If you run a small business in Southwest Oklahoma, chances are you work from more than just your office. Maybe you catch up on emails at the coffee shop in Lawton, handle invoices while waiting for a client in Duncan, or review orders on your laptop before a meeting in Altus. While working on the go is convenient, it comes with a problem that many people overlook: screen snooping.
Have you ever noticed someone glancing at your laptop while you’re working in public? It’s not just uncomfortable. It’s also a real risk if you’re looking at customer details, financial records, or sensitive contracts.
Windows 11 Onlooker Detection to the rescue
Microsoft wants to fix this with a new feature called Windows 11 Onlooker Detection. Think of it as a guard for your screen. When someone tries to peek at what you’re doing, the system notices and gives you a warning. Your laptop can also dim the screen so the other person has a harder time seeing. This way, you stay in control of your information while focusing on your work.
Building on what already exists
This tool builds on something Windows 11 already offers: Presence Sensing. Right now, Presence Sensing can lock or dim your screen when you walk away. It then wakes the screen back up when you return. Onlooker Detection uses a similar idea but applies it when a stranger is too close for comfort. Instead of waiting until they have seen too much, it dims the screen or quietly alerts you right away.
What you need to make it work
Not every laptop can use this new feature. Windows 11 Onlooker Detection requires a special sensor, known as Human Presence Detection. This type of sensor is more common in newer laptops, especially those that run on Intel, AMD, or Qualcomm chips. If you want to check if your device has it, open Settings, click System, then choose Power and battery.
For small business owners, a laptop with this kind of hardware is a smart investment. Think of it like putting an automatic lock on your office door. In this case, the lock protects your screen when you’re working in a public place.
Why privacy matters for small business
Running a business means handling all kinds of sensitive information. From payroll to customer orders, there is a lot you don’t want strangers to see. Many owners think only big companies get targeted, but that isn’t true. Small businesses face risks too, often because attackers assume security is an afterthought. Onlooker Detection gives you one less thing to worry about by protecting your data in the background.
Part of Windows 11 new features
Microsoft hasn’t shared an official release date, but this tool has already appeared in test versions of Windows 11. That makes it one of the most useful Windows 11 new features in development. Microsoft is showing that Windows 11 isn’t just about speed or performance. It’s also about giving everyday users stronger privacy and peace of mind.
A step toward peace of mind
If you work in public often, this feature could be a big help. Instead of worrying about who might be watching, you can stay focused on running your business. For small business owners across Southwest Oklahoma, that kind of confidence is valuable.
Wouldn’t it feel better knowing your computer has your back the next time you open your laptop at a café in Chickasha or use Wi-Fi at the library in Anadarko?
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