# Unlocking/Locking Hardware

### Unlocking

VxAdmin and VxCentralScan require users to use an Election Manager Card and a security code to login. Both machines have a smartcard reader as shown below. 

![Laptop on and locked](/files/yyf8ZOiYF39iiy2WXovR)

Both machines will display Machine Locked when turned on. To unlock the machine, insert your Election Manager Card into the attached card reader.

<div><figure><img src="/files/jnHR3m4o8YcRa1Zo4PNA" alt=""><figcaption><p>Election Manager Card in card reader</p></figcaption></figure> <figure><img src="/files/cIuFVyj8sNxAV1xKYbAb" alt=""><figcaption><p>Locked screen</p></figcaption></figure></div>

Enter the card security code and remove your Election Manager Card.

![Enter card security code](/files/e9sxqMnzyk9nqfRuZ8pT)

{% hint style="info" %}
Note: A System Administrator Card may also be used to unlock VxAdmin.
{% endhint %}

### Locking

Any time a machine will be left unattended, be sure to lock the machine by selecting *`Lock Machine`*&#x69;n the upper right hand corner of the screen.

**VxAdmin**

<figure><img src="/files/8ZYmtZFWAc8ZIor87U5O" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

**VxCentralScan**

<figure><img src="/files/TcYjOGwA6Win4B0N0pn9" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>


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