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Which of the following is the correct shortcut key to lock your computer in Windows?
Windows Key + L
Ctrl + Alt + Del
Windows Key + D
Alt + F4
Windows Key + L
The keyboard shortcut Windows Key + L is the native command in the Windows operating system to initiate an immediate session lock. This action suspends the current user session, secures the workspace, and returns the system to the login or lock screen without terminating running processes or logging off.
ISO/IEC 9995: Information technology тАФ Keyboard layouts for text and office systems
The keyboard shortcut Windows Key + L is the native command in the Windows operating system to initiate an immediate session lock. This action suspends the current user session, secures the workspace, and returns the system to the login or lock screen without terminating running processes or logging off.
When the Windows Key + L combination is pressed, the shell (explorer.exe) intercepts the input and sends a signal to the Winlogon service. Winlogon performs a context switch, effectively hiding the user's desktop, clearing sensitive information from the display, and invoking the GINA (Graphical Identification and Authentication) or Credential Provider interface to require user authentication to resume the session.
Locking the computer preserves the state of open applications and unsaved data.
It requires authentication (password, PIN, or biometric) to restore the session state.
This is a fundamental security control against unauthorized physical access to unattended terminals.
The process occurs at the kernel/system level, bypassing standard application-level inputs.
Rapid security deployment for unattended systems
Ensures data privacy without closing active workflows
Does not protect against malicious hardware interrupts
Requires active user intervention to initiate
Corporate cybersecurity protocols
Public terminal security
Personal desktop privacy management
Option B (Ctrl + Alt + Del) opens the Security Options screen, which contains a 'Lock' command, but is not a direct lock shortcut.
Option C (Windows Key + D) toggles the visibility of the Desktop, minimizing all open windows.
Option D (Alt + F4) closes the active window or application, or triggers the Shutdown dialog if the desktop is focused.
A is correct тАФ Windows Key + L is the specific system-defined shortcut to lock a Windows session instantly.
For competitive exams, differentiate between 'Locking' (suspends session), 'Logging off' (terminates session), and 'Shutting down' (terminates hardware power state).