Predator is a freeware utility that turns any USB flash drive into a key, with which you can lock & unlock your Windows computer. We have already see how we can use the built-in SysKey Utility in Windows 10/8/7, to lock the computer using a USB stick. Today, let’s check out the freeware Predator.
Lock Windows PC using USB with Predator
Predator locks your PC when you are away, even if your Windows session is still open. It uses a regular USB flash drive as an access control device and works as follows:
- You insert the USB drive
- You run PREDATOR (autostart with Windows is possible)
- You do your work.
- When you’re away from your PC, you remove the USB drive
- Once it is removed, the keyboard and mouse are disabled, and the screen darkens.
- When you return to your PC, you put the USB flash drive in place. The keyboard and mouse are immediately released, and the display is restored.
It’s easier and faster than closing your Windows session since you do not have to retype your password when you return.
The free version offers the following features:
- Monitoring options
- Alarm options
- Password options
- Language selection
- AutoStart with Windows
- Check for updates
- Enable Pause.
Predator free download
More about Predator at its download page.
You might also want to check out some more free software to lock Windows using USB.
NOTE: Syskey.exe utility is no longer supported in Windows 10 v1709 and later. If you want to use boot-time OS security, you may use BitLocker.
