ScreenBlur Review

Windows gives you the possibility to lock your screen for making sure unauthorized users cannot access your sensitive information without providing the correct password. Securing your desktop in Windows 7 and Vista can be done by selecting the lock option from the Start Menu, while in Windows 8 you need to click on your user name or account picture and enable the mode.

However, the only way to lock your screen after a certain amount of time when your activity on the PC is reported as being idle is to set up a screen saver.

ScreenBlur is a small freeware that comprises plenty of configuration settings for helping you deny access to other users by locking your screen with the aid of a master password. Moreover, it is able to secure your desktop when the computer is idle for a user-defined time and hide windows, icons, gadgets, and taskbar.

The tool’s aim is to offer you an extra protection layer when you are away from the computer without having to use applications that are specialized in locking folders and files with the aid of different encryption algorithms. You can count on this program for activating the lock mode using just one click or hotkey, or enabling the automatic option.

The advantages of being portable

The program does not require installation. You may simply download the content of the RAR package to a user-desired location from your computer and run the EXE file for activating the process. Being portable brings some favors to your system: the registry is not bloated with traces left behind by the tool. Plus, you may copy it on any USB flash drive or other devices, and transfer it on the target device on the fly.

Straightforward looks

When you run the installer, you are offered the possibility to select the desired language for the GUI and customize the text of the application and lock screen by altering the font, font style, and size. Additionally, you may change the settings directly from the configuration panel.

The multi-tabbed layout provides quick access to several important functions: Password, Automation, Hotkeys, Misc, Advanced, and Interface. Each tab embeds several dedicated parameters that can be easily tweaked.

How it works

It is important to mention that ScreenBlur colors its tray icon red for three days when the password is set or changed. The color automatically turns blue or you can choose the desired color if the password stays the same.

When the lock mode is activated, the utility automatically displays on your screen a preset image revealing the “Access Denied. Type Password” message. In order to gain access to the desktop, you are required to type the correct password.

The best part about this process is that you do not have to look for a dedicated window where you need to input the password, as you may simply type it anywhere on the screen. By default, the utility does not reveal the characters of your passwords (not even behind asterisks). This feature proves to be particularly useful especially if other users are around you when you unlock the screen.

The Task Manager is not going to help you kill the running process. You can actually open and view it displayed in the background, but you are not allowed to perform any actions.

Password and automatic options

In order to lock your screen, you are required to set up a master password, and you can make the utility show or hide the characters of the password.

You may disable the lock process when the system is reported idle in case you are watching a movie in full screen mode and re-enable the operation after a custom time.

Hotkeys and other handy features

ScreenBlur provides support for keyboard shortcuts, which can be reassigned, for helping you lock the screen, activate/deactivate the Desktop Blackout feature, temporarily disable/enable the locking mode when the computer is idle, as well as open the Settings panel.

Advanced parameters and customization parameters for the lock screen

You can make use of several advanced parameters for concealing mouse and keyboard input, deactivating other apps’ windows, regaining focus when you type, and simulating mouse clicks.

The tool offers support for several tweaking features designed specifically for helping you change the looks of the program. You may upload a custom image from your computer that is used as a background photo (PNG, JPEG, or BMP file format) or select one of the preset options, choose the image position (center, stretch, or zoom), as well as alter the picture displayed in the middle of the screen by opting for preset or custom photos, picking the color, and setting its opacity.

Plus, you can select the background color, reveal or hide the timer, labels, and shutdown button, pick a color for the program’s icon that is displayed in the system tray, as well as preview all adjustments. The preview mode can be deactivated by performing a double-click mouse operation, clicking on the label or shutdown button, or typing in the password.

---

The Good

ScreenBlur gives you the possibility to play with some easy-to-handle functions for securing your desktop, such as master password, hidden windows, icons, gadgets and taskbar, automatic locking options, Desktop Blackout mode for concealing icons under a black screen, hotkeys, preview mode, and event logs.

The Bad

When you set or change the password, the locking option while you restart your computer is disabled for three days, so users are able to bypass the process and steal sensitive data. However, you can make use of this option in case you have forgotten the password, as you may simply restart the system, delete the settings files, run the app, and set a new password.

On the downside, there’s no support for email notifications when a user tries to connect to your system.

The Truth

All in all, ScreenBlur proves to be a handy piece of software that helps you keep your data private with the aid of a master password and various customization options. Its overall simplicity makes it an ideal tool for rookies and professionals alike.