Windows Dynamic Lock

Windows Dynamic Lock

What is it?

With the advent of Multifactor Authentication(MFA) we now have the ability to use our cell phones to provide additional security for our PCs. Windows recently came out with a feature called Dynamic Lock which uses your phone both as a mean to authenticate you (something you have), but also as a means to lock your PC if you go out of Bluetooth range(30 feet). Here's how to set it up. 

Setting up Dynamic Lock is as easy as pairing your phone and PC. 

  1. First make sure Bluetooth is on for both your PC and your phone. To enable on your PC select Start, Settings(Gear icon), in Settings select Devices. Turn the Bluetooth toggle on. Enable Bluetooth on your iOS or Android device as well. 
  2. Select Add Bluetooth or other device. Select Bluetooth. On your Phone find your PC by its discoverable name. This will be CEI-xxxxxxx, CCML-xxxxxxx, CVI-xxxxxxx, CBCM-xxxxxxx, and BCC-xxxxxxx. Tap the corresponding device, mine is CEI-CZ908C3 so I will tap that on my phone. 
  3. Confirm Device pairing by ensuring the same 6-digit number appears on both devices. For me it was 138708. Select Pair on both devices. 
  4. Connection succeeded will confirm the two devices have been paired. Select Close to complete the process. 
  5. Log out of your computer. Log back in, enter your PIN and your phone will authenticate you into Windows. 
Sometimes Dynamic lock just doesn't work with iPhones, Bluetooth can be funny with iPhones. To remediate it, follow the steps below:
  1. If you have setup Dynamic Lock before both your iPhone and laptop should show in each other's Bluetooth device lists.  Beginning on your laptop, open settings, devices. You are now in Bluetooth & other devices. 
  2. Scroll down the list to Other devices, find your iPhone and select it to show the remove device button. Select remove device for each entry. There will be two. 
  3. On your iPhone, open Settings, Bluetooth. Find your previously paired laptop using the discoverable name in the section above. Tap the info button next to the entry. Select Forget This Device. 
  4. Follow the steps to setup Dynamic Lock above. A pin isn't required anymore. At least not for iPhones. 

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