Learn how to lock your computer to prevent your children from accessing it without your permission. Follow these simple steps to ensure the safety of your personal information. Are you worried about your children accessing your computer without permission? In this article, we will discuss how you can easily lock your computer to prevent your children from using it without your supervision. By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your personal information and files remain safe and secure.

How to Lock Your Computer So That Your Children Cannot Use It.

To lock your computer to prevent children from using it, you can use a combination of built-in operating system features and additional software tools. Here are some methods depending on your operating system: The first step to securing your computer from your children is to set up separate user accounts for each family member. By creating individual accounts, you can control who has access to specific files and programs on the computer. This will prevent your children from accidentally deleting important documents or accessing restricted content.

Windows

1. Use a Password:
   • Set a Password: Ensure your user account has a strong password.
     • Go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options.
     • Under Password, click Add or Change and set a password.
   • Lock Your Computer: Press Windows + L to lock your computer whenever you step away.
2. Parental Controls:
   • Set Up a Child Account:
     • Go to Settings > Accounts > Family & other users.
     • Click Add a family member and select Add a child.
     • Follow the prompts to create a child account with restricted access.
   • Set Restrictions:
     • Go to Settings > Accounts > Family & other users.
     • Select the child account and set up appropriate restrictions.
3. Use Software:
   • Install third-party software like Kaspersky Safe Kids, Qustodio, or Norton Family to set up more advanced restrictions and monitoring.

macOS

1. Use a Password:
   • Set a Password: Ensure your user account has a strong password.
     • Go to System Preferences > Users & Groups.
     • Select your account, click Change Password, and set a strong password.
   • Lock Your Computer: Press Command + Control + Q to lock your computer whenever you step away.
2. Parental Controls:
   • Create a Managed User Account:
     • Go to System Preferences > Users & Groups.
     • Click the lock icon to make changes and then click the + button to add a new user.
     • Select Managed with Parental Controls, enter the required information, and set restrictions.
   • Set Up Parental Controls:
     • Go to System Preferences > Parental Controls.
     • Select the managed user account and set up restrictions for apps, websites, and other features.
3. Screen Time:
   • Go to System Preferences > Screen Time.
   • Select the child’s account and set up app limits, downtime, and content restrictions.

Linux

1. Use a Password:
   • Set a Password: Ensure your user account has a strong password.
     • Open a terminal and use the command passwd to set a password.
   • Lock Your Computer: Press Ctrl + Alt + L to lock your computer whenever you step away.
2. Parental Controls:
   • Install Timekpr-nExT:
     • Open a terminal and install Timekpr-nExT using your package manager (e.g., sudo apt install timekpr-next for Ubuntu).
     • Open Timekpr-nExT and set up usage restrictions for your children’s accounts.
3. User Accounts:
   • Create separate user accounts for your children with limited permissions.
     • Go to Settings > Users.
     • Add a new user, set as a standard account, and set restrictions as needed.

By implementing these methods, you can effectively lock your computer and control your children’s access to it.

Third-party applications to block our children’s computer and control their use

In addition to the Windows 10 and macOS tools themselves, there are also other applications or programs specially designed and developed to offer complete parental control with our children on the computer. In this sense, Qustodio is one of the best applications to control the activity and use of the computer by our children.

It is a parental control software that has a free plan and a premium plan and is available for both Windows and Mac , iOS and Android . It is classified as one of the most advanced and easy-to-use parental control applications, however, with the free version we will have access to a complete control panel from where we can restrict the use of the computer, applications or view certain content remotely.

In addition, in its versions for mobile devices, with Qustodio it is also possible to track calls and text messages on our child’s device, block certain content, control games and other applications, etc. And if that wasn’t enough, it also offers real-time location updates so that you can always know where your child is. Get Qustodio for free from this link to its official website.

Another very valid program for our children to be protected is Virtual BodyGuard . This application has three different parts to contract:

• A Basic Lock module in which we have a control panel, tools to control what our children do on the computer and technical support from the program’s developers.
• There is a Monitoring Plus that includes everything from the basic system adding access to incidents made by the minor.
• And finally, the Premium Monitoring, which is that includes everything that we have described so far and adds the control of social networks.

By having a mobile version, it is capable of keeping an exhaustive control like the one we have mentioned above, but it includes WhatsApp-type messaging applications. They will keep us informed of inappropriate phrases and behavior that is out of the ordinary or ethical so that we can take action. It is one of the best options for third parties that are currently marketed and highly recommended.

By following these simple steps, you can easily lock your computer so that your children cannot use it without your permission. Remember to set up user accounts, password protect your account, enable parental controls, use third-party software, and monitor your children’s activity to ensure that your personal information remains safe and secure. With these measures in place, you can have peace of mind knowing that your children are using the computer responsibly and safely.