LockApp.exe

Windows ProcessMicrosoft Corporation

Also called lockapp, lock app, windows lock screen

WindowsSystem Component

Windows default lock screen app. It shows the lock image, time, and status while the PC is locked. LogonUI.exe still owns the credential tiles.

What you need to know

This paints the lock wallpaper. LogonUI.exe is still the PIN box.

LockApp.exe is the Lock App package. Windows Spotlight and lock-screen status run here. Ending it can blank the lock image. It does not unlock the PC.

Safe?: Yes. It is the lock screen package
Same as LogonUI?: No. LogonUI is the sign-in tiles
High CPU on lock?: Spotlight or a huge album can do that

Feex says

If the lock picture is a slideshow hog, I change Spotlight settings. I do not end winlogon to fix wallpaper.

What is LockApp.exe?

LockApp.exe is Microsoft.LockApp, the default lock-screen experience.

What does it do?

It shows time, detailed status, and Windows Spotlight images. Credential collection stays with LogonUI.exe on the secure desktop.

Why is it running?

The session is locked, or Windows prestarts the lock package. You should not see a busy LockApp after you are already on the desktop for hours, unless a preview is cached.

Is it safe?

Usually safe

The LockApp SystemApps package is Microsoft. A LockApp.exe in a "theme" zip is not the lock screen.

A legitimate copy normally runs from:

C:\Windows\SystemApps\Microsoft.LockApp_*\LockApp.exe

Lock wallpaper and status
Credentials: LogonUI.exe
Spotlight uses the network

Can I end it?

Lock image may vanish

Ending LockApp.exe can leave a blank lock background until it starts again. You remain locked.

Can I remove it?

Do not delete LockApp.exe. Change the lock picture or Spotlight in Settings > Personalization. LogonUI.exe still owns the PIN tiles.

Should it start with Windows?

Locking the session starts it. Not Startup Apps.

Normal resource behavior

These are contextual labels, not universal averages.

CPU: Can rise on Spotlight slideshows
Network: Spotlight images
Memory: Moderate
Disk: Cached pictures

File information

LockApp.exe file information
Executable name	LockApp.exe
Common legitimate path	C:\Windows\SystemApps\Microsoft.LockApp_*\LockApp.exe
Publisher	Microsoft Corporation
Signature expectation	Signed by Microsoft Windows

Common problems

High CPU while locked

Switch Spotlight off as a test. A OneDrive album as lock background can also hurt.

Black lock screen

Restart LockApp, then check the GPU. LogonUI issues are a different host.

Troubleshooting

Diagnose before you change anything destructive.

Settings > Personalization > Lock screen

Picture versus Spotlight is the first split.

Do not replace LockApp from the web

Re-register the package only as a repair.

Technical details

LockApp.exe technical details
Image name	LockApp.exe
Role	Default lock screen app

Sources and verification

Reviewed by Feex editorial. Last verified August 2026 Status: Feex Reviewed. How we research.

Microsoft Support: lock screen · Lock App surfaces
Microsoft Learn: Windows · Primary Windows documentation
Foxhole process map · First-party samples on Windows PCs. Not a lab benchmark.

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