Locking your computer when you step away from your desk is always a good idea. You never know what kind of pranks someone might pull if they could get into your system. With the Windows 10 Creators Update, Microsoft added a Dynamic Lock feature that pairs your phone to your PC via Bluetooth and automatically locks the system whenever you step away.

If you're still on Windows 7 or Windows 8.1, the good news is that you can get this feature without upgrading to Windows 10!

All you need to do is download Bluelock, a simple tool that's been around for years. And though it hasn't been updated for a while, it's still the best way to achieve this on older Windows systems. Make sure that your computer supports Bluetooth and have your phone handy, then download the tool and open it.

The program should list your device in the Discovered Bluetooth Devices window. Double-click it to make your phone the one that locks your PC. Adjust the Timeout slider up to a maximum of 60 seconds -- if your phone is out of range for that long, your PC locks. That's all there is to it! Remember that Bluetooth has a decent range, so if you leave but stay nearby your computer might stay unlocked.

Don't forget that the shortcut Windows Key + L works on any version of Windows, and locks your computer instantly. Holding out on Windows 10 means that you're missing this and other great features that you'll love.

Do you like locking your PC via Bluetooth or do you prefer to do it manually? Let us know how you lock up in the comments!

Image Credit: Antonio Guillem via Shutterstock