The lock screen shortcut key in Windows is Win + L. The screen switches to the lock screen at once and your programs keep running behind it. Nobody can see or use your work until you sign back in with your PIN or password.
Locking is different from signing out, sleep or shutting down: everything stays open, so you can carry on exactly where you left off. It is a good habit any time you step away from a desk in an office, lab or library.
Quick facts
Lock now
Win + LOther way
Ctrl + Alt + Delete, then LockUnlock
Your PIN, password or fingerprintPrograms
Keep runningMac
Control + Command + Q
Lock screen shortcut key and similar keys
| Action | Keys | Programs stay open? |
|---|---|---|
| Lock | Win + L | Yes |
| Sleep | Win + X, then U, then S | Yes, with low power |
| Sign out | Win + X, then U, then I | No, they close |
| Shut down | Win + X, then U, then U | No |
How to lock a laptop with the keyboard
- Hold the Windows logo key, usually between Ctrl and Alt on the left.
- Tap L. The lock screen appears with the time and date.
- When you come back, press any key or click, then enter your PIN or password.
If your account has no password, locking only hides the screen; anyone can press Enter to get back in. Set a PIN in Settings, then Accounts, then Sign in options for real protection.
Lock automatically when you walk away
Windows 10 and Windows 11 can lock the PC when your paired phone moves out of Bluetooth range. Turn on Dynamic lock in Settings, then Accounts, then Sign in options. It takes about a minute to react, so Win + L is still the quicker habit.
Keyboard lock shortcut and Scroll Lock
People also search for a keyboard lock shortcut. Windows has no key that locks only the keyboard. When typing suddenly stops working, the cause is usually one of these:
- Filter Keys: holding the right Shift key for eight seconds turns it on, and keys seem to stop. Hold it again or turn it off in Settings, then Accessibility, then Keyboard. The unlock keyboard guide covers this.
- Num Lock: the right side number pad only moves the cursor when Num Lock is off.
- Scroll Lock: in Excel, arrow keys scroll the sheet instead of moving between cells. The Scroll Lock in Excel page explains how to switch it off on laptops without a ScrLk key.
When Win + L does not lock
| Problem | Fix |
|---|---|
| Nothing happens | Some keyboards have a Windows key lock switch or Fn shortcut; switch it off |
| Gaming keyboard ignores the key | Game mode on the keyboard disables the Windows key |
| Locking was turned off by the office | Your organisation's settings may control this; ask IT |
| Screen locks too often by itself | Change the screen timeout in Settings, then System, then Power |
Lock a Mac
On a Mac, Control + Command + Q locks the screen straight away. Details and the hot corner option are in the Mac lock screen guide. Our Windows key list gathers the remaining system combinations.
Frequently asked questions
What is the shortcut key for lock screen in Windows?
What is the shortcut key to lock a laptop?
The same Win + L on any Windows laptop.
Does locking close my programs?
No. Everything keeps running and is waiting when you unlock.
Is there a shortcut to lock only the keyboard?
Windows has none built in. If keys stop working, check Filter Keys, Num Lock and the keyboard's own lock switch.
How do I unlock?
Press any key and enter your PIN, password or fingerprint.