Source
r/Steam•
mkrfctr

Workaround to auto status change to 'away' when locking PC (Win+L) and revert to 'online' when unlocked.

This is a simple work around that makes it so the steam client marks you as away when you lock your PC and online when you return. Currently you're just always 'online' and probably get messages and people mad at you thinking you're ignoring them, and you're too lazy to bother or remember to manually change it or change it back.

The working bits are posted on gist.github so you can read the entire "code" on the main page or just jump straight to the download if you're the trusting sort.

Installation instructions:

  • Extract 'RunMe.bat', 'SteamAway.xml', and 'SteamOnline.xml' from within the .tar.gz file that was downloaded so they are in the same directory somewhere on your computer

  • Run the batch file titled RunMe.bat

Notes: Tested working on Win7 64bit with local administrator privileges, your results may vary. Standard 'not responsible for anything' disclaimer as well.

And here are the manual steps to do the same thing if you're uncomfortable with any downloads or just want to know how to do this without any files required:

Start -> type "taskschd.msc" in the search box (just start typing) -> press enter to open the Task Scheduler management console

Then repeat the following steps twice, once each for the two sets of options:

  • SteamAway --- On Workstation Lock --- /c start steam://friends/status/away

  • SteamOnline --- On Workstation Unlock --- /c start steam://friends/status/online

On the right hand pane click 'Create Task...'

On the General Tab -> Specify name as "SteamAway" or "SteamOnline"-> select radio selector next to 'Run whether user is logged on or not' -> check the box for 'Do not store password.' ->

Click on 'Triggers' tab at the top of the dialog window -> click 'New' button -> select 'On Workstation Lock' or 'Workstation Unlock' -> click 'OK' button ->

Click on 'Actions' tab at the top of the dialog window -> click 'New' button -> type "cmd" into the 'Program/script' box -> type "/c start steam://friends/status/away" or "/c start steam://friends/status/online" -> click 'OK' button ->

Click on 'Conditions' tab at the top of the dialog window -> unselect checkbox for 'Start the task only if the computer is on AC power' ->

Click on 'Settings' tab at the top of the dialog window -> for 'Stop the task if it runs longer than:' select '1 hour' from drop down ->

Click 'OK' button to finish creating the task -> repeat with second set of options to end up with two tasks

Let me know any feedback or issues or what have you and feel free to spread this around as there's a lot of people with perpetual 'online' status, and this has been an issue for at least 3+ years with no resolution.

Credit due three people in this steam thread, comments 12, 13, 16, for the combined idea.

Posted Nov 3, 2013, 11:50 PM UTC · edited

49
trustinbacon•

I made a button:

start steam://friends/status/away
%windir%\System32\rundll32.exe user32.dll,LockWorkStation
pause
start steam://friends/status/online
exit

Save as SteamLock.bat or something. Button will set your status to away and then lock your pc. The file will wait for input where it will set you back online and then exit the batch file.

2
Qwazzbrehttp://steamcommunity.com/profiles/76561198040913628•

Thanks for the code!

1
mkrfctrOP•

As an FYI that will require you to explicitly hit that shortcut to have it take effect (just hitting Win+L will not do it), it will then leave a black command window open that you will have to click into and press a key in after you've signed in to make go away and reset status to online.

It would work but IMO is not anywhere near as convenient or unobtrusive as the above method of setting up two tasks.

1
Qwazzbrehttp://steamcommunity.com/profiles/76561198040913628•

I'll keep that in mind. And I prefer this method because I can actually see it - while the other is more convenient, I wouldn't be able to tell at a glance that it's working properly, which would frustrate me somewhat.

1
mkrfctrOP•

Fair enough, different strokes for different folks!

1
IndigenousOreshttp://steamcommunity.com/profiles/76561198025393876•

I read somewhere here that Steam would automatically mark you as Away if you didn't move your mouse for 5 minutes though..

1
mkrfctrOP•

Yes, and it does. But not if your workstation becomes locked prior to 5 minutes of inactivity. For whatever reason Steam seems to stop monitoring for in/activity in that case. So anyone who's in the habit of Win+L every time they get up from their computer will forever be 'Online'. This workaround resolves that in the background without any user input or having to change any behavior.

3
Qwazzbrehttp://steamcommunity.com/profiles/76561198040913628•

What mkrfctr said. I've had this problem before, locking my station and coming home later to several annoyed messages from people wondering why I was ignoring them. That was the first time I realized Steam wouldn't auto-away me when my station was locked.

2
IndigenousOreshttp://steamcommunity.com/profiles/76561198025393876•

Huh. I'll have to give this a try then!

1