Table_title: Windows key keyboard shortcuts Table_content: header: | Press this key: | To do this action: | row: | Press this key: Microsoft Support
While this method takes a fraction of a second longer than the shortcut above, it is useful if your computer is being sluggish or if you need quick access to other system options like Task Manager or Sign Out.
: This uses the "Power User" menu. Press Win + X to open the menu, then U for "Shut down or sign out," and finally L to lock the screen. Customizing Your Lock Screen Experience Four ways to lock your screen on Windows and macOS windows 11 lock screen keyboard shortcut
: Unlike signing out, locking your PC with this shortcut keeps all your applications, documents, and browser tabs open and running in the background.
: The shortcut triggers the lock screen immediately, stopping all active input and hiding your desktop behind the lock screen interface. Customizing Your Lock Screen Experience Four ways to
Old-school Windows users are very familiar with this one. It has been around for decades, and it still works perfectly in Windows 11.
Do you constantly forget to lock your PC when you walk away? Windows 11 has a built-in safety net. It has been around for decades, and it
This is a "chained" shortcut.
Pressing these two keys simultaneously will immediately take you to the lock screen. Your current sessions, open apps, and unsaved work will remain active in the background, but anyone trying to use the PC will need to provide your password, PIN, or biometric login (like a fingerprint or facial recognition) to regain access.