The GUI tests for “any” testing framework, requires access to the screen. If it is locked then the user cannot interact with it, and logically, an automated system cannot too.
I my testing on Windows systems, I prepare the machine under test, to:
- Autologin with the proper user
- Disable screensaver
- Disable screen lock
- Configure power settings, to no suspend/hibernate (screen can stay off, but not disk or other relevant devices)
- Care to not have other users doing login
If this causes security issues, we can use a Virtual Machine, or a remote machine that we know physical access is limited.