Here’s How Windows 10 Could Lock Your PC When You Step Away from It

[Exterminator]

Microsoft is working on adding a new feature in Windows 10 Creators Update that’s simply called “Dynamic Lock” and which is available already in the recently-released build 15002, but the company hasn’t provided any documentation to let us know how it’s supposed to do its magic.

But as Twitter user WalkingCat (@h0x0d) notes, Dynamic Lock could actually be the public version of the so-called Proximity Lock, which was presented by Microsoft itself at WinHEC in China in late December.

And if this is the case (which is very likely given the information that Microsoft provided at the conference), we can finally get a glimpse into how it could work when it becomes available for all users.

First and foremost, why is there such a big chance for Dynamic Lock to really be the Proximity Lock that Microsoft presented at WinHEC?

In Windows 10, Microsoft describes Dynamic Lock as a feature that “allows Windows to detect when you’re away and automatically lock the device.” At WinHEC, Microsoft says the Proximity Lock makes it possible to “never worry about locking your computer as you walk away from it.”

All-in on Bluetooth
But during the conference, the company also provided some information on how this feature could work to determine when you leave the desk and lock the PC.

The secret ingredient would be Bluetooth, and Microsoft says that pairing the Windows 10 device with your smartphone can help with Dynamic Lock. Essentially, whenever the Bluetooth connectivity is lost, so you’re no longer in the proximity of your Windows 10 device, the operating system can automatically trigger the lock.

“With Proximity Lock, your computer simply figures out if you’re there or not and automatically locks itself in your absence, such as with Bluetooth, among other future protocols,” Microsoft said at WinHEC. “Pair your phone with your device using Bluetooth. Once paired, it is enabled by default and device locks upon losing Bluetooth signal.”

Additionally, Microsoft also said that it was “investigating a slight delay to lock as you walk and lose signal,” but such an option is yet to be integrated into Windows 10.

Without a doubt, future Windows 10 builds should come with more improvements in this regard, and the feature could be ready in time for the debut of the Creators Update in April.

A couple other Microsoft news articles that might be of interest
Windows 10 to Include Privacy Changes Helping Microsoft Avoid Lawsuit
Microsoft Workers Sue the Firm for Making Them Watch Child Porn, Murder Videos

 

[Ink]

Android Smart Lock is similar, but not 100% foolproof.
Smart Lock

"Android phone stays unlocked when it’s connected to a trusted device — like your smartwatch — or when it’s in a familiar spot — like your pocket."

Microsoft better not lock Android and iOS users to using the Cortana app for Windows Hello Proximity Lock - Bluetooth.

 

[SHvFl]

Windows hello with the realsense camera can unlock the pc and there is no reason why it can't also lock it when you go away.
Hope they do both ways because they have some value in my mind.

 

[shmu26]

Windows hello with the realsense camera can unlock the pc and there is no reason why it can't also lock it when you go away.
Hope they do both ways because they have some value in my mind.

you don't want the camera to lock your PC because then every time you bend down to pick up your pen or get up to take something off the shelf, your camera will think you're gone.

 

[SHvFl]

you don't want the camera to lock your PC because then every time you bend down to pick up your pen or get up to take something off the shelf, your camera will think you're gone.

So what, when i go up it will unlock again. I don't see the problem.