How to Create a Desktop Shortcut for Locking Your Windows 10 PC

How to Create a Desktop Shortcut for Locking Your Windows 10 PC

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How to Create a Desktop Shortcut for Locking Your Windows 10 PC: If you’re working on a document and have to leave your computer for a little while, you can protect your work by “locking” your computer. Locking your computer keeps your files safe while you are away from your computer. There are several different ways you can lock your Windows 10 PC like the Windows key+L keyboard shortcut. If your Windows key is broken but you still want a quick way to lock your PC, create a desktop shortcut.

First, right-click anywhere on the Desktop and a menu will appear. Here, hover your cursor over the “New” option and then select “Shortcut” from the submenu.

New shortcut from right-click menu on desktop

Once selected, the “Create Shortcut” window will appear. Here, type or paste the following command in the “Type The Location Of The Item” text box, and then click the “Next” button.

Rundll32.exe user32.dll,LockWorkStation

Command for creating a lock shortcut

Note: You can lock your Windows 10 PC using Command Prompt or the Run by using this same command.

Next, give your new shortcut a name. Type in a name that complements its functionality so that you (or anyone else using the PC) will know exactly what it does. Type the name in the box under “Type A Name For This Shortcut.” Once ready, click “Finished.”

Name the desktop shortcut

The desktop shortcut will now appear on your desktop.

RELATED: How to Quickly Locate a Program’s EXE file on Windows 10

Lock PC icon

When you want to lock your Windows 10 PC, double-click this desktop icon.


No matter how you decide to lock your PC, it’s always recommended that you do so—even if you’re just stepping away for a minute or two.

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Lucila is a freelance writer and lifelong learner with an ongoing curiosity to study new things. She enjoys checking out the latest grammar books and writing about video games more than anything else. If she's not running through Colorado’s breathtaking landscape, she's indoors hidden away in her cozy game room trolling noobs and leveling up an RPG character. She is a Final Fantasy IX apologist (although she loves them all… except XV), coffee aficionado, and a bit of a health nut. Lucila graduated from Western Kentucky University with a B.A. in English Literature with a minor in Creative Writing.

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