The Dynamic Lock is a helpful security feature on Windows 11/10 that automatically locks your device when you are away.
Aren’t there a few times when you forget to lock your device or when your colleagues call you for lunch or a meeting, and you leave your device unlocked in haste? Yes, we’ve all been there! This is where the dynamic lock feature can help you get peace of mind. If the dynamic feature is enabled, your device will be automatically locked when you go away from your machine.
Is the dynamic lock not working on your device? We’ve got you covered. In this post, we have listed a couple of solutions to resolve this issue. But before we begin, let’s get a basic understanding of the Dynamic Lock feature and how it works.
What is the Dynamic Lock on Windows?
The Dynamic Lock feature on Windows 11/10 makes it easier for users to lock their devices when you move away from them. So, your device will be automatically locked when you go away from your machine.In technical parlance, the dynamic lock will be activated whenever the Bluetooth signal goes below the range of the maximum Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) value.
And here comes the best part. To use the dynamic lock feature on Windows, you don’t need specialized hardware or a third-party app. You simply need to have a Bluetooth-supported laptop, and you’re good to go! You can easily set up and enable Dynamic Lock on your Windows device using your Bluetooth-enabled smartphone. (iOS, Android, or Windows).
Also read: How To Secure Windows 10 With Dynamic Lock Feature
How Does it Work?
The Dynamic Lock feature on Windows is pretty useful, isn’t it? If your device fulfills any of the below-listed criteria, the dynamic lock will be enabled that will automatically lock your device.
- No input or keyboard/mouse movement for about 30 seconds.
- If the connected Bluetooth device is not in range.
- Weak Bluetooth signal.
How to Fix the Dynamic Lock Not Working Issue
Is dynamic lock missing or not working on Windows? Here are a few solutions that might help you in resolving this issue.
Solution 1: Configure Dynamic Lock Settings
1. Tap on the Windows icon placed on the Taskbar and select “Settings.”
2. Go the “Accounts” section from the left menu pane. Tap on “Sign-in options.”
3. Scroll down through the list of options and proceed toward the “Additional Settings” section. Look for the “Dynamic Lock” feature. Tap on it.
4. Check on the “Allow Windows to automatically lock your device when you’re away” option.
Also read: 10 Interesting Ways to Lock Windows 10
Solution 2: Unpair and Pair your Bluetooth Device
1. Launch the Settings app on your device and select “Bluetooth and Devices.”
2. Tap on “Devices.”
3. You will now see a list of paired devices on the screen, including the smartphone connected to the Dynamic Lock functionality. Tap on the three-dot icon placed next to it and select “Remove Device.”
4. After removing your smartphone, tap on the “Add Device” button.
5. Pair your device again to your Windows laptop and check if this hack works.
Solution 3: Update the Bluetooth Drivers
1. Press the Windows + R key combination to open the Run dialog box. Type “Devmgmt.msc” in the textbox and hit Enter.
2. Tap on “Bluetooth.” Right-click on the Bluetooth device’s title and select “Update Driver.”
Follow the on-screen instructions to update the Bluetooth drivers on your device.
3. After updating the drivers, try checking if the Dynamic Lock feature is functioning again.
Also read: Windows 10 Features Most Users Failed To Notice
Solution 4: Modify the Registry
1. Press the Windows + R key combination to open the Run dialog box. Type “Regedit” and hit Enter to open the Windows Registry Editor app.
2. Navigate to the following folder location:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon
3. Double-tap on the “Enable Goodbye” file entry. Enter “1” in the Value Data field and hit on the OK button.
4. Exit all windows and reboot your device to check if the issue persists.
Solution 5: Tweak the Group Policy Editor (Not available for Home users)
1. Another alternative to fixing the “Dynamic lock not working” issue on Windows is modifying the Group Policy Editor. Here’s what you need to do:
2. Press the Windows + R key combination to open the Run dialog box. Type “Gpedit.msc” and hit enter to open the Group Policy Editor app.
3. Navigate to the following folder location:
Computer Configuration\Administrative Templates\Windows Components\Windows Hello for Business
4. In the “Windows Hello for Business” folder, double-tap on “Configure Dynamic Lock factors” to open its Properties.
5. Select “Enabled” and hit the OK and Apply buttons to save the recent changes.
Conclusion
Here were a few simple solutions to fix the “Dynamic lock not working on Windows 11/10” issue. The Dynamic Lock is a pretty useful feature that won’t compromise your sensitive data and your device’s security when you’re away. You can use any of the above-listed solutions to enable Dynamic Lock functionality on your Windows PC. Do let us know which method did the trick for you. Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments box!