Locking your Computer Screen on macOS

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Last updated: Oct 23, 2024 by Ashley Mattingly
1 min read

Students, faculty, and staff can use shortcuts to lock their computer screens.

Locking a computer screen will protect the information stored on the computer by requiring the user to re-enter the computer's password in order to access it. When the user manually locks the computer screen, the computer continues to run in the background so users will be able to quickly unlock the screen without having to restart the computer. 

Screen locking is usually enabled by default, but if it is not, follow the steps below to require a password after your computer goes inactive,

  1. Click on the Apple Icon on the top bar.

  2. Navigate to System Preferences.

  3. Click on Security & Privacy.

  4. Check off the Require Password box.

Locking Your Screen Manually

  1. Open the system drag-down menu. To do so,

    1. Click on the Apple Icon. 

    2. Select Lock Screen from the drag-down menu.

  2. Your computer should now be locked. If it is not, review the instructions for enabling the lock function in the note above.

Locking Your Screen with the Keystroke Option

  1. Simultaneously press Control + Command + Q.

  2. Your computer should now be locked. If it is not, review the instructions for enabling the lock function in the note above.

Unlocking Your Screen

  1. Press any key on your keyboard to wake up the display.

  2. Enter your computer password as you normally would. You will then be able to use your unlocked computer. 

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