Windows 10 offers an array of features that enhance both security and convenience for its users. While the swift Windows + L keyboard command serves as a go-to for many when it comes to locking their PCs, mouse-centric users or those operating touch devices often seek an even more accessible alternative. By integrating a ‘Lock‘ option directly into the Start and taskbar, you can achieve a one-click solution for ensuring your computer’s security. While crafting such a feature requires creating and pinning a designated shortcut, the outcome provides an efficient and user-friendly locking mechanism. Whether you’re stepping away from your desk for a moment or ensuring privacy amid shared spaces, having the ‘Lock‘ option within arm’s reach is undoubtedly beneficial. In this risewindows guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to seamlessly introduce this feature to your Start and taskbar, adding another layer of flexibility and efficiency to your Windows 10 experience.
How to add a Lock option to the Start and Taskbar on Windows 10?
To add a Lock option to the Start and Taskbar on Windows 10, perform the following steps:-
Step 1. First, right-click on the empty area on the Windows 10 desktop.
Step 2. Now, select New and then click Shortcut.
Step 3. Then, once you click on the Shortcut option, it will open the Create Shortcut wizard.
Step 4. After that, on the text file below the “Type the location of the item,” copy and paste the following path:-
Rundll32.exe user32.dll,LockWorkStation
Step 5. Next, click the Next button to continue with the shortcut.
Step 6. Now, type Lock on the “Type a name for this shortcut” field.
Step 7. Then, click on the Finish button to create the shortcut on the desktop with Lock’s name.
Here, you have just created a Lock shortcut. Double-click on the Lock shortcut icon from the desktop to test it, and your Windows 10 PC will be locked immediately.
Step 8. After that, if you want to change the icon of Lock, right-click on the Lock shortcut from the desktop and select the Properties option.
Step 9. So, click on the Shortcut tab of the Lock Properties window and then click on the “Change Icon” button.
Step 10. Next, browse for icon packs (the default location of Windows 10 icon pack is C:\Windows\System32\shell32.dll) and select the icon you want to use.
Step 11. Click OK and then Apply. Now, click OK to use the selected icon.
After that, you successfully changed the Lock’s icon. Now, we will add the newly created Lock shortcut to the Start and taskbar.
Step 12. Finally, right-click on the Lock shortcut on the desktop and then click the Pin to Start or Pin to Taskbar to pin it to the Start menu or Taskbar, respectively.
Now you can access Lock from the Start menu and Taskbar.
Conclusion
Safeguarding one’s computer, especially in environments where others might have access, is paramount. While Windows 10 offers keyboard shortcuts for this very purpose, having a visible and easily accessible ‘Lock’ option in the Start menu and taskbar complements this feature. It’s a testament to Windows 10’s adaptability, allowing users to tailor their operating environment to their unique preferences and needs. Following this risewindows guide ensures that locking your computer is always just a click away, combining both security and user-friendly accessibility in a streamlined manner.
