Track down a lost or stolen computer by remotely activating its location and locking it.
Whether you have a laptop or a Microsoft Surface device, Windows 10 has built-in functionality, like Apple and Google’s OS, to remotely locate and lock lost or stolen devices. Even if an ill-intentioned soul will easily get around the function, the latter has the merit of existing.
In addition, this feature can be used even if it has not been activated beforehand on the lost machine. Microsoft offers the possibility of activating it remotely, provided that the lost computer is connected to a Microsoft account as well as to the Internet.
1. Sign in to your Microsoft account
First step, go to https://account.microsoft.com/devices to sign in to the Microsoft account to which the lost computer is signed in. The page should display a list of all your Microsoft devices attached to this account. Click Show Details to remotely manage your machine.
2. Activate localization
Even if you have not previously activated the location of your PC, it is possible to do so remotely. For this, the lost computer must be logged in to the Microsoft account and have Internet access.
Go to the Find my device tab, then click Turn on location.
3. Locate and lock the lost device
Now that your device’s location is enabled, the map refreshes and displays your PC’s location. To lock it, just click Lock.
A window will appear indicating that all users of the lost PC will be logged out. Click on Next.
4. Display a lockout message
If you wish, it is possible to create a message that will be displayed on the lock screen of the device so that the person who finds your machine can contact you to return it to you.
Confirm by clicking on Lock. The lost computer should automatically lock and display the message you entered.
5. Change the login password
For added security, Microsoft recommends resetting your Microsoft account password. Click Reset Password if you want to change it, otherwise click OK.
Once the machine is locked remotely, only administrators can connect to it to unlock it.
