KeyRoutines
TriggerFreetrigger.session.unlock

Run a routine when you unlock your PC on Windows 11

PC unlocked starts a routine when you unlock the PC. It's the natural place for "I'm back" steps such as resuming music, restoring settings or opening the day's apps.

How it works

  • It has no settings and fires each time the PC is unlocked.
  • It follows Windows' unlock notifications, with no polling.
  • Signing in after a restart isn't an unlock; use When KeyRoutines starts for that.

Routines that use it

Resume where you left off

Media control resumes playback and Mute or unmute unmutes your speakers.

First unlock of the day

With Time and day between 7:00 and 10:00, Open app starts your mail and calendar and Apply layout arranges them.

Undo away settings

Set power plan back to Balanced after a PC locked routine switched to Power saver.

Questions

How do I run something every time I unlock Windows?
Create a routine with the PC unlocked trigger. It runs each time the lock screen goes away.
Does it fire when I sign in after a restart?
No, that's a new sign-in, not an unlock. Use When KeyRoutines starts for routines that should run at sign-in.

Pairs well with

Trigger · SystemFree

PC locked

PC locked starts a routine when the PC is locked, whether you pressed Win+L or the lock screen came on by itself. It turns locking into your "leaving the desk" signal.

Condition · SystemFree

PC is unlocked

PC is unlocked is true while you're signed in and the lock screen isn't showing. Put it in front of anything that needs you at the PC, like sounds, prompts or keystrokes.

Trigger · Flow and routinesFree

When KeyRoutines starts

When KeyRoutines starts runs a routine as the app starts up. KeyRoutines starts when you sign in to Windows, so this is the trigger for anything you want ready every time you log on.

Step · MediaFree

Media control

Media control sends play, pause, next, previous or stop to whatever is playing, or to a player you name. People use it to pause music for calls, resume it after games, and give keyboards without media keys a set of their own.

Condition · ScheduleFree

Time and day

Time and day is true between two times on the days you choose, and optionally only within a date range. It answers questions like 'is it working hours?' so a routine does the right thing for the time of day.

Build this routine in KeyRoutines

Free from the Microsoft Store for Windows 11 and 10. Pro is a one-time upgrade.

Get KeyRoutines freeFree vs Pro