How to Add or Remove the Lock Option in the Power Menu on the Start Menu in Windows 11?

The Power menu in Windows 11 includes options like Shut Down, Restart, and Lock. By default, the Lock option allows users to quickly secure their device. However, some users may prefer to remove this option, especially in shared environments. This tutorial provides multiple methods to add or remove the Lock option in the Power menu on the Start menu, ensuring you can customize Windows 11 to suit your security and usage needs.

Modifying the Lock option in the Power menu is useful for managing security access. If you’re in a shared environment, removing the Lock option can prevent others from locking the device. Conversely, adding it ensures users can lock their session quickly, providing an extra layer of security when leaving their workstation unattended.

Method 1: Using the Registry Editor

Important: Editing the registry can potentially cause issues if not done correctly. Be sure to back up the registry before proceeding.

If you’re using Windows 11 Home, you can achieve the same effect through the Registry Editor :

• Open the Registry Editor by pressing Winkey + R, typing regedit, and pressing Enter.
• Navigate to the following registry key:
  • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System
• If you don’t see a key named DisableLockWorkstation , create a new DWORD (32-bit) Value and name it DisableLockWorkstation.
• Set the DisableLockWorkstation value to:
  • 1 to remove the Lock option.
  • 0 to add the Lock option.

Enter the DWORD value to enable lock in start menu

• Restart your computer for the changes to take effect.

Alternate Method:

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\PolicyManager\default\Start\HideLock]

“value”=dword:00000000

; Control Panel > Power Options > System Settings

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\FlyoutMenuSettings]

“ShowLockOption”=dword:00000001

; Group Policy

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Explorer]

“ShowLockOption”=-

• Save the above code as Add_Lock_to_account_picture_menu_on_Start_menu_for_all_users.reg
• Run the .reg file and restart your pc.

Lock Enabled in Start Menu

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\PolicyManager\default\Start\HideLock]

“value”=dword:00000001

; Control Panel > Power Options > System Settings

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\FlyoutMenuSettings]

“ShowLockOption”=dword:00000000

; Group Policy

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Explorer]

“ShowLockOption”=dword:00000000

• Save the above code as Remove_Lock_to_account_picture_menu_on_Start_menu_for_all_users.reg
• Run the .reg file and restart your pc.
• It will remove the lock option from the start menu.

This method is ideal for users who don’t have access to the Group Policy Editor and prefer a registry-based solution.

Method 2: Using the Local Group Policy Editor

Note: The Local Group Policy Editor is only available in Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise, and Education editions.

If you’re on Windows 11 Pro or higher, the Local Group Policy Editor provides a straightforward way to enable or disable the Lock option:

• Open the Run dialog by pressing Winkey + R, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter.

Run gpedit.msc

• Navigate to the following path:
  • Computer Configuration > Windows Settings > Security Settings > Local Policies > Security Options

Navigating to the desired directory in GP editor

• Look for the policy named Interactive logon: Do not display last user name and Interactive logon: Machine inactivity limit.
• Double-click on Do not display last user name and set it to Enabled to remove the Lock option, or Disabled to add it back.
• Click Apply and OK to save changes.

This method lets you directly control the Lock

Method 3: Using Command Prompt

For those who are comfortable with command-line tools, Command Prompt offers a quick way to toggle the Lock option:

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator by typing “cmd” in the search bar, right-clicking, and selecting Run as administrator.

Open Command Prompt using Run as Administrator

To Remove the Lock option from Start Menu:

• To remove the Lock option, enter the following command:
  • reg add "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System" /v DisableLockWorkstation /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /f

Command to remove lock from start menu

• Restart your computer to apply the changes.

To Add the Lock option from Start Menu:

• To add the Lock option back, enter:
  • reg add "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System" /v DisableLockWorkstation /t REG_DWORD /d 0 /f

Command to enable back the lock option in start menu

• Restart your computer to apply the changes.

This command-line method is useful for users who prefer scripting and quick changes without navigating through the graphical interface.

Method 4: Using PowerShell

PowerShell also provides an efficient way to manage the Lock option in the Power menu:

• Open PowerShell as Administrator by right-clicking the Start menu and selecting Windows Terminal (Admin).

Opening PowerShell as Admin Mode

PowerShell command to remove lock from start menu:

• To remove the Lock option, enter the following command:
  • Set-ItemProperty -Path "HKLM:\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System" -Name "DisableLockWorkstation" -Value 1

Powershell command to remove lock option from start menu

• Restart your computer to make sure the changes take effect.

PowerShell command to add lock from start menu

• To add the Lock option back, enter:
  • Set-ItemProperty -Path "HKLM:\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System" -Name "DisableLockWorkstation" -Value 0

Powershell command to add lock option from start menu

• Restart your computer to make sure the changes take effect.

This method is convenient for users familiar with PowerShell and offers a quick solution for toggling the Lock option in the Power menu.

Conclusion

Customizing the Lock option in the Power menu on the Start menu in Windows 11 is straightforward using any of the methods above. Whether you prefer the Local Group Policy Editor , Registry Editor , Command Prompt , or PowerShell , these options let you add or remove the Lock command based on your preferences and security requirements. Each method ensures your device is configured according to your needs, making it simple to control access for other users.

People Also Asks:

Can I disable the Lock option for specific users?

No , these settings apply to all users on the device. For user-specific restrictions, consider setting permissions within user accounts.

Is it safe to edit the registry to remove the Lock option?

Yes, but always back up the registry before making changes, as incorrect edits can affect system stability.

Will removing the Lock option affect system security?

Removing the Lock option makes it harder to quickly secure your device but won’t impact core system security settings.

Does removing the Lock option stop users from locking Windows with keyboard shortcuts?

No, users can still use Winkey + L to lock the device, regardless of the Lock option in the Power menu.

How can I restore the Lock option if I change my mind?

You can restore the Lock option at any time by following the steps above and setting the value to re-enable it.