Windows 10: Question about Locking a "lost or stolen" Windows 10 device

(To give a little insight to the situation ->) Recently I've lent one of my laptops to a friend that needed one for the time being. This dates back to January 11th and since late May I've been asking for it back. He's been repeatedly making up excuses and I've become concerned on the condition of my laptop.

I would like to include that I made a local account for him to use on the laptop, it doesn't have admin access.


I've checked my devices page under "find my device" and it states that it was last seen on 3/20/18. (Approx. 2 months from post) What does this mean? Does this perhaps mean the last time it was turned on and connected to the internet? (It also states under it "We can't reach your device right now. It might be offline.)


I've also tried to lock my laptop to deter him from using it and increase my chances of getting it back, but when I try, it tries to reach my device, but then fails to do so. Does my laptop have to be on and connected to the internet in order to lock it?


If I need to be more specific, please do inform me! Thanks for your time!

:)

 

Question about Locking a "lost or stolen" Windows 10 device

Hi Laj1, I am sorry you have lost your device . . .

Yes for 'Find My Device' to locate or to lock your device, it must be switched on and connected to the Internet at that point in time . . .

 

Windows 10 Tweaks

Pressing “Windows+Pause Break” (it’s up there next to scroll lock) opens the “System” Window.

Windows 10: In the new version of Windows, Explorer has a section called Quick Access. This includes your frequent folders and recent files. Explorer defaults to opening this page when you open a new window. If you’d rather open the usual This PC, with links to your drives and library folders, follow these steps:

• Open a new Explorer window.
• Click View in the ribbon.
• Click Options.
• Under General, next to “Open File Explorer to:” choose “This PC.”
• Click OK

credit to Lifehacker.

 

Networking for a stolen device

Hello,

Windows 10 allows users to quickly find other computers or devices sharing the same network. For us to verify if the old PC is still connected to your network, follow these steps:

• Using Windows Search, type and choose File Explorer.
• Click Network on your navigation pane along the folder's left edge. It will provide you with the list of computers using the same network.
• Check to see if you can locate the stolen PC's name.

Make sure that you reach out to the computer manufacturer to validate if they can track your old device's system information. After doing so, you may file a report to the police so they can conduct further investigation regarding this incident.

Let us know if you need more help about this query.