If you are familiar with the Dynamic Lock feature in Windows 10, then it has probably made it easier for you to lock your computer the instant you move away from it. This interesting feature does not need any special software like IR Cameras to use this feature as long as your Windows 10 computer supports Bluetooth which it most likely does. However there are times when the Dynamic lock feature is either missing or not working. When that happens, here are some suggestions that could help you. But before anything else, you need to create a System Restore point first since you will be modifying some critical system settings as well as registry files. After you’ve created a System Restore point, refer to the following options below to fix the issue with Dynamic Lock.
Option 1 – Try using the Settings app
- Tap the Win + I keys to open the Settings app and then navigate to Accounts > Sing-in options.
- After that, scroll down until you see the Dynamic Lock section.
- Next, make sure that the checkbox for “Allow Windows to automatically lock your device when you are away” is checked.
- Now that you’re all set, exit the Settings app.
Note: If for some reason the above-given solution didn’t work, you can try the next options below.
Option 2 – Try to pair your Bluetooth Device
If you get a message saying, “Allow Windows to automatically lock your device when you are away” in the Notifications Center or in the Settings app, then you need to pair your Bluetooth device. To do so, follow the steps below.
- Go to Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices.
- From there, make sure that Bluetooth is turned On and then pair your Bluetooth device.
- And if you open the Windows Defender Security Center, you will see the following message as well.
- Simply click on the Add Bluetooth device button and it will open the Bluetooth settings where you can also pair the device.
Option 3 – Try to reinstall or update the Bluetooth driver
The issue might have something to do with the Bluetooth drivers. It could be that it is outdated and needs to be updated or that you recently updated it and since then you have trouble removing the Bluetooth device and so to fix the issue, you can update, roll back or uninstall the Bluetooth drivers. How? Follow the steps below.
- Tap the Win + X keys to open the Device Manager.
- Next, look for the Bluetooth device and right-click on it.
- Select the option “Update driver”.
- After that, a new popup window will appear. In there, select the option, “Search automatically for updated driver software”.
Note: Checking the update may take a few minutes so you’ll have to wait until it finishes. If it is able to find an update, you must install it. And if you want to reinstall the Bluetooth driver, just select the “Uninstall driver” option and follow the next on-screen instructions that follow.
Option 4 – Try to use the Registry Editor
- Tap the Win + R keys to open the Run dialog box and then type “Regedit” in the field and hit Enter to open the Registry Editor.
- If a User Account Control or UAC prompt appears, just click on Yes to proceed.
- After that, navigate to the following registry key:
HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftWindows NTCurrentVersionWinlogon
- Next, look for a DWORD named “EnableGoodbye” located on the right-side panel and then make sure that its value is set to 1 which means that it is enabled while 0 indicates disabled.
- Now close the Registry Editor and restart your computer to apply the changes made successfully.
Option 5 – Try checking the Group Policy setting
If your Windows 10 version has the Group Policy Editor, you can use it to fix the Dynamic Lock issue as well. Simply follow the steps below to use it.
- Tap the Win + R keys to open the Run dialog box.
- Then type “gpedit.msc” in the field and hit Enter to open the Group Policy Editor.
- Next, navigate to the following path:
Computer ConfigurationAdministrative TemplatesWindows ComponentsWindows Hello for Business
- After that, look for an entry named “Configure dynamic lock factors” and double click on it to open a new window.
- Once you enable this Group Policy setting, the signal rules will be evaluated to detect the absence of a user and will lock the device automatically. On the other hand, if you disable or don’t configure this setting, you can continue locking your computer with existing locking options. Take note that it may be Not configured or Enabled but shouldn’t be set to Disabled.
- Now select the radio button for Enabled and set the Signal rules then click OK.
- Then exit the Group Policy Editor and restart your computer.