Set Up Dynamic Lock in Windows to Auto-Lock When You Walk Away

Q: Will it unlock the PC when I come back?

No. Dynamic Lock only *locks* the device, and only when the PC is idle. You sign back in normally with your PIN, password, or Windows Hello.

Published ✓ Verified ⏱️ 2 min read July 31, 2025 · by Ryan Bennett

Have Windows automatically lock your PC when you walk away from it, using your Bluetooth-paired phone as the signal that you’ve left.

Why: It’s easy to forget to lock your screen when you step away, leaving everything open to whoever’s nearby. Dynamic Lock pairs your phone over Bluetooth and watches the signal strength. When the signal drops — because you’ve taken your phone and walked off — Windows locks the PC for you, within about a minute. It’s a backstop, not a replacement for locking manually with Windows+L.

Step 1: Pair your phone over Bluetooth first

Dynamic Lock needs a paired Bluetooth device, so do this before anything else:

On your PC, select Start → Settings → Bluetooth & devices and make sure Bluetooth is On.
Turn Bluetooth on on your phone and make it discoverable.
On the PC, select Add device → Bluetooth, pick your phone, and confirm the pairing code on both devices.

Step 2: Turn on Dynamic Lock

Select Start → Settings → Accounts → Sign-in options.
Find Dynamic lock and turn it On (tick the option to let Windows automatically lock the device when you’re away).
Confirm your phone is listed as the paired device.

Step 3: Test it

Make sure you’re signed in and the PC is unlocked.
Take your phone and walk well out of Bluetooth range (another room, or further).
Wait up to a minute — the PC should lock itself.

Keep in mind: Dynamic Lock only locks if the Bluetooth signal falls and the PC is idle, and it can take up to a minute. If someone reaches your PC while it’s still in use, it won’t lock. It’s an extra barrier, not a replacement for locking manually — press Windows + L before you leave.

FAQ

It’s not locking when I walk away. Check that Bluetooth is still on, your phone is still paired (not just nearby), and that you’ve actually moved out of range — Bluetooth can reach a fair distance. Re-pair the phone if it dropped off the list.

Does my phone need an app? No. Dynamic Lock only uses the Bluetooth connection’s signal strength; there’s no companion app required.

Will it unlock the PC when I come back? No. Dynamic Lock only locks the device, and only when the PC is idle. You sign back in normally with your PIN, password, or Windows Hello.

Sources: Microsoft Support — Sign-in options in Windows, Microsoft Learn — Dynamic lock