Lock your screen while away

Locking your screen prevents other people from accessing your computer while you are away from it. All of your applications and work remain open while the screen is locked, and the screensaver is displayed.

You can lock your screen in one of the following ways:

  • Press System → Quit... → Lock Screen.

  • Press Control+Alt+L to lock the screen. This keyboard shortcut can be changed in System → Preferences → Keyboard Shortcuts.

[Note]

You can add a Lock Screen button to a panel for easy access. Right-click a panel (for example, the panel at the top of the screen), select Add to Panel... and drag the Lock Screen item to the desired location.

To unlock the screen, move the mouse or press a key. Then, type your password and either press the Return key or press the Unlock button.

If more than one person has a user account on your computer and the screen is locked, other users can press the Switch user... button to use the computer, even while the screen is locked. They will be unable to access your currently-open work, and you will be able to switch back to your locked session when they have finished using the computer.