your computer instant for you, but impossible for others. Common Troubleshooting For Windows 10 and 11 If you forget

| Feature | Password Screensaver | Win+L / Lock Screen | Sleep / Hibernate + Password | Smart Card / YubiKey Lock | |---------|----------------------|----------------------|-------------------------------|----------------------------| | | Yes | No (requires manual) | Yes | Yes (with middleware) | | User-friendly | High | High | Medium (wake delay) | High (tap to lock/unlock) | | Security level | Medium | Medium | Medium | High (2FA) | | Risk of bypass | Low (physical attack) | Low | Medium (sleep bypass bugs) | Very low | | Power saving | No | No | Yes | No |

Open > Accounts > Sign-in options . Ensure you have a password or Windows Hello set up. Search for "Change screen saver" in the Start menu.