Dynamic Lock: Enhance Security for Your Windows PC
To secure your Windows laptop and Microsoft account against unapproved access, you might want to use a feature known as Windows Dynamic Lock. This function locks your device remotely by utilizing Bluetooth connectivity with your smartphone.
Understanding Dynamic Lock
Windows Dynamic Lock serves as an automated security measure that locks your laptop or PC when a Bluetooth-connected phone moves out of range. It relies on the Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) of Bluetooth, which gauges the strength of the signal. Once this signal strength falls below a predetermined threshold, your Windows device transitions to a lock screen until you return and enter your correct password, PIN, or use Windows Hello.
Even though I tend to secure my laptop in public spaces, it’s evident that an observant individual could attempt to replicate my login routine by watching my keystrokes. This method of attack, often called “shoulder surfing,” is a frequently overlooked vulnerability concerning passwords and PINs. Relying solely on traditional methods for locking your Windows device no longer guarantees its security.
How to Set Up Dynamic Lock on Windows
While you can link various devices for pairing via Bluetooth, using your smartphone is the most effective option for implementing Dynamic Lock. Whether an iPhone or an Android device, it should be one that you keep on you at all times. The initial step involves activating Bluetooth on both your Windows system and your smartphone.
For Windows 11, navigate to Settings -> Bluetooth & devices and toggle the Bluetooth option on. Users with Windows 10 can find this in Start -> Settings -> Devices -> Bluetooth & other devices.
The next step is to set your phone to be discoverable. For most Android devices, you can activate Bluetooth by swiping down on the screen. Alternatively, go to Settings -> Connections -> Bluetooth. iPhone users should access Settings -> Bluetooth and ensure the Bluetooth toggle is on.
Returning to your Windows laptop, click the Add device option. In the subsequent window, choose the Bluetooth option from the list.
Another window will pop up prompting you to specify the type of device being added. Select Bluetooth and pick your phone from the available options. At this point, you just need to approve the pairing request on both devices. (Confirmations will appear on each device.)
The pairing PIN should be identical on both devices; simply click Connect on your Windows device and Pair on your mobile.
Your connected smartphone should now appear on the Bluetooth & devices management page in Windows, indicating a green Connected status, and it should remain connected reliably.
It is crucial that the Bluetooth connection for the Windows device is visible on your Android or iPhone. Frequent disconnections may hinder the effectiveness of the Dynamic Lock feature. If you encounter a “Not connected” notification, refer to the troubleshooting tips in the section below.
Once your PC and phone are successfully paired, the next step is to activate Dynamic Lock on your Windows computer. This feature is integrated into Windows Security and can be easily found within the Account protection menu. Click on Dynamic lock settings to proceed.
For users on Windows 11, you can further access this option through Settings -> Accounts -> Sign-in options -> Additional settings -> Dynamic lock. In Windows 10, go to Start -> Settings -> Accounts -> Sign-in options -> Dynamic lock.
Scroll down almost to the page’s bottom until you locate the Dynamic Lock settings, where you should tick the box for Allow Windows to automatically lock your device when you’re away. This will initiate a Looking for your paired phone status.
It may take a while for your phone’s pairing to reflect in the Dynamic Lock settings page. From this moment, your Windows sign-in will be consistently linked to the presence of your paired smartphone, enhancing your security with a form of two-factor authentication that protects against social engineering attacks.
Fun fact: It’s possible to add Bluetooth functionality to non-Bluetooth devices.
Troubleshooting Dynamic Lock Issues on Windows 11
If you’re experiencing problems with Dynamic Lock on your Windows device, the most common cause is a disconnection between your Windows system and your smartphone through Bluetooth. To prevent this, follow these simple guidelines on your Windows 11 device.
Begin by opening Windows Device Manager and selecting Bluetooth. Here, you will see your paired Bluetooth phone. Right-click on it and choose Update driver. On the next screen, opt for automatic driver updates—if your drivers are current, proceed to the next step.
Many modern smartphones utilize Bluetooth Low Energy (LE), which could lead to frequent Not connected errors due to incompatible Bluetooth profiles. Generally, the issue is not with your smartphone itself. To fix this, make the following adjustment: in your Windows device, navigate to Bluetooth & devices -> Devices, and look for a Personal Area Network option beside your paired phone.
Select Join to ensure that your Windows device is recognized as an Access Point. Then return to your Android or iPhone and seek out your paired Windows laptop. If prompted, click Connect. You should receive a Connection successful message on your Windows device.
An additional option is to unpair your phone from your Windows device. To do this, click Remove next to Remove this device, which is available for your paired phone, as shown previously. Then, you will need to re-establish the connection as detailed in earlier steps.
Disabling Windows Dynamic Lock
If you find that Dynamic Lock isn’t needed while at home, you can disable it temporarily. Return to the Dynamic Lock settings and uncheck Allow Windows device to lock you when you’re away. You can also turn off Bluetooth on your Windows device.
The Dynamic Lock feature can provide security for many users; however, it is not infallible. For it to activate, you must leave the Bluetooth range, which in my experience was around 10-15 feet.
In earlier versions, the computer would remain unlocked for an extra thirty seconds. Now, it locks immediately once your phone moves out of range. However, if someone knows your password or PIN, they can log back in instantly. Also, Windows will not automatically unlock your device once you return within range. For Dynamic Lock to work effectively, it’s beneficial to enable another security feature, such as Windows Hello.
Image credits: Pixabay. Screenshots courtesy of Sayak Boral.
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