If the Windows key is broken or disabled via group policy (common in some corporate environments), you can use a two-step keyboard sequence:
Navigating to the Start Menu -> User Icon -> Lock takes roughly 3 to 5 seconds and requires visual attention. A keyboard shortcut takes less than half a second and becomes muscle memory. This encourages you to lock the screen more often because it feels effortless. lock screen keyboard shortcut
On older Macs, there was no dedicated "Lock" shortcut. Instead, users put the display to sleep. If the Windows key is broken or disabled
In many corporate environments (HIPAA for healthcare, GDPR in Europe, or ISO standards), leaving a workstation unlocked is a violation of security policy. Using a shortcut ensures you can comply instantly without interrupting your workflow flow. On older Macs, there was no dedicated "Lock" shortcut