Windows 10: Computer locks me out when idle if apps or windows are open

Hoping someone could help me with a problem. I have a desktop computer. Since uploading Windows 10, lately if I have any apps or web pages open and the computer is idle for about 15 or 20 minutes or longer, the screen goes black and if I can even get the black screen back to where it was before it went black, none of the apps or windows that were open will close or do anything. If I click on the red "X" to close the app or window, I get a spinning pinwheel that just spins and spins and nothing happens. Hitting "Control-Alt-Delete" does nothing either. The only way I can get back control of my computer is to shut down manually by pushing the button to shut it off, and then restarting. When I restart, the windows and apps that were open can now be closed and I have control back. I know it's not good for the computer to be shut down like this repeatedly. This phenomenon only started happening a few weeks ago. Before that, I didn't have this problem. I don't know if it has been the case ever since I uploaded Windows 10, but I think when I first uploaded it, things were fine. I don't always remember to "shut everything down" before I walk away from my computer for a few minutes, and I shouldn't have to do that. As I said, this is only a recent occurrence. It NEVER used to do this! This is NOT a case of the computer just going to sleep, and it is NOT simply a matter of adjusting the sleep-time setting. Does anyone know how I can fix this?

:)

 

Computer logs me out if it's idle for a few minutes

Still am puzzled as to how to correct this problem and am hoping for some help. Is this something MS instituted in it's last update?

 

Computer logs me out if it's idle for a few minutes

Which version of Windows?

Don

 

Suggestions : Please use them the way they are listed.

1. Run a full scan to make sure your computer is clean.

2. Run a system file check to look for corrupt files. It will try to do repair if any found.
Right click at Start button > click Command Prompt (Admin) > at the flashing prompt, copy/paste this.......
sfc /scannow

> press Enter.
It will take quite sometime.
When finished, it will give you one of the 3 reports...............(paraphrasing)
(1). No integrity violation.
(2). Found corrupt files and repair successful.
(3). Found corrupt files but unable to repair.

If the report is #1, your solution lies elsewhere.
If the report is #2, check if your problems have been resolved.
If the report is #3, use this method................
In the same Command Prompt (Admin) windows, copy and paste this command...........

dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth

> press Enter.
Again it will take some time.
When finished, it will give you a report.

*** please post back the results.***

3. If the above 2 methods do not fix the problem, do a Repair Install.
Repair Install Windows 10 with an In-place Upgrade

 

Thank you for the suggestions! I will try the full scan first (as suggested) using the Windows Defender. I will try the additional suggestions as I can (if necessary and depending on when I can devote the time needed for it). I need my computer during the day so if additional scans and checks are needed, they may have to wait until nighttime when I am not using the computer.

 

You should check for malwares too.
Malwarebytes is the best in the business.
Use this link to download the free version and run it. It is the true FREE download. Not a Trial version.
http://filehippo.com/download_malwar..._anti_malware/

 

I did the full scan as you suggested and that didn't help. I also installed a screensaver and that didn't change anything. I haven't done the system file check yet, but I may attempt that when I know I won't be using my computer for a while since you said it will take some time. I'm a little afraid to mess too deeply with things since I've no idea what I'm doing. I know you gave very specific instructions but I am still somewhat fearful about starting this. . .but maybe. . .

I am downloading the Malwarebytes right now and will see what that does, if anything. Thanks again! will keep posted.