To block unauthorized access, you can lock a Windows computer remotely. Here is how to remote lock Windows 10 and 11 operating systems.
When you lose your Windows computer or forget to lock it before going away, you should immediately lock it remotely to ensure no unauthorized person can access it. As you can guess, if you don’t lock the computer, anyone can log into it and sift through the data. In a worst-case scenario, they might get their hands on critical information like your family photos, financial documents, personal files, government and professional IDs, etc.
It doesn’t happen often or ever, but it is always a good idea to have a backup plan to lock your computer no matter where it is. This is especially important for laptop users who travel often or have a habit of using it in public spaces like coffee shops, airports, railway stations, etc.
To deal with this, Microsoft added a nifty feature called Find my Device in both Windows 10 and 11. The Find my Device feature will periodically update the device location with Microsoft servers when turned on. By logging into your Microsoft account, you can see the device’s last location. Using the same feature, you can remote lock the Windows computer. Once locked, only system administrators can unlock the system, effectively blocking unauthorized access.
The good thing is, though it sounds complicated, all it takes is a few clicks to remote lock the computer in Windows 10 and 11.
Let me show you how to lock your Windows computer remotely in simple and easy steps without further ado.
Important note: Before proceeding, I assume you have enabled the “Find my Device” feature. If not, follow the links below to enable it in Windows 10 and 11.
Supported operating systems: Windows 10 & 11.
Remote lock a Windows computer
To remote lock a Windows computer, you have to first log into the connected Microsoft account, go to the “Devices” page, and click the Lock option. It is that simple to do. Let me show you the exact steps and how to do it.
- Open the browser of your choice.
- Log into your Microsoft account.
- Go to the “Devices” page.
- Find the Windows device.
- Click on “Find my device.”
- Click the “Lock” button.
- Type a message in the blank field when prompted.
- Click the “Lock” button.
- The Windows computer is locked remotely in a minute.
Same steps with more detail and screenshots:
First, we need to open the Devices page in your Microsoft account. To do that, open the browser of your choice and go to the https://account.microsoft.com/devices/ page. If prompted, log in to your Microsoft account connected to the Windows computer.
Once you are here, find the Windows device you want to lock and click on “Find my Device.” If you can’t find it, you either did not login with a Microsoft account in Windows or logged into another Microsoft account that is not linked with your Windows computer.
Now, click the “Lock” button.
The web page will prompt you to type a message as soon as you do that. This message will appear on the lock screen after locking the system. So, type a note of your choice. Preferably, add some contact information so that a kind stranger can inform and hopefully return your Windows computer.
Finally, click the “Lock” button in the message window.
As soon as you do that, Microsoft should lock the computer immediately. Sometimes, it can take a couple of minutes.
Remember that your Windows computer should be connected to the internet for this to happen. If the device is not connected to the internet when you press the “Lock” button, it will be locked as soon as it connects to the internet.
Once locked, you will get an email from Microsoft letting you know the same.
Log into your Windows computer with an administrator account to unlock the system.
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That is all. It is that simple to remote lock a Windows computer.
I hope this simple and easy Windows how-to guide helped you.
If you are stuck or need some help, comment below, and I will try to help as much as possible.
