Lock Screen Shortcut
Lock instantly: Control+Command+Q on Mac, Win+L on Windows. Plus sleep and log out.
| Action | Mac | Windows | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lock the screen | ⌃⌘Q | Win+L | |
| Put display to sleep | ⌃⇧⏏ or ⌃⇧Power | (via power button) | |
| Log out | ⌘⇧Q | Win → sign out | |
| Sleep the Mac | ⌥⌘Power | (Win+X then U, S) | |
| Show desktop | F11 or ⌘F3 | Win+D |
Lock before you step away
⌃⌘Q (Control-Command-Q) locks the Mac instantly; Win+L locks Windows. Both leave your apps running behind a password or Touch ID / Windows Hello prompt — the fastest way to secure your desk in a shared space.
Lock vs log out vs sleep
Locking keeps everything open. ⌘⇧Q on the Mac logs you out (closing apps), and putting the display to sleep saves power without locking unless you've required a password on wake.
FAQ
What is the lock screen shortcut on Windows?
Press Win+L to lock instantly. Your apps stay open behind the sign-in screen.
How do I lock the screen on a Mac?
Press Control+Command+Q (⌃⌘Q) to lock immediately. You can also use the Apple menu > Lock Screen.
What's the difference between lock and log out?
Locking keeps your apps and files open behind a password. Logging out (⌘⇧Q on Mac) closes everything and returns to the login screen.