Set up Windows 11 Dynamic Lock to auto-lock when you walk away

TL;DR

Pair your phone to Windows over **Bluetooth**, then enable **Dynamic Lock** in **Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options**. Windows locks about 30 seconds after your phone's signal drops.

Before you start

Requirements

Windows 11 25H2
A Bluetooth adapter on the PC (built-in or USB)
A phone or wearable with Bluetooth that you carry with you

Step by step

Instructions

Pick the right pairing tier

Three realistic options cover almost every reader. The device just needs to be something you always carry.

Budget tier:     Any Android or iPhone paired over classic Bluetooth
Sweet spot:      Smartwatch or fitness band (Bluetooth LE, lower drain)
No-compromise:   Smart card or FIDO2 key (not Dynamic Lock, uses sign-in policy)

What actually matters

Dynamic Lock measures Bluetooth signal strength. What matters is a steady pairing and a device you always carry. Battery level on the phone, Bluetooth version and "audiophile codecs" do not affect it.

Matters:   Stable pairing, device you always carry, PC Bluetooth driver current
Marketing: Bluetooth 5.3 vs 5.2, LE Audio support, dual-mode chipsets

⚠ warningDynamic Lock reduces risk but does not replace a short screen-lock timeout. Set an inactivity lock too.

Pair the phone or wearable

Open **Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Add device > Bluetooth**. Put your phone in pairing mode and complete the pairing. Confirm the device shows as **Connected** in the Bluetooth list.

Settings -> Bluetooth & devices -> Add device -> Bluetooth

tipIf your PC has no Bluetooth, a small USB 5.0 dongle is enough; expensive 5.3 adapters add nothing for Dynamic Lock.

Enable Dynamic Lock

Open **Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options**. Scroll to **Additional settings**, expand **Dynamic Lock** and check **Allow Windows to automatically lock your device when you're away**. Your paired device appears below.

Settings -> Accounts -> Sign-in options -> Dynamic Lock
[x] Allow Windows to automatically lock your device when you're away

Check compatibility and physical fit

Make sure the PC's Bluetooth driver is current via **Device Manager > Bluetooth > Properties > Driver**. Verify your phone keeps Bluetooth on even when the screen is off (some battery savers kill it). The useful walk-away distance is about 7-10 meters depending on walls and interference.

What to skip

Skip buying a dedicated "proximity lock" USB dongle - Dynamic Lock does the same job with your phone. Skip apps that lock on face detection via webcam if you already have Windows Hello Face; it is faster and does not depend on third-party software. Skip Bluetooth 5.3 upgrades purely for Dynamic Lock, there is no benefit.

Troubleshooting

Common issues

Dynamic Lock checkbox is greyed out

No Bluetooth device is paired. Pair your phone first, then reopen Sign-in options.

PC does not lock when I walk away

The delay is roughly 30 seconds after signal loss. Also confirm your phone's Bluetooth is still on - battery savers often disable it.

PC locks even when I'm at my desk

Signal is being blocked. Move the Bluetooth adapter to a front USB port or use a short extension cable to get it out of the case.

FAQ

Frequently asked

Does Dynamic Lock use data from my phone?

No. Only the Bluetooth signal is used - no accounts, no network traffic.

Does it work with a smartwatch?

Yes, any device that maintains a Bluetooth connection to the PC works.

Can I combine it with Windows Hello?

Yes. Hello handles sign-in; Dynamic Lock handles lock-out. They complement each other.

How to undo this

Open Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options, expand Dynamic Lock and uncheck the box. Optionally remove the paired device under Bluetooth & devices.

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