How to Password Protect Your Computer Screen for Privacy

Last Updated: 10/20/11

Password Protecting a computer is a quick and easy method to secure the information that is on your screen when away from your computer. When dealing with student, patient, or any type of personal information, it is important that screens are password locked when not in use.

On a Mac Computer

1. Click the Apple logo in the upper left corner and select System Preferences [see image]

apple menu

2. In System Preferences, click on Desktop & Screen Save [see image]

system preferences

3. Chose a screen saver and set the interval to 5 minutes or less [see image]

screen saver settings

4. Click on the Hot Corner button and enable a corner to "start screen saver" [see image]

hot corners

5. Go back into System Preferences and click on Security [see image]

system preferences 2

6. Check the Require Password and choose an interval 1 minute or less to require a password after the screen saver starts [see image]

require password

On a Windows Computer

1. Press the Windows and the L key at the same time to lock the computer

Automatic Locking for when you forget:

1. Click the Start Button and then click on Control Panel [see image]

start menu

2. In the Control Panel, click on the Personalization option [see image]

control panel

3. Click on Screen Saver in the lower right corner [see image]

personalization settings

4. Check the box next to on resume, display login screen [see image]

screen saver settings

4. Select a screen saver and change the interval to something that is 5 minutes or less

Need further assistance? Contact the OUWB IT Helpdesk via phone (248) 370-3695 or email [email protected]