Since Kali 2024.4, several users have reported that the lock screen is activated after a short period of inactivity, despite settings changed to prevent. Configuring power and display options to prevent screen lock does not stop the screen from locking automatically. I was running 2024.3 in a VM and had no problems. Performed an upgrade and first noticed the issue. Downloaded a new base install of 2024.4, and noticed the issue is also present with no additional changes.

To replicate issue, download new ISO image of 2024.4 in a VM and the screen logout will occur, even if the setting is disabled.

Several users affected, see this report and messages in OffSec Discord server for further examples.