The following is a simple way to bypass a screen saver locked with password. This hack was brought to my attention by my sons who are always finding clever ways to use the computer out of their allowed “computer time”.
It requires speedy reflexes but if executed properly it will grant access to the Windows machine locked with the screen saver with the privileges of the user account that is currently logged in – included the Administrator.
This hack works if you have enabled the power shutdown via pressing the power button on your computer.
If this function is enabled (By default Windows sets this option to “shutdown”), all it is required is to gently click on the power button: Windows will quickly turn on and a shutdown option will briefly appear.
Now this is where your fast reflexes are required: click immediately on the “Cancel” button and Windows will cancel the shutdown, terminates all the current running applications and give you full access to the machine.
So, how to prevent access to your computer to any third party?
- Right click on the desktop and choose “Personalize”
- Choose “Screen Saver”
- Under the “Power Management” area click on the link “Change power settings”
- Click on the link in the left area “Choose what the power buttons do”
- Change the option for “When I press the power button” from “Shutdown” to “Nothing”
Now click on “Save Changes” and you are done.
Please remember that the hard shutdown option that is enabled via motherboard (activated when you do a long click on the power button) it will still shutdown your computer.
This will only change the “soft shutdown” option that is controlled via software.