An automated sash lock for locking a window sash comprises a linearly depressible trigger, a cam-style locking element normally biased towards a locked position, a rotatable detent actuated by the trigger, a pivotable transfer element between the detent and the locking element, and an actuator for manually operating the lock mechanism to unlock the lock when the window is in a closed and locked position. The detent is normally biased in the direction of the locking element and a portion of the detent engages a body portion of the locking element to maintain the locking element in a retracted position when the window is open. Upon actuation of the trigger by a closing window, the trigger translates linearly into the lock housing and rotates the detent into the disengaged position, pulling the detent away from the locking element and allowing the locking element to fire out of the lock housing and into an opening in a strike in the adjacent sash to prevent the sashes from relative sliding movement.