How to set up the ‘Find my device’ tracking feature on Windows 10

Windows 10 for desktop now let users track down the device if it ever gets lost or stolen with a new handy feature.

Find My Device feature on Windows 10
Find My Device feature on Windows 10

On Windows 10, “Find my device” is a feature that when enabled allows you to track down your devices anywhere in the world if you ever misplace them or get stolen.

This feature works thanks to your Microsoft Account. Once you enable the feature, you will allow Microsoft to periodically (every few hours) track the physical location a device. Of course, it’s not an exact location, it’s actually an approximation, but it’s good enough to find you device if every get lost or stolen.

In this guide, you’ll learn the steps to set up the Find my device feature on Windows 10 as well as the instructions to use the feature to locate a missing computer.

How to configure Find my device on Windows 10

To set up the feature to locate your missing device, use these steps:

  1. Open Settings.

  2. Click on Update & Security.

  3. Click on Find my device.

  4. Click the Change button.

    Find my device settings on Windows 10
    Find my device settings on Windows 10
  5. Turn on the Save my device’s location periodically toggle switch.

Once you complete the steps, make sure to keep your device connected to the internet, and every few hours, the location will be recorded in your Microsoft account.

How to find lost or stolen device using Microsoft account

If your device ever get lost or stolen, you can use these steps to find it:

  1. Open your Microsoft account.

  2. Click the Devices tab.

  3. Click the Find My Device tab.

  4. Select the device you want to find.

  5. Click the Find button.

    Find my device settings on Microsoft account
    Find my device settings on Microsoft account
  6. Confirm the location of your device last known location using the map in the right side.

  7. (Optional) Click the Lock button to lock your device remotely to prevent other people from using it.

After you complete the steps, you’ll hopefully be able to track down your device wherever it might be. Keep in mind that Microsoft will only be able to save the location as long the device is connected to a Wi-Fi network and it has enough battery.

About the author

Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 15 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 21 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].