Choose the visible-desktop workflow
This setup suits a desktop you want to keep watching, such as a progress window or status display. DeskLatch runs as a tray application, not a .scr screensaver. It does not replace the Windows sign-in screen or supply a separate password.
- Open Triggers. Set Keyboard presses and Mouse buttons / wheel to Lock Windows.
- Leave Mouse movement at Do nothing if moving the pointer should leave the display visible. Choose Lock Windows there too if movement should trigger locking.
- Review the other rows, particularly USB actions, and set unwanted responses to Do nothing.
- Select Save, then use the tray's Test monitoring (no actions) command first.
- For an activated release, choose Save & Enable or tray Enable when ready to use the real rules.
What you will see
Manual enabling shows a transparent five-second countdown with outlined numbers. Escape cancels while the countdown is visible. Once it clears, the red tray icon and brief confirmation indicate monitoring. The next selected input requests the native Windows lock; sign in with your usual Windows method to end that monitoring cycle.
The countdown's “LOCKED” message describes the app becoming armed. It does not mean Windows has already locked. Sensitive information remains visible before a trigger, and an ordinary app cannot guarantee interception of every secure-desktop or elevated input path.
Test, then choose the right boundary
In test mode, press a key and inspect Event history for the simulated lock. No Windows lock is performed. If you need authentication to protect the session immediately, use Windows locking instead and add locked-only event rules. For a traditional saver with authentication, follow the Windows screensaver guide; that workflow does not keep the live desktop transparently visible.