Set up the Windows part

Pair your phone to the PC over Bluetooth, then open Settings → Accounts → Sign-in options → Dynamic lock and enable automatic locking when away. Microsoft says Windows locks within a minute after the phone goes out of Bluetooth range. It is not an immediate proximity alarm. Follow Microsoft's current sign-in instructions for your Windows version.

Set up DeskLatch's response

  1. Keep DeskLatch running and open Windows locked.
  2. Enable Monitor while Windows is locked.
  3. Choose a response such as USB device connected → Restart or Monitor disconnected → Shut down. Set unused locked rows to Do nothing.
  4. Click Save. Normal Triggers rules can all remain at Do nothing for a locked-only setup.
  5. Optionally enable General → Start with Windows so the app opens in the tray after your next sign-in.

Understand the handoff

Before Windows locks, a grey normal profile is not monitoring input. When Windows reports the session locked, the independent locked rules apply. The tray can remain grey throughout; grey describes normal monitoring, not whether the locked profile is configured. Your next verified Windows sign-in ends normal monitoring and makes the locked profile wait for another lock.

Test both parts separately

First run DeskLatch in a whole-app Test monitoring.cmd session and manually lock Windows. Use a harmless peripheral to verify the simulated locked rule. Then test Dynamic Lock by taking the phone away while an observer checks that Windows actually locks. Review history after returning and signing in.

Bluetooth range, leaving the phone behind and the locking delay all matter. Microsoft also notes that Dynamic Lock requires an idle system; activity before the signal threshold is reached can prevent locking. Use a manual Windows lock when you need an immediate boundary. DeskLatch must already be running; Dynamic Lock cannot start a closed app. Continue with locked-only monitoring or startup and recovery.