LockApp.exe is an important Windows file that is responsible for overlaying a graphical interface over the locked screen when your computer is idle for a long time. You will see this overlay screen just before you log in.
LockApp.exe is an essential part of Windows 10, and if you check the Task Manager, you will see the file running in the background. LockApp.exe shows a beautiful background image along with the date and time when the screen is locked. Here are all the details you should know about LockApp.exe.
What Does LockApp.exe Do?
LockApp.exe creates a beautiful graphical user interface that can overlay over the locked screen in Windows 10. Here are the elements that the graphical user interface of LockApp.exe provides.
- A background image
- Date and time
- Quick notifications
- Preferences set by you to show on screen
- Controls to shut down or restart
- Network internet access status
However, you need to keep in mind that it is executed only when you are signed into your system and your computer is idle for long. Alternatively, you can also execute it by pressing Windows + L for locking the screen manually. You need to keep in mind that the process of this file remains suspended the rest of the time when your computer is active.
How Much System Resources Does LockApp.exe Use?
People may wonder if LockApp uses a lot of resources from your system. Even though LockApp.exe does not consume much system resources, when its background process is running, your PC may stay awake for a long time. In fact, it roughly consumes only up to 12 MB of the memory when the computer is idle, and the file’s process is active.
The consumption goes down significantly when it is not active. This means when you are working on your computer, and there is no lock screen active, it requires a memory of only 48 KB. Therefore, it is safe to say that LockApp.exe is a lightweight application.
LockApp.exe – File Size and Location
You can easily find it in the location “C:\Windows\SystemApps\Microsoft.LockApp_cw5n1h2txyewy “, if you are using Windows 10. You can right-click on the file and check out its properties for further details. The file size is around 3.41 MB which does not put a dent in your hard drive space.
Can LockApp.exe Be A Virus?
LockApp.exe is safe to use and is a legitimate program. There have not been any complaints by Windows users and it has been digitally signed by Microsoft Corporation. Additionally, there are no suspicious activities associated with LockApp.exe.
However, you need to note that it is an executable file. Meaning there can be a possibility that hackers may imitate the file for attacking your system. You can easily find out if it is a virus or not. For this, you need to follow these steps.
- Launch Taskbar by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc keys together.
- Go to Details tab where you will find the list of all the files running.
- You will have to find LockApp.exe.
- By right-clicking on the file, choose Open the file location option.
- If you happen to find it in the location C:\Windows\SystemApps\Microsoft.LockApp_cw5n1h2txyewy, it is safe.
However, in any case, it is in a different location, it can be spyware or virus. For this, it is advised that you use an anti-virus program and give a full system scan. Windows Defender will allow you to perform a full system scan. You can do these steps.
- Press Windows + R together and type “ms-settings:windowsdefender”
- After this, you need to hit Enter.
- Select Virus & threat protection option.
- The final step will be to go for “Scan options” and select Advanced scan option.
Common Errors Regarding LockApp.exe –
LockApp.exe can have the following common errors
- Application Path Failure: LockApp.exe.
- exe could not be launched.
- exe is missing or corrupt.
- exe needs to close.
- exe failed to initialize.
- Error starting program – LockApp.exe.
- Windows failed to start – LockApp.exe.
Disabling LockApp.exe Process in Windows 10
There are reports that LockApp.exe consumes a high percentage of CPU. It can even consume a high GPU. The moment you disable LockApp.exe, you will not see the lock screen with background images, quick access, and time status. Here are the processes to disable LockApp.exe in Windows 10.
How to Disable LockApp.exe Using the File Explorer?
You can easily disable LockApp.exe from Windows File Explorer. As a system process, it is very critical. When you disable it, you will be directed to the login prompt. To disable LockApp using File Explorer, you need to take these steps.
- Go to File Explorer by pressing WIN + E keys simultaneously.
- Following this, you need to navigate to C:\Windows\SystemApps\.
- Next, you will have to find the folder “LockApp_cw5n1h2txyewy”.
- Right-click on the folder and select the Rename option from the pop-up menu.
- You need to rename the folder “LockApp_cw5n1h2txyewy.backup”.
Once you rename the folder, Windows 10 will not be able to locate the file when you restart your computer. Hence, LockApp.exe will not get activated and the lock screen will be a regular one once your computer goes into idle mode the next time.
Disable LockApp With the Registry Editor
You can even disable LockApp from the Registry Editor. Follow these steps to do the same.
- Launch Run by pressing WIN + R together.
- Type “regedit” and press Enter. (For Administrator privileges, click YES when prompted).
- You need to navigate the location HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Authentication\LogonUI\SessionData, inside the Registry Editor.
- The next step will be to look for AllowLock Screen.
- Once you find it, you need to double-click on it for changing the value data to 0.
- Click on OK button and close Registry Editor.
Conclusion
We have provided all the details you will ever need to know about LockApp.exe. Starting from details about the filing process to how to disable the file to save CPU and GPU usage, you will find all the information in one place. If you do not have any shortage of CPU usage, you should not disable it as it is an essential part of the beautiful graphical interface of Windows 10.
