If you’ve ever worked from a coffee shop, co-counsel’s office, or even just a courtroom hallway, you’ve probably had that unsettling feeling of someone glancing a little too long at your laptop screen.
For law firm professionals, this isn’t just uncomfortable. It’s risky. Sensitive client data, confidential case files, and privileged communications all live on that screen. And if someone sees what they shouldn’t? That could mean an ethics violation, not just an awkward moment.
That’s why a new Windows 11 feature caught my attention. It’s one you’ll want to keep an eye on.
It’s called Onlooker Detection, and while it’s still in development, it’s being quietly tested in preview builds of Windows 11. The idea is simple: if your laptop detects someone trying to peek at your screen, it can automatically dim or alert you.
Let’s pause there. Because yes, this sounds futuristic. But it’s also one more way modern devices are learning to protect your privacy before a problem happens. And for small to mid-sized law firms without an internal IT department keeping watch 24/7, smart defaults like this matter.
This feature builds on existing tech within Windows called Presence Sensing, which is already used by some laptops to lock or wake the screen depending on whether you’re nearby. With the right sensors (known as Human Presence Detection, or HPD), your laptop could soon serve as your first line of visual defense.
Here’s how it could work in your day-to-day. Let’s say you’re finalizing a motion during your train ride downtown, and someone sitting across the aisle starts leaning in for a better look. Your laptop could dim the screen just enough to make their snooping worthless. Or it could give you a nudge to move or shield your view.
It’s discreet. It’s automatic. And it might save you from a very public tech misstep.
What Does This Mean for Law Firms?
For managing partners and operations leaders who are already juggling compliance, security, and staff productivity, this kind of built-in privacy protection is one less thing to worry about.
You won’t need to train your staff to spot peepers.
You won’t need to install another third-party privacy tool.
And you won’t need to add it to the growing list of “things we’ll deal with later.”
However, not every device will support this out of the box. The feature relies on hardware-level sensors typically found in newer business-grade laptops. Devices with Qualcomm, Intel, or AMD chips, and those designed with enterprise users in mind, are most likely to support it.
So if your team is still running older machines or has a patchwork of personal laptops in the mix (which is more common than firms like to admit), now might be the right time to start building a replacement roadmap.
Here’s What I’d Recommend to Implement Presence Sensing:
- Check Device Compatibility: Go to Settings > System > Power & battery and see if presence sensing is an option.
- Talk to Your IT Partner: Ask if your current laptops can support this feature. If not, what’s the recommended upgrade path?
- Think Bigger: If you’re refreshing hardware, take it as a cue to evaluate all the “invisible risks” in your current environment. That includes encryption, remote access policies, and yes – screen privacy.
Because in a field where discretion is not optional, the smallest tools can have the biggest impact.
Microsoft hasn’t announced a release date for Onlooker Detection yet. But if you manage attorneys who work in public spaces, travel for client meetings, or handle high-profile cases, it’s worth getting ready now. This may be one of those features that your staff never mentions but silently appreciates every day.
And honestly? That’s what great tech should feel like.
If you’d like help reviewing your firm’s device setup or privacy safeguards, that’s exactly the kind of proactive support we offer. No jargon. No drama. Just peace of mind that the little things are covered so the big things don’t break.