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🔒 DeskLock

🛡️ Lightweight Windows Application Blocker

A console-based C++ security utility that prevents selected applications from running by monitoring processes and terminating unauthorized programs in real time.

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✨ Overview

DeskLock is a lightweight Windows monitoring tool written in C++ that runs in the background and automatically blocks specific applications from running.

It continuously scans running processes and terminates any application that appears in the blocklist.

The application includes an interactive CLI control panel, password protection, and a persistent configuration system.

This project demonstrates practical Windows systems programming concepts, including:

• Process enumeration
• System-level process control
• Multithreading
• Secure CLI input
• File-based configuration management

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🚀 Features

🔍 Real-Time Process Monitoring

Continuously scans running processes using the Windows Tool Help API (tlhelp32.h).

❌ Automatic Process Termination

Blocked applications are immediately terminated using the TerminateProcess Windows API.

🖥️ Interactive Admin Control Panel

A simple CLI menu system allows administrators to manage blocked applications.

1. View Blocked Applications
2. Add Application to Blocklist
3. Remove Application
4. Temporary Unlock
5. Save and Exit

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🔐 Password Protected Access

Administrative controls are protected using hidden input via conio.h.

Default password:

admin

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⏳ Temporary Unlock Feature

Allows applications to run temporarily.

Example:

Allow chrome.exe for 5 minutes

After the timer expires, the app is blocked again automatically.

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💾 Persistent JSON Configuration

DeskLock stores settings inside a JSON configuration file.

Saved data includes:

• Admin password
• Blocked applications list
• Temporary unlock timers

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🛠️ Tech Stack

Technology	Purpose
C++	Core programming language
Windows API	Process monitoring & termination
tlhelp32.h	Process snapshot enumeration
conio.h	Hidden password input
JSON	Configuration storage
Multithreading	Continuous monitoring

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📦 Requirements

• Windows OS
• MinGW (GCC) or MSVC Compiler
• Make / mingw32-make

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⚙️ Installation & Build

1️⃣ Clone the Repository

git clone https://github.com/blckspidey/DeskLock.git
cd DeskLock

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2️⃣ Build the Project

mingw32-make

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3️⃣ Run the Application

.\build\DeskLock.exe

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📖 Usage

Step 1 — Start DeskLock

Run the executable.

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Step 2 — Login as Admin

Enter the default password:

admin

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Step 3 — Configure Blocklist

Example applications to block:

chrome.exe
cmd.exe
notepad.exe
discord.exe

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Step 4 — Save Configuration

Select:

Save and Exit

DeskLock will begin monitoring and terminating blocked processes automatically.

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📂 Project Structure

DeskLock
│
├── src
│   ├── main.cpp
│   ├── process_monitor.cpp
│   ├── control_panel.cpp
│
├── build
│   └── DeskLock.exe
│
├── config.json
│
├── Makefile
│
└── README.md

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🧠 How It Works

DeskLock follows this workflow:

Start Program
     │
     ▼
Load Config File
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     ▼
Start Background Monitor Thread
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     ▼
Scan Running Processes
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     ▼
Match Against Blocklist
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     ▼
Terminate Unauthorized Applications

This loop runs continuously to ensure blocked applications cannot remain active.

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⚠️ Disclaimer

This project was created for educational purposes only to demonstrate:

• Windows process management
• C++ systems programming
• Background monitoring techniques

DeskLock should not replace professional antivirus or enterprise endpoint management tools.

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🚧 Future Improvements

• 🖼 GUI Version
• 🔔 System Tray Background Service
• 📊 Activity Logging
• 🔑 Secure Password Hashing
• ⚡ Performance Optimization
• 🖥 Windows Startup Integration

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👨‍💻 Author

Developed as a C++ Systems Programming Project.

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⭐ If you like this project, consider starring the repository!

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