Windows 10 had its first major update last November. One of its added highlights is a tracking¶ÿdevice feature. You can now enable GPS tracking to locate a Windows 10 laptop or tablet.
Gadget vendors who sell electronics say that the feature is similar to Apple and Android device¶ÿtracking integrated apps.¶ÿWhen Microsoft first launched Windows 10, its tracking device feature is supplemented by Prey,¶ÿa third-party software. Today, the feature is integrated for everyone with a Microsoft account.¶ÿBy default, this feature is disabled. To make it work, enable the application before your device is¶ÿlost.
It??s important to note this new Windows 10 device tracker has its limitations. It can only¶ÿremotely track the location of a missing laptop or tablet. Unlike the device tracking feature on¶ÿiOS and Android OS, it still doesn??t have the capabilities to remotely lock or wipe out the device.¶ÿThe only critical information you can get from the feature is the location of your missing device.
The company is yet to take this feature to another level to fully compete with the device¶ÿtracking feature of Apple and Android.
How the Windows 10 Device Tracker Works
To enable the tracking device on Windows 10, you must:
- Launch the device??s Start Menu/Start Screen.
- Choose Settings.
- Go to the Update & Security option.
- Tap ??Find My Device.? You will see a message confirming that the tracking device
- feature of your device is turned off.
You need a Microsoft account to enable the application. If you lost your tablet or laptop, log into¶ÿyour MS account from a web browser so you can trace the location of your device.¶ÿIt??s also important to update your device??s location when upgraded so it can automatically¶ÿtransmit its location to Microsoft.
If you have multiple gadgets, it??s important to rename each device. Your laptop or tablet¶ÿappears in a list of registered gadgets with the similar name set on your computer. To make the¶ÿtracking easier, change the name of your gadgets. To do this, simply:
- Launch the Settings option on your device.
- Tap the System button.
- Choose the ??About? option.
- Click ??Rename PC.?
- Key in your device??s new name.
How to Track a Lost Device
When your laptop or tablet is missing, track your device by visiting¶ÿaccount.microsoft.com/devices.¶ÿType in the same MS account you used when you enabled the device tracking feature. When¶ÿyou activate the search, a list of the devices recorded under your account will show. Choose the¶ÿmissing device and verify its last location. The prompt will show this message: Last seen at (time)
in (city). A link is attached to this message. It contains the information (map) you need to trace¶ÿyour missing device.¶ÿThe ??Find my Device? feature on Windows 10 is a testimony of the company??s endeavor to bring¶ÿWindows 10 for mobile and Windows 10 for computers closer together. Experts believe that¶ÿMicrosoft will further enhance this device tracking application to better serve Windows users.
