Configure Automatic Logout for Inactive Sessions

Just like you wouldn’t want anyone wandering through your house when you’re not there, you don’t want anyone accessing your computer when you step away. Configuring your computer to automatically log out after a period of inactivity is an easy way to enhance your security.

Prerequisites

A computer with a user account (Windows or macOS).
Admin access to your computer (usually, you’re the only user).
A few minutes to set everything up.

Estimated Time to Complete

Approximately 10-15 minutes.

Steps

For Windows Users

Open the Settings Menu
- Click on the Start button (the Windows icon) in the bottom-left corner of your screen and select Settings.
Go to Accounts
- In the Settings window, find and click on Accounts.
Select Sign-in Options
- From the left sidebar, select Sign-in options.
Find the Dynamic Lock Section
- Scroll down to find the Dynamic lock section. This feature can lock your PC when your device is away, but it needs to be set up.
Enable Dynamic Lock
- Check the box that says "Allow Windows to automatically lock your device when you’re away".
Ensure Phone is Paired for Automatic Logout
- To set an automatic logout, click on Dynamic Lock Toggle in the dynamic lock dropdown. Ensure your phone is paired via Bluetooth.

For macOS Users

Open System Preferences
- Click on the Apple icon in the top-left corner of your screen and select System Preferences.
Select Security & Privacy
- Open the Security & Privacy option from the list of preferences.
Set a Time Interval for Automatic Logout
- Click on the General tab, then check the box next to "Log out after _ minutes of inactivity" and select the minutes you prefer.
Apply Your Changes
- Click on the lock icon in the bottom left corner to secure your settings and exit.

Troubleshooting Tips

If you can’t access your settings: Make sure you are logged in as an administrator.
If the logout feature doesn’t work: Double-check that you’ve saved your changes and that your computer has the latest updates installed.
If the time interval seems too short or long: You can always come back and adjust it according to your preference.

If you’re unsure, it’s okay to stop and ask for help before trying again.

Expected Outcome

Once you’ve followed the steps above, your computer will automatically log out after a specified period of inactivity. This will help protect your personal information and keep your data safer when you’re away from your device.