Automatic Screen Lock Coming to COE-Managed Windows Computers

Effective date: November 17, 2026

Beginning November 17, 2026, COE IT will expand automatic screen-lock settings to all College of Engineering-managed Windows computers.

This protection is already enabled in some COE departments and work areas. The upcoming change will apply it to the remaining managed Windows computers.

What should I expect?

Once the setting is enforced:

• Your computer will automatically lock after 15 minutes without keyboard or mouse activity.
• You will need to sign in using your normal password, PIN, or approved biometric method, such as Touch ID or Windows Hello.
• Locking the screen will not normally close applications or sign you out. Your work should remain available after you unlock the computer.
• You can continue to lock your computer manually whenever you step away. On Windows, press Windows key + L.
• On a centrally managed computer, the relevant settings may be locked or unavailable because COE IT is managing them.

Save important work regularly, particularly before leaving a computer unattended.

Why are we making this change?

An unlocked computer can give another person access to university information, email, files, and systems. Automatic screen locking helps protect you, your work, and university information when you step away.

This change supports existing UC and College of Engineering security requirements:

• UC Policy BFB-IS-3 calls for protecting private and confidential information and preventing unauthorized access.
• The COE Information Security Management Program (ISMP) requires applicable computers to lock after no more than 15 minutes of inactivity and require the user to sign in again.

Applying the setting consistently across the college helps COE meet these requirements.

More information about IS-3 and the COE Information Security Management Program is available on the COE IT Security intranet page.

What do I need to do?

In most cases, nothing. COE IT will apply the setting automatically.

If you would like to enable automatic locking before November 17, 2026, follow the steps below.

macOS

1. Open the Apple menu and select System Settings.
2. Select Lock Screen.
3. Set the screen saver or display to turn off after 15 minutes or less.
4. Set Require password after screen saver begins or display is turned off to Immediately.

View Apple’s instructions.

Windows 10 or 11

1. Open Settings.
2. Select Personalization, then Lock screen.
3. Select Screen saver under Related settings.
4. Choose a screen saver, such as Blank.
5. Set Wait to 15 minutes or less.
6. Select On resume, display logon screen.
7. Select Apply, then OK.

View Microsoft’s instructions.

Linux

Settings vary by Linux version. Look in Settings for Screen Lock, Privacy, or Power.

Turn on automatic screen locking, set the inactivity time to 15 minutes or less, and require a password immediately when returning.

For common Linux desktops, see the GNOME instructions or KDE instructions.

Specialized computers or workflows

If automatic locking could interfere with laboratory equipment, data collection, presentations, accessibility needs, or another specialized workflow, contact COE IT before November 17, 2026.

For assistance, contact [email protected].