ClearLock

Customization is an aspect most computer users are looking to exploit in order to personalize their workstations. If you're tired of the standard Windows screen locking system and you are now looking for an alternative, you may want to have a look at ClearLock.

An alternative to the common lock screen

This easy to use app can instantly lock the screen in the same fashion as the popular Windows utility, only that it relies on a transparency effect to show you what's happening on the desktop.
Of course, the settings screen is the one that lets you adjust all these parameters, including here the transparency level, although the standard values should be just fine for most users.

Several options to work with

Additionally however, this is the only place where you can find a password changing option, as well as dedicated settings to change the lockout policy and define the maximum number of invalid password login attempts. What's more, you can write down your very own lock message, but also configure background image, colors, disable screensaver and sound effects.

Good but far from being a pro

It's not all just milk and honey though. First of all, the configuration screen can only be accessed via Command Prompt, so rookies may have a very hard time trying to figure out how to launch it.
Secondly, because it's a lock screen utility, it shall protect the computer all the time, but during our test we managed to get past the restriction, start Task Manager and end its process. Last but not least, it also lacks hotkey support to enable protection with the press of a button.
On the other hand, ClearLock runs without a glitch regardless of the operating system and that's a very good thing given the fact that it doesn't affect system performance at all.

To end with

Overall, ClearLock may be a handy Windows lock screen replacement, but it clearly needs some improvements, not only to become a bit more user-friendly, but also to make sure no one manages to get past its security system.