Screen Lock Timers vs. Log Out Timers: What They Are and Why They Matter
If you’ve ever stepped away from your computer and come back to a locked screen — or returned to find you were logged out entirely — you’ve experienced screen lock timers and log out timers.
They are related, but they are not the same, and in many environments both are intentionally used together as part of a layered security approach.
Screen Lock Timers (first layer of protection)
A screen lock timer automatically locks your screen after a short period of inactivity.
What happens when the screen locks
Your programs stay open
Your work remains available
A password or PIN is required to unlock the screen
Anyone nearby is prevented from using your session
Think of this as locking the door when you step away, not leaving the building.
Why screen lock timers are used
Screen lock timers help protect against:
Someone accessing your computer while you’re away
Accidental or unauthorized changes
Sensitive information being viewed by others
They are especially important in offices, shared workspaces, and environments where screens may be visible to others.
Log Out Timers (second layer of protection)
A log out timer signs you out of your account entirely after a longer period of inactivity.
What happens when you’re logged out
Programs are closed
Unsaved work may be lost
You must sign back in completely
Your session is fully reset
This is more like leaving the building and shutting everything down.
Why log out timers are used
Log out timers are designed to:
Prevent long-running unattended sessions
Reduce risk from forgotten or abandoned logins
Add protection on shared or higher-security systems
Because they are more disruptive, log out timers are usually set to trigger after a screen lock, not instead of it.
Key differences at a glance
Screen Lock Timer
Automatically locks the screen after short inactivity
Keeps programs and work open
Does not risk losing unsaved work
Prevents walk-up access
Common on everyday office computers
Log Out Timer
Signs the user out after longer inactivity
Closes programs and ends the session
May result in unsaved work being lost
Reduces risk from extended unattended access
Common on shared or higher-security systems
How they work together (recommended)
In most environments, we recommend using both timers together:
The screen lock timer activates first to protect your system when you step away briefly
The log out timer activates later to clean up sessions if a device is left unattended for an extended period
This layered approach balances security and usability:
Your work stays safe during short breaks
Systems are protected if someone forgets to log out
Why organizations enforce these settings
Screen lock and log out timers are simple controls that support widely accepted security expectations and align with common requirements in frameworks such as HIPAA, CMMC/NIST, PCI-DSS, and general cybersecurity best practices.
They help organizations:
Prevent unauthorized access
Protect sensitive data
Reduce risk from unattended devices
Support audit and compliance efforts
Most standards don’t mandate exact time limits, but they do expect systems to be secured when left unattended.
Common questions
Why does my computer lock so quickly?
Security incidents can happen in seconds. Locking the screen quickly helps prevent accidental or unauthorized access.
Can these timers be adjusted?
In many cases, yes. Timers are configured to balance security and day-to-day workflow and can be reviewed if needed.
Does this affect performance?
No. Screen lock and log out timers do not slow down your computer.
Our recommendation
We recommend using both screen lock timers and log out timers as part of a layered security approach.
Together, they protect your work when you step away briefly and protect your organization when a system is left unattended for longer periods.
If you have questions or believe a system needs different behavior due to its role or location, please let us know and we’re happy to review it.