Have you ever had that uneasy feeling while working in a coffee shop or on the train, like someone is peeking over your shoulder at your screen?

It is a real privacy concern, especially if you are handling sensitive emails or confidential documents. Even if you just prefer to keep your screen to yourself, it can feel uncomfortable.

Microsoft may have a solution on the way.

A new privacy feature called Onlooker Detection is reportedly in development for Windows 11. It is designed to do exactly what it sounds like: spot when someone is trying to take a look at your screen and let you know about it.

This smart technology builds on a feature already in Windows called Presence Sensing. Right now, Presence Sensing can dim or lock your screen when you walk away and wake it up when you return. It works with Windows Hello for quick and secure sign-ins.

The new Onlooker Detection takes things a step further. If your device senses someone nearby, your laptop could automatically dim the screen to make it harder for them to read, send you a warning, or both.

The goal is simple. Better privacy, without you having to do anything.

Your laptop will need the right hardware to use this feature. Specifically, it needs a presence sensor, called Human Presence Detection (HPD). This is common in newer laptops, especially those with chips from Qualcomm, AMD, or Intel. If you are not sure whether your device has this, you can check in the Settings app under System, then Power & battery.

While Microsoft has not officially confirmed the release yet, Onlooker Detection has appeared in recent Windows 11 preview builds. We do not know exactly when it will be available, but the signs look good.

Data privacy is more important than ever, and features like this can make a real difference. It is one more way Microsoft is working to make Windows 11 not just more powerful, but more personal and private too.

Would a feature like this make you feel more secure when working in public? Let us know what you think. Reach out any time.