MacOS – How to instantly lock the computer when screen saver delay is on

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I have my security preferences set up to delay for 15 minutes after screen saver turns on and then ask for a password. (I use two computers and don't always notice right away when the screensaver turns on on my mac.)

However, when I walk away from my mac, I would like to be able to hit a keyboard shortcut or use hot corners to require a password right away.

I've tried using ctrl-shift-power, but that simply turns the screen off while not requiring the password. Hot corners would be ideal if that's possible.

Is there a way to do this?

Best Answer

If you set your screen saver to require a password when exiting and then set one of the screen corners to turn the screen saver on, there you go instant turn my screen saver on gesture.

Unfortunately MacOS does not have a universal keystroke to lock the computer like Windows does.


If you have Mojave you can, the shortcut is there in the Apple menu: ⌃ ⌘ Q