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How to Track a Laptop: Best 2022 Guide

How to Track a Laptop | How to Track your Laptop final step image

Despite clearly knowing that laptops can be tracked, they are an integral part of our modern life.

They give us the ability to work from anywhere and can hold all of our information in one place. That’s why I wrote this guide on How to Track a Laptop

Unfortunately, there is a dark side: they’re expensive and easy to lose.
And if you’re like me, having a recent copy of your information on hand is quite useful.

Even though I know my laptop can be tracked using these steps below, there are times when it’s just not possible to keep tabs on the device.

As someone who has never had any reason to track their laptop before, I was pleasantly surprised at how easy it is to do.

There are a few different ways to track your laptop, but the most common (and reliable) way is through a third-party service like Prey or LockItTight service for Laptops.

Without further ado let us dive in and learn How to Track a Laptop step by step.

Step Two: Locate “Find My Device”

Step Two: Locate "Find My Device"

Step two you simply have to locate “Find my device” within the Update & Security setting wizard. After locating it, just click on it to open it.

Step Three: Enabling “Find my device” & Sign in

Step Three: Enabling "Find my device" & Sign in

Enabling Find my device will allow you to track your laptop if it ever becomes lost or stolen.

After clicking on the Find my device button, a new window will pop up that asks you to sign in with your Microsoft account.

After signing in, your computer or laptop will be enabled for tracking and you can locate it by using the app or website provided by Microsoft.

If for some reason you don’t have a Microsoft account or have forgotten your login information, you can also use the recovery key that was generated when you originally enabled Find My Device.

You should always keep this recovery key in a safe place in case of an emergency.

Step Four: Track Your Laptop Using Microsoft Account

Step Four: Track Your Laptop Using Microsoft Account | How to Track a Laptop | How to Track your Laptop

For This login to your account and navigate to Devices within your Microsoft account.

Click on the computer you would like to track and click Find my device.
You should now be able to see your laptop’s location as well as the battery status of it if connected wirelessly.

Clicking on Locate will allow you to send an alarm sound or message directly from this window for any device that is nearby.

Pretty cool right? 😀 If not, we still have other options available at hand. continue reading below.

Step Five: Use third party tracking software

Step Five: Use third party tracking software

If you don’t want to use Microsoft’s Find my device or if your computer is not compatible with the software, you can also use a third-party tracking service like Prey.

Prey is a cross-platform anti-theft solution that can protect your laptop from theft and data loss.

It works by installing an agent on your computer that sends reports of its location back to the Prey server whenever it connects to the internet.

You can also activate features like device management, data protection and even data security and more depending on your needs.

The best part about Prey? It’s free for up to three devices. With a pro plan of as low as only 5 dollars per month.

Conclusion on How to Track a Laptop

 In conclusion, it’s important to be vigilant about your laptop. It doesn’t have a GPS tracker so you need to take the initiative and track its movements if it is lost or stolen.

Tracking a laptop is easy and can be done in just minutes. As we have seen in this guide

You don’t need to worry about the hassle of trying to track your computer or worrying that someone is using it without you knowing.

When you get a new laptop, the first thing that you should do is install tracking software.

There are many different types of programs and apps that will track your device for free or at a low cost.

And even if it seems like there’s no way out of this situation, don’t panic! The location history can be found with the right tools and data recovery experts.

FAQs on How to Track a Laptop

  1. Can a laptop be tracked if wiped?

    Yes, laptops can be tracked even after they have been re-installed and wiped.

    The software that you use will depend on the model of the laptop being used.

    However, PC World suggests that certain precautions should be taken like backing up regularly which will increase the odds of getting your data back even after being stolen.

  2. Can police track my stolen laptop?

    Yes, Police can track your laptop if they have the right tools and information.

    However, it is important to remember that laptops can be sold very easily on the black market so tracking them down may be difficult.

  3. What software can I use to track my laptop?

    There are a number of different software options available for tracking laptops. PC World recommends Prey, Find my mac, lockitTight, Lojack For Laptop etcetera.

    Each of these programs offers different features and you will need to decide which one is best suited for your needs.

    For example, Absolute Software’s Computrace LoJack for Laptops Pro offers both remote lock and data recovery features while Prey does not have a remote lock feature but does allow you to track your laptop via the internet.

  4. Can I use my tablet or phone as a tracker?

    Yes, and No, Tracking devices for mobile phones can be used if you are concerned that your laptop will not have an active data connection when it is stolen.

    This means that even if there is no wifi signal present on the computer or network being used then tracking software should still work through GPS triangulation showing its last known location before going offline.

    Usually, this lasts up to 24 hours after disconnection from a wireless device. However, apps like Prey offer free online access so in theory anything with wi-fi connectivity could be tracked using their services.

    There are also many other third-party applications available but these non-official websites may contain viruses or malware so be careful when downloading them from unknown sources.

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