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This idea is for a simple way to lock single windows when sharing a session or machine with other users. "locking" a window prevents other users from accessing that window, viewing its contents, easily closing it or resizing it. Possibly only retaining the minimize button.

It would be implemented on a Kwin level, with Kwin rendering its own window contents and hiding the titlebar contents until unlocked. It's not ridliciously secure (you could still close programs via the task manager, or open new windows to programs with auto-logins) but it would be a good deterrent.

If implemented, it could have the option to prevent new windows of the same class from being opened without a password, or hide tool windows (E.g. locking a GIMP window might hide its helper toolboxes)

For example, if I were using Firefox with several important tabs open and someone else wanted to use my computer to check something, I would lock that Firefox window to prevent the other person from either browsing my information or closing the window. Another example would be back when I had room-mates who shared my computer but tended to "vandalize" open windows (such as typing random letters into code)


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Note: the "lock" button is the top-left button.

For the password used to unlock, it could be the users password, something typed in at the time of locking, a 4-digit PIN or an android-style "lock/unlock" pattern created at time of locking, example below (showing the lock screen and a "failed" attempt).


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a very nice idea. We won't be able to do that before Wayland I think, but the idea is nice, could be very useful e.g. on Plasma Active.