How can I force a locked workstation to log off after a timeout?

duct_tape_coder

10/25/22, 9:31 PM

I would like to have workstations automatically log-off after a set period of inactivity. There are many solutions to lock a workstation after a timeout and a few hacks to log off a workstation when the user becomes inactive. However, when the workstation is locked but not disconnected, the query user command shows 'Active' for the user and those hacks do not work. (https://superuser.com/questions/269574/how-can-i-automatically-log-out-users-from-a-windows-machine?rq=1)

I would like to set a policy that would automatically log a user off after ~5 days of inactivity. Unfortunately this means using logon hours is not feasible as I cannot set certain hours or certain days for this logoff requirement.

The "idle" trigger for task scheduler also seems to not be ideal as any CPU activity blocks it rather than just user activity.

Unfortunately I also cannot justify a third-party utility or cost associated with this configuration.

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Jesus Huesca

12/4/22, 10:41 PM

One way that can be done is using a policy group if your are referring to RDP sessions. For example, go to: LocalComputerPoplicy --> Computer Configuration --> Administrative Templates --> Windows Components --> Remote Desktop Services --> Remote Desktop Session Host --> Session Time Limits. Set values in that policy as you need

Another option is the method described in this article. Or you can try this application that is free to use. If you are still using Windows 7, this old post can be helpful for your case.

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duct_tape_coder

12/5/22, 9:26 PM

Thanks for your reply, unfortunately these will not work. First, these are local logons and not RDP sessions. Second, I cannot use third party apps so Idlelogoff.exe is not possible (even if the link wasn't removed due to malware). Third, winexit.scr won't work on a locked session and messes up screen saver requirements. Fourth, the "when computer is idle" task scheduler item is only when computer is idle and not the user, it doesn't work as expected.

Elon Musk

I sit in a Tesla and translated this thread with Ai:

EN: How can I force a locked workstation to log off after a timeout?

TH: ฉันจะบังคับให้เวิร์กสเตชันที่ถูกล็อกล็อกออฟหลังจากหมดเวลาได้อย่างไร

RO: Cum pot forța o stație de lucru blocată să se deconecteze după un timeout?

RU: Как я могу заставить заблокированную рабочую станцию выйти из системы после тайм-аута?

VI: Làm cách nào tôi có thể buộc máy trạm bị khóa đăng xuất sau khi hết thời gian chờ?

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