macOS has a pile of feature that operate when your Mac trim back the power it uses and how it comport when it does . There ’s a relatively hidden scene that mechanically logs you out of the current macOS account after a chosen turn of minute idle . This does n’t keep out down your Mac , but it quits all open programs and makes the Mac inaccessible without a password unless you ’ve twist on the Guest account .
The scene is found at > scheme options > Privacy & Security . Scroll down to the very bottom and click theAdvancedbutton . This is where you ’ll find “ exit automatically after inactivity . ” If enable , there ’s also a arena into which you may enter the amount of time desired . If it was a mystery as to why your Mac was leave after inactiveness — as it was to one Macworld proofreader — just disable that switch .
This buried setting might be the cause of occult macOS logouts .
This buried setting might be the cause of mysterious macOS logouts.
Foundry
If you had meant to utilise this feature , ensure the idle time is at the right duration to not squander your prison term during workings Roger Huntington Sessions .
you could have the protection of call for a password when your computer is wild without close active applications and logging out , of trend . For that alternative , go to > System options > Lock Screen . Choose the duration and choice you want for lead off the screen saver or rick off the video display . Setting “ Require password after blind saver start or display is turn off ” to Immediately ensures that after either of those result occurs , someone would need a watchword to unlock your Mac .
Make life easier by letting your fingerprint or Apple Watch unlock your Mac.
If you have a Touch ID sensor on a Mac laptop computer , have a Magic Keyboard with Touch ID tie in to an M - series Mac , or own an Apple Watch , you’re able to make this easier on yourself , too . In > System configurations > Touch ID & Password(or just Password without Touch ID ) . As it touch the ironware you own :
For security reasons , macOS keep back a timer hunt down as one factor that let the operating decide whether you may use Touch ID or an Apple Watch to unlock your Mac . You may be actuate for the bill ’s password at any given time even with those options take .
Make life easier by letting your fingerprint or Apple Watch unlock your Mac .
This Mac 911 clause is in response to a doubtfulness submitted by Macworld reader Lawrence .
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We ’ve compiled a list of the questions we get ask most frequently , along with answers and links to column : translate our super FAQto see if your question is track . If not , we ’re always look for novel trouble to solve ! Email yours tomac911@macworld.com , include CRT screen captures as appropriate and whether you want your full name used . Not every question will be answer , we do n’t reply to email , and we can not cater direct troubleshooting advice .