However, there’s a huge downside to this method-all of your currently-open documents will close, and any running applications will quit prior to the logout. Your Mac will go back to the login screen. Now you’re ready.Ī simple way to protect your files when you walk away from your computer is to hit Shift-Command-Option-Q to do a fast logout of your user. To do this, open System Preferences, go to the Security pane, and select the Require Password to Wake This Computer From Sleep or Screen Saver option. For most of these methods to work, you need to require a password when your Mac wakes from sleep or screensaver mode. I’ll cover all the methods I know to accomplish this trick.

There are many ways to do this, from the obvious to the obscure. If you work with any kind of sensitive material-from trade secrets to love letters-you’ve probably wished for a way to block access to your Mac the minute you stand up.