This guide shows you how to create a shortcut that locks your computer when clicked on.  This shortcut takes the place of pressing CTRL+ALT+DEL then clicking Lock Computer to lock your computer.

Create a New Shortcut

Right-click on an empty space on your desktop, point to new, and select shortcut.  A create shortcut wizard will open.

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Copy and past the command below in the item location box in the new shortcut wizard.

rundll32.exe user32.dll,LockWorkStation

Click next.  Give your new shortcut a name.  I named mine Lock.

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Click finish and you’re done.  Click on the shortcut and your computer will lock.

Add an Icon to the Shortcut

Your new lock shortcut would look cooler if its icon was a lock right.  Let’s give it a lock icon then!

Right-click the shortcut and select properties.  Click Change Icon.

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By default there are no custom icons to give this new shortcut.  Past the location below in the look for icons in this file box and press enter on your keyboard while the new location you just pasted is still highlighted.

C:\WINDOWS\system32\SHELL32.dll

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Now that you have plenty of icons to choose from, select the one you like (I like the lock icon) and click OK.  Click OK in the shortcut properties box and you’re done.  Your shortcut should have the custom icon you just gave it.

Position Your Lock Shortcut

The shortcut you just created doesn’t have to stay on your desktop.  You can move it almost anywhere you like by selecting the icon with your right mouse button.  While the shortcut is selected with your right mouse button drag it where ever you want.  When you are ready to drop the shortcut in its new location let go of your right mouse button and select move here.

A few examples of where you can drop your lock shortcut are in the quick launch section near the Start button, anywhere in the start menu, on your desktop, and many other places.  Use your imagination.