How to set up and use Windows 11 Dynamic Lock to automatically lock your PC when you walk away

Windows 11 includes a handy security feature called Dynamic Lock that automatically locks your computer when you step away. It works by pairing your smartphone with your PC over Bluetooth. When your phone moves out of Bluetooth range, Windows detects the absence and locks your screen within 30 seconds. This helps prevent unauthorised access to your files and accounts without you needing to remember to press Windows key + L every time you leave your desk.

Before You Begin

• Your PC must have Bluetooth capability. Most modern laptops include this; many desktops do not unless a Bluetooth adapter is installed.
• Your smartphone must have Bluetooth turned on and be paired with your Windows 11 PC.
• Dynamic Lock only locks your PC — it does not unlock it. You will still need to enter your PIN, password, or use Windows Hello to sign back in.
• Bluetooth range is typically around 10 metres, but walls and interference can reduce this. The lock will trigger when the signal drops, which may happen even if you are in another room.

Quick Setup Steps

1. Pair your smartphone with your Windows 11 PC via Bluetooth.
2. Open Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options.
3. Under Dynamic lock, tick the checkbox Allow Windows to automatically lock your device when you're away.
4. Test the feature by walking away from your PC with your phone.

Detailed Instructions

Step 1: Pair Your Smartphone via Bluetooth

1. On your Windows 11 PC, open Settings by pressing Windows key + I.
2. Navigate to Bluetooth & devices.
3. Ensure Bluetooth is toggled On.
4. Click Add device.
5. Select Bluetooth from the list of device types.
6. On your smartphone, open Bluetooth settings and make your phone discoverable. On iPhone, go to Settings > Bluetooth and keep the screen open. On Android, go to Settings > Connected devices > Pair new device.
7. Your phone should appear in the list on your PC. Click its name to pair.
8. Confirm the pairing code matches on both devices, then accept the pairing request on both your phone and PC.

Step 2: Enable Dynamic Lock

1. Open Settings (Windows key + I).
2. Go to Accounts.
3. Select Sign-in options from the left-hand menu.
4. Scroll down to the Dynamic lock section.
5. Tick the checkbox labelled Allow Windows to automatically lock your device when you're away.
6. Windows will now monitor the Bluetooth connection to your paired phone.

Step 3: Test the Feature

1. Make sure your phone is connected to your PC via Bluetooth and is within range.
2. Pick up your phone and walk away from your PC, taking the phone with you.
3. Wait up to 30 seconds. Your PC screen should lock automatically.
4. Return to your PC and sign in with your usual method (PIN, password, or Windows Hello).

Troubleshooting

Dynamic Lock is not locking my PC

• Confirm your phone is still paired: go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices and check that your phone appears under Devices with a status of Connected.
• Ensure the Dynamic Lock checkbox is still ticked under Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options.
• Check that Bluetooth is enabled on your phone. Some phones automatically turn Bluetooth off in battery saver mode.
• Restart both your PC and your phone, then re-pair if necessary.

My PC locks even when I am sitting at my desk

• Bluetooth signal strength can fluctuate. If your phone is in a pocket, bag, or behind your body, the signal may drop temporarily and trigger a lock.
• Move your phone closer to your PC, or place it on your desk while working.
• If the issue persists, you can temporarily disable Dynamic Lock by unticking the checkbox in Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options.

My phone will not pair with my PC

• Verify your PC actually has Bluetooth. Open Device Manager and look for a Bluetooth category. If it is missing, your PC does not have Bluetooth hardware.
• Update your Bluetooth drivers via Settings > Windows Update > Advanced options > Optional updates.
• Remove any old pairing entries for your phone on both devices, then pair again from scratch.

Additional Security Recommendations

Dynamic Lock is a useful layer of security, but it should not be your only defence. We recommend also:

• Setting a strong PIN or password for your Windows account.
• Enabling Windows Hello facial recognition or fingerprint sign-in if your hardware supports it.
• Configuring your screen to lock automatically after a short period of inactivity under Settings > System > Power & battery > Screen and sleep.
• Using BitLocker drive encryption on business devices to protect data if a device is stolen.

If you continue to experience issues with Dynamic Lock or Bluetooth pairing, please Open a Ticket and our support team will assist you.