This category covers cable locks for laptops, monitors and desktop PCs, which secure the device to a desk or another heavy fixture. Our range includes over 290 products, among them Kensington, Compulocks, StarTech and Lindy.
They are useful in offices, schools, co-working spaces and anywhere a computer is left unattended.
How to choose an anti-theft lock for a laptop
The lock slot. First check whether your computer has a Kensington security slot, a small rectangular opening on the side of the casing. Most business laptops have one, but very thin models may not. Slot sizes differ, so check which slot type the lock is designed for.
Lock type. Our range is mostly combination locks and key locks, with some models supplied with two keys or a round key. A combination lock means there is no key to lose, but you have to remember the code. Key locks suit workplaces where one master key opens several devices, as long as someone is responsible for keeping it safe.
Cable and materials. Cables are made of carbon steel, galvanised steel or other steel, and the lock body is either steel or ABS plastic. A thicker steel cable is harder to cut, and galvanised steel resists corrosion better. The length should be enough to loop around a table leg or another solid anchor point, so think about where you will attach it.
The device you protect. Most of our locks are meant for laptops, but there are also universal models and locks for monitors and desktop PCs. If a device has no security slot, an add-on attachment plate can sometimes be used, but check that it is compatible with your model first.
Brands we carry
- Kensington: the brand associated with the Kensington security slot standard, which most laptop locks are built around.
- Compulocks: focuses on device security, so its range is built around locks and mounting solutions rather than general computer accessories.
- ABUS: a German security manufacturer best known for padlocks and bicycle locks.
- StarTech and Lindy: best known for computer cables, adapters and connectivity accessories, with locks as an addition to that range.
- Targus and Dicota: mainly known for laptop bags and cases.
- Dell and Lenovo: laptop manufacturers whose business models commonly include a security slot.
Also in our range: Navilock, Conceptronic and LogiLink.
Frequently asked questions
What is a Kensington lock for a laptop?
It is a steel cable with a lock, one end of which fits into a small security slot in the laptop casing. You loop the other end around a desk or another heavy object, so the laptop cannot simply be picked up and carried off. The name comes from the slot standard used by many manufacturers.
Should I choose a combination lock or a key lock?
It depends on who will use it. A combination lock suits a single user because there is no key to carry, though you must remember the code. Key locks are more practical in an office or classroom where many devices are managed and a spare key is needed.
Does a laptop lock fully prevent theft?
No, it makes theft considerably harder rather than impossible. A cable can be cut with the right tools, and excessive force may damage the slot, so the lock works as a deterrent. It is most effective when attached to a heavy or fixed object and when the laptop is not left unattended for long periods.
What can I do if my laptop has no security slot?
A standard lock will not fit directly in that case. For some devices an adhesive or clip-on attachment plate can be used, but check that it is compatible with your model before buying. If you are unsure, look at the laptop specification or the sides of the casing.
