Vista Tutorial - Lock Computer

**Brink** · **METHOD ONE:**

How to Create a Lock Computer Shortcut in Vista

Information

This will show you how to create a shortcut to Lock the computer. You can place this shortcut where you like for easy usage.

NOTE

When you lock the computer, there is also a Switch User option in the lock computer Security Screen as well. For how to create a separate Switch User shortcut, see: How to Create a Switch User Desktop Shortcut in Vista

Tip

If you would like to create a keyboard shortcut key for this new Lock Computer shortcut, then see: How to Create a Keyboard Shortcut for a Program in Vista

RELATED LINKS:

EXAMPLE: Default Lock Location in the Start Menu
NOTE: The default Lock keyboard shortcut is Windows Key + L.

METHOD ONE:
Download the Shortcut

1. Click on the download button below to download the Lock.zip file.

2. Click on Save and save it to the Desktop.

3. Right click on the Lock.zip (On desktop) and click on Open.

4. Click on Allow in the UAC prompt.

5. Extract the Lock Computer shortcut to the desktop.

6. Put the shortcut where you like for easy use.

7. When done, you can delete the Lock.zip file.

METHOD TWO:
Manually Create the Shortcut

1. Right click on a empty area of desktop.

2. Click on New and Shortcut.

3. Type rundll32.exe user32.dll, LockWorkStation into the location area. (See screenshot below step 4)

4. Click on the Next button.

5. Type Lock Computer for the name. (See screenshot below step 6)
NOTE: You can name it anything you would like.

6. Click on the Finish button.

7. Right click on the new Lock Computer shortcut (on desktop) and click on Properties.

8. Click on the Change Icon button. (See screenshot below)
NOTE: For more on how to change a shortcut folder or file icon, see: How to Change a Shortcut Folder or File Icon in Vista

9. Click on the Browse button. (See screenshot below step 12)
NOTE: If you have your own icon you would rather use, then just navigate to where you have it saved. Vista needs a 256 bit icon for the best viewing results.

10. Scroll down and click on the file imageres.dll and click Open button. (See screenshot below)

11. Click on the icon highlighted in blue below. (See screenshot below)

12. Click on OK.

13. Click on OK to apply. (See screenshot below step 8)

14. Move or copy the new Lock Computer shortcut to wherever you like for easy use.

That's it,
Shawn

**jim817** · 03-05-2008

What's the difference between Lock the computer and switch user?

**Brink** · 03-05-2008

Hi Jim,

They are close to being the same thing. When you have multiple user accounts, the Switch User will let you select a user account where the Lock computer will just let you log back on to the current user account by default.

Shawn

**jim817** · 03-06-2008

Thanks. I always wondered if Vista did anything different other than what you stated.

I think its redundant.

**Brink** · 03-06-2008

Jim,

Especially when you can just click on the red box arrow and select Switch User from the Lock screen.

**jim817** · 03-06-2008

I agree.

03-05-2008
jim817 Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Wnidows Vista Premium/ XP 61 posts	Re: Lock Computer What's the difference between Lock the computer and switch user?
My System Specs

03-05-2008
Brink Administrator Join Date: Apr 2007 Vista x64 Ultimate SP2, Windows 7 (7600) x64 25,806 posts	Re: Lock Computer Hi Jim, They are close to being the same thing. When you have multiple user accounts, the Switch User will let you select a user account where the Lock computer will just let you log back on to the current user account by default. Shawn
My System Specs

03-06-2008
jim817 Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Wnidows Vista Premium/ XP 61 posts	Re: Lock Computer Thanks. I always wondered if Vista did anything different other than what you stated. I think its redundant.
My System Specs

03-06-2008
Brink Administrator Join Date: Apr 2007 Vista x64 Ultimate SP2, Windows 7 (7600) x64 25,806 posts	Re: Lock Computer Jim, Especially when you can just click on the red box arrow and select Switch User from the Lock screen.
My System Specs

03-06-2008
jim817 Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Wnidows Vista Premium/ XP 61 posts	Re: Lock Computer I agree.
My System Specs

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