Main points
- If you have a Bluetooth keyboard or mouse connected to your Surface Pro, any input from these devices can wake the device and unlock it.
- If you have set up a PIN or password, you can use the power button to wake up the device and unlock it.
- Yes, you can disable the automatic lock feature or use a third-party app to keep the device unlocked while it’s plugged in.
Are you tired of your Surface Pro locking every few minutes, interrupting your workflow and annoying you to no end? You’re not alone. Many Surface Pro users have experienced this frustrating issue. But fear not, for there are several effective methods to keep your Surface Pro unlocked and ready for action.
Why Does My Surface Pro Keep Locking?
Before we dive into the solutions, let’s understand why your Surface Pro might be locking in the first place. The most common reasons include:
- Inactivity: The default power settings on Surface Pro are designed to conserve battery life. When the device is idle for a certain period, it automatically locks to prevent unauthorized access.
- Screen Timeout: Similar to inactivity, the screen timeout setting determines how long the screen remains on before it turns off. If you have a short screen timeout, it can lead to the device locking prematurely.
- Keyboard or Mouse Input: If you have a Bluetooth keyboard or mouse connected to your Surface Pro, any input from these devices can wake the device and unlock it. However, if there’s no input for a while, the device may lock again.
How to Stop Surface Pro from Locking: Step-by-Step Guide
Now that we know the potential causes, let’s explore the solutions:
1. Adjust Power Settings
- Go to Settings > **System** > **Power & Sleep**.
- Under Screen and **Sleep**, increase the time values for “Turn off the screen” and “Put the device to sleep.”
2. Disable Screen Timeout
- Go to Settings > **System** > **Display**.
- Under Sleep, select **Never** for “Screen timeout.”
3. Disable Bluetooth Devices
- Go to Settings > **Devices** > **Bluetooth & other devices**.
- Turn off the toggle switch for any Bluetooth keyboards or mice connected to your Surface Pro.
4. Use the Power Button
- If your Surface Pro is locked, simply press the power button to wake it up and unlock it.
- You can also configure the power button to unlock the device directly by going to Settings > **System** > **Power & Sleep** and enabling “When I press the power button, my device wakes up.”
5. Use a PIN or Password
- If you want to keep your Surface Pro unlocked but still secure, you can set up a PIN or password.
- Go to Settings > **Accounts** > **Sign-in options**.
- Choose PIN or **Password** and follow the prompts to set one up.
6. Disable Automatic Lock
- Go to Settings > **Accounts** > **Sign-in options**.
- Under Additional settings, uncheck the box for “Automatically lock on sleep.”
7. Use a Third-Party App
- If the above methods don’t work for you, consider using a third-party app like Caffeine.
- This app prevents your Surface Pro from going to sleep or locking, regardless of the power settings.
Wrapping Up: Keep Your Surface Pro Unlocked and Ready
By following these steps, you can effectively stop your Surface Pro from locking automatically. Remember to adjust the settings based on your preferences and device usage. With a little tweaking, you can keep your Surface Pro unlocked and ready to work, play, or create without any interruptions.
Quick Answers to Your FAQs
Q: Why does my Surface Pro lock even when I’m using it?
A: This could be due to a short screen timeout or Bluetooth input. Adjust the screen timeout settings and disable any Bluetooth devices that might be causing the issue.
Q: How do I unlock my Surface Pro without a password?
A: If you have set up a PIN or password, you can use the power button to wake up the device and unlock it. Alternatively, you can use a third-party app like Caffeine to prevent automatic locking.
Q: Can I keep my Surface Pro unlocked while it’s charging?
A: Yes, you can disable the automatic lock feature or use a third-party app to keep the device unlocked while it’s plugged in.