winKeyLock

If multiple individuals use your computer, it’s a good idea to use different Windows profiles, or simply lock your desktop while you’re away. This can be done through default tools, or relying on third-party applications like winKeyLock, which can toggle the lock state of your computer through the use of hotkey commands.

Once launched, the options panel shows up in order to help you configure hotkey commands. These are different, one for locking the system, while the other to unlock it. Be sure to remember them, because once locked, your computer becomes practically unusable, since both the keyboard and mouse are locked.

The application quietly resides in the tray area when not directly used. Apart from the dedicated hotkey command, the computer can also be locked from the tray icon menu, or simply double clicking the tray icon. You can tell the state of your PC by the type of tray icon you see.

Just to make things clearer, the application allows you to choose from a decent set of icons for both states. Don’t forget to apply changes when done. It’s also a good idea to make the program run with Windows so that it’s ready by the time you reach the desktop. You can include the lock option in the desktop and Explorer context menu.

As mentioned, the application locks the keyboard and mouse. You can choose not to do this, or lock the wheel as well, movement, disable the screensaver, as well as to beep on locked keys. A tray notification shows up whenever you lock and unlock the computer. Sadly, you can’t set it to automatically lock after a given amount of idle time.

Taking everything into consideration, we can state that winKeyLock can easily prevent others from messing up your computer or playing a prank while you’re away. Although it doesn’t come with a scheduler, it’s quite intuitive, letting you set custom lock and unlock hotkey commands.