What is a best practice to prevent unauthorized access when stepping away from a computer?

Locking the Windows computer by pressing the Windows Logo Key + L is a best practice for preventing unauthorized access when stepping away from a computer because it quickly secures the session without the need to shut down the entire system or log out from all accounts. When a computer is locked, it obscures the screen and requires either a password or another form of authentication to regain access. This method effectively protects open files and applications while maintaining the user’s active session, allowing for a quick return without losing work.

In contrast, shutting down the computer could result in loss of unsaved work and takes longer to restart than simply locking the session. Logging out of all accounts can be tedious and may disrupt tasks that are still in progress. Turning off the monitor does not secure access to the computer itself, as someone can still interact with the computer and potentially gain unauthorized access.