System Preferences lock always unlocks itself after restart The Mac's System Preferences panels have a universal "lock" icon which, when locked, will apply to all panes, therefore preventing the user from changing any settings until they unlock the System Preferences by typing in their admin password.

I like to keep it locked at all times. However, whenever I restart my computer, System Preferences unlocks itself.

How do I keep the lock setting locked even after a restart?
Go to Security &amp; Privacy, then Advanced.

check the box for Require an administrator password to access locked preferences

That should ensure all the lockable prefs default to locked.