Dynamic lock - Windows Security (2024)

Dynamic lock is a feature that automatically locks a Windows device when a Bluetooth paired phone signal falls below the maximum Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) value. The feature makes it more difficult for someone to gain access to your device if you step away from your PC and forget to lock it.

Important

The dynamic lock feature only locks the device if the Bluetooth signal falls and the system is idle. If the system isn't idle (for example, an intruder gets access before the Bluetooth signal falls below the limit), the device won't lock. Therefore, the dynamic lock feature is an additional barrier. It doesn't replace the need for the user to lock the computer. It only reduces the probability of someone gaining access if the user forgets to lock it.

You can configure Windows devices to use the dynamic lock using a Group Policy Object (GPO).

  1. Using the Group Policy Management Console (GPMC), scope a domain-based Group Policy to computer accounts in Active Directory.
  2. Edit the Group Policy object from Step 1.
  3. Enable the Configure dynamic lock factors policy setting located under Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Hello for Business.
  4. Close the Group Policy Management Editor to save the Group Policy object.

The Group Policy Editor, when the policy is enabled, creates a default signal rule policy with the following value:

<rule schemaVersion="1.0"> <signal type="bluetooth" scenario="Dynamic Lock" classOfDevice="512" rssiMin="-10" rssiMaxDelta="-10"/></rule>

Important

Microsoft recommends using the default values for this policy settings. Measurements are relative based on the varying conditions of each environment. Therefore, the same values may produce different results. Test policy settings in each environment prior to broadly deploying the setting.

For this policy setting, the type and scenario attribute values are static and can't change. The classofDevice is configurable but Phone is the only currently supported configuration. The attribute defaults to Phone and uses the values from the following table:

DescriptionValue
Miscellaneous0
Computer256
Phone512
LAN/Network Access Point768
Audio/Video1024
Peripheral1280
Imaging1536
Wearable1792
Toy2048
Health2304
Uncategorized7936

The rssiMin attribute value signal indicates the strength needed for the device to be considered in-range. The default value of -10 enables a user to move about an average size office or cubicle without triggering Windows to lock the device. The rssiMaxDelta has a default value of -10, which instruct Windows to lock the device once the signal strength weakens by more than measurement of 10.

RSSI measurements are relative and lower as the bluetooth signals between the two paired devices reduces. Therefore a measurement of 0 is stronger than -10, which is stronger than -60, which is an indicator the devices are moving further apart from each other.

Dynamic lock - Windows Security (2024)

FAQs

Dynamic lock - Windows Security? ›

Dynamic lock is a feature that automatically locks a Windows device when a Bluetooth paired phone signal falls below the maximum Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) value. The feature makes it more difficult for someone to gain access to your device if you step away from your PC and forget to lock it.

What does dynamic lock screen mean? ›

The Dynamic Lock Screen is a service that automatically updates and displays images of animals, landscapes, etc. every two weeks on the lock screen of your Galaxy phone. You can keep things fresh with different images each time you turn on the screen instead of the same wallpaper again and again.

How to set up Windows Dynamic Lock? ›

Lock Windows automatically
  1. Use Bluetooth to pair your phone with your Windows device. ...
  2. In the Settings app on your Windows device, select Accounts > Sign-in options or use the following shortcut: ...
  3. Select Dynamic lock, then select the Allow Windows to automatically lock your device when you're away check box.

How do I turn off dynamic lock on Windows 11? ›

Go to the Sign-in options. 5. Expand through the Dynamic Clock options and put the tick mark on “Allow Windows to automatically lock your device when you're away”. To turn off the Dynamic Lock feature, uncheck the “Allow Windows to automatically lock your device when you're away” option.

How do I lock my Windows security? ›

Windows System

On the keyboard, press the Windows Key+L or On the keyboard, press Ctrl+Alt+Delete and then select Lock this computer. Note: To unlock the computer, press, Ctrl+Alt+Delete, enter your password and press the Enter button on your keyboard.

What is dynamic lock in Windows security? ›

Dynamic lock is a feature that automatically locks a Windows device when a Bluetooth paired phone signal falls below the maximum Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) value. The feature makes it more difficult for someone to gain access to your device if you step away from your PC and forget to lock it.

Should I have lock screen on or off? ›

Locking your display screen will protect the information stored on or accessible from your device.

How do I change my dynamic lock screen? ›

Set up and use the Dynamic Lock screen
  1. Double tap your Lock screen to wake it up, and then touch and hold a blank space. ...
  2. Swipe to and tap Dynamic Lock screen under Wallpaper services.
  3. Tap your desired image pack, such as Plants, Animals, or Desserts. ...
  4. Your selected images will be applied to the Lock screen.

How do I turn off Windows 11 security features? ›

Select Start and type "Windows Security" to search for that app. Select the Windows Security app from the search results, go to Virus & threat protection, and under Virus & threat protection settings select Manage settings. Switch Real-time protection to Off. Note that scheduled scans will continue to run.

Is Windows Security lock real? ›

The Windows Defender warning you see on the browser is a scam, identified and exposed by security professionals.

How do I make sure my Windows are secure? ›

Keep windows closed and locked. Upgrade your existing window latches to sturdier or newer locks. Leaving your porch light on and illuminating your home may be a deterrent to some burglars. Maintain the exterior of your property, especially hedges and shrubbery around your windows.

Should Windows be lockable? ›

Key operated locks are recommended for window types that open out, rather than up, and any ground floor or accessible windows. Remember, window locks are only effective if used, so check that you have locked them before you leave home or go to bed.

What is the dynamic lock screen on my Android phone? ›

Set up and use the Dynamic Lock screen
  1. Double tap your Lock screen to wake it up, and then touch and hold a blank space. ...
  2. Swipe to and tap Dynamic Lock screen under Wallpaper services.
  3. Tap your desired image pack, such as Plants, Animals, or Desserts. ...
  4. Your selected images will be applied to the Lock screen.

Can I use my own pictures for dynamic lock screen? ›

In Gallery, go the desired folder that contains all your favorite images that you want to apply as Dynamic Lockscreen. You can choose upto 15 images.

What is dynamic screensaver? ›

Dynamic Wallpapers: These images brighten and darken, based on the time of day for your current location. Landscape, Cityscape, Underwater, and Earth aerials: These still images show dramatic views. Shuffle Aerials: These still images change at an interval you set.

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