How to lock my Desktop screen

Hello, JohnDSX

Thanks for your response.

1. Continuing to use the PC: When you lock your screen, it essentially secures your computer by preventing unauthorized access. To continue using your PC after it’s been locked, you will need to sign in again. This is a security measure designed to protect your data and privacy.
2. Receiving and Storing Emails: Yes, while your computer is locked, it will continue to receive and store emails as long as it’s connected to the internet and your email client (like Outlook or Thunderbird) is configured to check for new emails periodically.
3. System Updates: Yes, system updates can be downloaded and installed while your computer is locked, as long as it’s connected to the internet. However, some updates might require a restart, and Windows will usually ask for your permission to restart your PC.

Locking your screen doesn’t shut down your computer or close any running applications. It simply prevents anyone else from accessing them until you log back in. So, you can safely lock your screen without worrying about interrupting any processes that are running in the background.

As for the directory listing issue, you may want to contact your university’s IT support for more assistance with finding your NetID.

Let me know if you have any other concerns.

Best regards

Yuhao Li

Microsoft Community Technical Support

I appreciate the response, John!

I'm afraid I won't be able to answer your questions as I can't verify my answers but don't worry! There are many knowledgeable users active on the forum. I hope that someone else can offer further insight on your issue.

Best regards,

Darhyl

Hey John!

Nice to meet you! I'm Darhyl, an Independent Advisor. I'm sorry you are experiencing this on your Desktop. No worries, let me help you sort this out.

Based on the description you have provided; it seems you will need to set up your own NetID to have in control of access in your computer.

First, find your own NetID:

Start typing your name in the search box.

The computer will start to display matching results.

Find your name in the results and click on it.

When you click your name, the directory listing will pop open.

Your NetID should appear after your title.

https://researchguides.uvm.edu/c.php?g=290628&a...

Then set up your own NetID password:

https://account.uvm.edu/netid-setup?utm_source=...

I would highly recommend you check these links for more information:

Locking and Unlocking Your Desktop: https://uis.georgetown.edu/locking-and-unlockin....

https://researchguides.uvm.edu/c.php?g=290628&a...

https://account.uvm.edu/

https://legacy.drup2.uvm.edu/directory

Note/Disclaimer: This is a non-Microsoft website. The page appears to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the site that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the site before you decide to download and install it.

Thank you for your kindness and patience! Please let me know if you require further assistance.

Best regards,

Darhyl

Thank you for your input Yuhao Li. Your very clear answers to my questions have informed me that Screen Lock is not the solution to my problem. Obviously I was not clear about exactly what my problem is.

So, to be clear, I would like to find a way prevent the very carefully placed shortcuts on my desktop somehow getting scrambled up and re-arranged in no particuler order when my back is turned.

And the other thing that I failed to make clear is that since I have nothing to do with any University - I am not a student - I am unable to approach any university’s IT support.

Best regards

JohnDSX

Hello Darhyl:

Thanks for your prompt response.  I started out to follow your instructions. I typed in my name and got a directory listing, just as you predicted.  The listing included my name multiple times – sometimes spelled correctly, mostly not.  Each name on the list was followed by some comment. For example:  John Daley Cancer.  Most of the names in the list were spelled John Daly.  But whatever way they were spelled, clicking on any of them revealed that they all pertained to John Daly, the golfer. And no NetID ever appeared

So much for that !

Before I continue trying to resolve the Lock Screen thing, however, would you be so kind as to answer some questions:

1. If I do manage to lock the screen, will I be able to continue using the PC without signing in again?

2.  While the machine is in the locked state will it be able to receive and  store emails?

3.  While in the locked state, will system updates be able to come in?

Thanks