When you return to Windows from your password-protected screensaver, you are not prompted for your password.

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This behavior may occur if you start the screensaver manually. For example, if you click a shortcut on your desktop to start the screensaver, you are not prompted for your password. To use the password protection functionality on your screensaver, the screensaver must be started automatically by Windows.

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To prevent this behavior from occurring, do not start your screensaver manually if you want it to be protected by a password.

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This behavior is by design.

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When the computer times out because of inactivity, a Windows logon security feature starts the screensaver. When the screensaver is stopped because of user input (for example, keyboard activity or mouse activity), Windows locks the workstation. When you start the screensaver manually, Windows logon security features are not involved and the workstation is not locked.

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