How to Protect Your Accounts

Objective

Protect your data by protecting your accounts

Environment

Windows 11

Procedure

Protecting your data starts with protecting your accounts. Always lock, sign out or shut down your device when it is not in use. Failing to do so could expose your accounts to others. This is particularly crucial on public or shared computers such as in classrooms or computer labs.

In Windows 11, these protections look like this:

Lock

The fastest way to lock your computer is the keyboard shortcut Windows key + L

Alternatively, follow the steps below.

1. Click Start Menu icon
    
2. Click the Power icon at the bottom of the pop-up menu
    
3. Click Lock

Sign Out

1. Click Start Menu icon
    
2. Click the user icon (could also be your picture or your initials) at the bottom of the pop-up menu.
    
3. Click Sign out

Shut Down

1. Click Start Menu icon
    
2. Click the Power icon at the bottom of the pop-up menu
    
3. Click Shut down

For other systems, check the documentation or website of your system’s manufacturer.