Information Technology

Asking for a Password when Waking from a Screen Saver

You should lock your computer when you leave your workstation, even for a short time. And your computer should have a locking screen saver on a timeout of no more than 15 minutes. Below are instructions on (1) how to set up a screen saver to lock your computer for you, if you forget; and (2) a link to how to quickly lock your computer when you get up from it.

Here is how to make your Macintosh or Windows computer ask for a password when it comes out of a screen saver:

ON A MACINTOSH COMPUTER:

  1. (If you do not already have one), Set a Macintosh (not Network) Password
    1. Under the Apple icon, select System Preferences
    2. In the System panel, click the Accounts icon
    3. Click the lock to make changes
    4. Enter your Macintosh (not network) password (or leave blank if you have no password)
    5. Click the Password button
    6. Click the Change Password button
    7. Enter your Old password (or leave blank if you have no password)
    8. Enter your New password
    9. Enter (to verify) your new password again
    10. Click Change Password
    11. Close the window, or
  2. Select a Screen Saver and a Time for its Activation
    1. Under the Apple icon, select System Preferences
    2. In the Personal panel, click the Desktop & Screen Saver icon
    3. Click the Screen Saver button
    4. Choose a screen saver or to use a random screen saver
    5. At Start Screen Saver, move the slider to no more than 15 minutes
    6. Close the window
  3. Set Your Macintosh to Require Password Entry When Waking from Sleep or Screen Saver
    1. Under the Apple icon, select System Preferences
    2. In the Personal panel, click the Security icon
    3. Click the General button
    4. Place a check in front of "Require password to wake this computer from Sleep or Screen Saver"
    5. (optional) Place a check in front of "Log out after __ minutes of inactivity." Use the up and down arrows to fill a number into the blank, no longer than 15 minutes.
    6. Close the window
    Now that you know how to set up a screen saver on your Macintosh, here is a link to how to quickly lock your Macintosh when you get up from it.

ON A WINDOWS COMPUTER:

  1. Right-click on Windows Desktop
  2. Choose the Properties option
  3. Click the Screen Saver tab
  4. Put a check in the box in front of "On resume, password protect"
  5. Select a wait time, no longer than 15 minutes
  6. Click OK
Now that you know how to set up a screen saver on your Windows computer, here is a link to how to quickly lock your Windows computer when you get up from it.