My Windows Laptop has been stolen (or is lost). What should I do?

Just this week, and iTandCoffee Club member contacted me after her Windows laptop went missing at a conference.

​Losing a laptop (or a mobile device) can be stressful, but taking immediate actions can help limit the damage and protect your data if the laptop has fallen into the wrong hands.

Here are some steps to consider and try - especially if it is signed in with your personal Microsoft account. And we also briefly cover some ways to protect yourself should something like this happen to you.

Have you enabled the "Find My Device" feature on your Windows laptop?

Something to consider before such an disaster befalls your own computer is to check if Find My Device is turned on.

Check this setting in Settings > Privacy & security. Turn on Find My Device if it is not already turned on. (You may need first enable location tracking for the device.)

If Find My Device was enabled for your lost device, sign in to your Microsoft account on another device (at https://account.microsoft.com), select the Devices option in the sidebar (or go to https://account.microsoft.com/devices) and go to the Find My Device option for the device that is lost. This option is found by clicking on the device's name to expand the information and options available).

If your laptop is on and connected to the internet, you can hopefully see its last known location.

From this option, you can usually choose to Lock your computer which will "Log out any active users and disable local users. Administrators with permissions will still have access, but unauthorized access will be blocked. Your device will be locked and location tracking services will be enabled".

If your laptop is signed in to your Microsoft account, check for recent activity ​

On another device, go to the website https://account.microsoft.com and sign in with your the email address and password you use for your Microsoft account.

Visit the account security page (found at https://account.microsoft.com/security) and click on the Sign-in Activity option to see if there are any sign-ins from unfamiliar locations.

Take Steps to Protect Your Data and Online Accounts

Of course, if your computer is stolen there is the danger that the thief will try to access your online accounts.

Change Passwords:

• Immediately change the passwords for your Microsoft account and any other accounts you used on the laptop, including email, social media, banking, and others. Focus first on those that can have financial or identity impact if stolen.
• Think about what passwords might be stored in your computer's password manager (e.g. in Chrome), potentially accessible by the thief. Make sure all these passwords are changed.
• For accounts that provide this option (e.g. Gmail, Outlook, Facebook, etc.), choose to sign out devices that are already signed in
• Use strong, unique passwords for each account. Consider using a password manager to help manage them.

Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA):

• Enable TFA on all accounts that support it.
• This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification in addition to your password.
• If available, use the option of Passkeys for extra strong security.

Monitor Financial Accounts:

• Keep an eye on your bank and credit card accounts for any unauthorised transactions.
• Report any suspicious activity to your financial institutions immediately.

Other actions to keep device is as secure and safe as possible

Enable "Find My Device":

• As mentioned earlier, ensure this feature is enabled to locate your device if it’s lost.

Encrypt Your Hard Drive:

• If your computer is using Windows Pro, use BitLocker to encrypt your hard drive. This makes it harder for thieves to access your data. (Note BitLocker is not available for PCs using Windows Home.)

Regular Backups:

• Regularly back up your data to an external drive or a cloud service.
• This ensures that you won’t lose your important files if your laptop is lost or stolen.
• Consider using a service like OneDrive or Dropbox for your computer's files, so that your files are constantly sync'd.

Use Strong Passwords and Biometrics:

• Set a strong password for your Windows account
• Enable biometric login options like Windows Hello (fingerprint or facial recognition) if your laptop supports it.
• Avoid using the Passcode feature for unlocking your device.

​Keep Your OS and Software Updated:

• Regularly Update Windows and all installed software to the latest versions to ensure you have the latest security patches.

Need help?

iTandCoffee offers friendly one-on-one assistance - either in person (if you are local to Camberwell, Victoria) or remotely (using Zoom, Teamviewer or even just over the phone or a messaging service).

If you need patient help with your technology, book online here, give iTandCoffee a call on +61 444 532 161 or +61 3 9889 9468, or email [email protected].

iTandCoffee can assist with all types of technology - Windows, Mac, iPhone, iPad, Android, Microsoft Office products and Microsoft 365, Dropbox, Google products, connecting a printer, connecting to the internet and so much more.

And we have a range of classes and videos that can help you learn about and get more from your technology - whether you are a beginner or a more advanced user. Here is our schedule of events and videos.

Join our iTandCoffee Club to gain access to our members-only tips, videos and guides - with different membership levels available to suit your needs. Note that iTandCoffee Club members with Plus or Premium membership can access free appointments to get answers to their questions and issues.
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