Add a Shortcut to quickly Lock your computer

Have you ever had the need to quickly lock your Windows computer without having it log off or shut it down? The methods available in Windows are cumbersome and they require you to do a lot to lock it (especially if you you want to do it quickly).

Here is how to do it:

1. First, we create the Shortcut - Right Click on the Desktop and select New. From the sub-menu select Shortcut.
2. You will be presented with a dialog box that will ask for the location of the item. In this box type the following (please type this exactly as shown including the comma or it will NOT work): rundll32.exe user32.dll,LockWorkStation
3. Choose Next and you will now need to type a name for the shortcut you just created. Replace the text you see with: Lock Computer
4. Click Finish

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.

Advanced Settings (Optional Configuration)

You will notice that the Shortcut you created shows an icon that looks like an invalid program. This is because the rundll32.exe program in Windows does not have an associated icon.

You can add your own icon by doing the following:

1. Right Click on the Lock Computer icon and choose Properties.
2. Click on the Shortcut tab.
3. Click Change Icon.
4. You will now be asked to choose an icon or specify a different file. Click OK.
5. Next, the Change Icon dialog box will appear asking you to browse for an icon or to specify one from the list it has for you. Choose any from the list or if you have any icon files you have created you may click Browse.

That's it to changing the icon!