How to enable find my device feature on Windows 11

By Mauro Huculak
published

Windows 11 with your Microsoft account makes it to find your computer in case it gets lost or stolen.

Windows 11 find my device configuration
Windows 11 find my device configuration (Image credit: Windows Central)

On Windows 11, you can enable the "Find my device" feature to locate your laptop, tablet, or desktop computer anywhere it might be if it gets lost or stolen.

The feature works by leveraging your Microsoft account's ability to sync information to the cloud. When you turn on "find my device," Windows 11 will periodically send the device's (approximate) physical location to Microsoft. If your computer ever gets lost or stolen, you can log into your Microsoft account online to find out the last known location recorded to help you locate the device.

In this Windows 11 guide, we will walk you through the steps to enable, use, and disable the find my device feature.

How to enable find my device on Windows 11

To enable the "Find my device" feature on Windows 11, use these steps:

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Click on Privacy & security.
  3. Under the "Security" section, click the Find my device page.

Source: Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Windows Central)
  1. Turn on the Find my device toggle switch.

Source: Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Windows Central)

Once you complete the steps, Windows 11 will proactively send the device's approximate location to your Microsoft account in case you need the information to find your device.

How to locate list device on Windows 11

To find a laptop or desktop computer through the Microsoft service, use these steps:

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Click on Privacy & security.
  3. Under the "Security" section, click the Find my device page.

Source: Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Windows Central)
  1. Click the See all your devices linked to your account option.

Source: Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Windows Central)
  1. Sign in with your Microsoft account (if applicable).
  2. Under the "Devices" section, click the Find my device option under the computer you want to find.

Source: Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Windows Central)
  1. Confirm the last known location.

Source: Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Windows Central)
  1. (Optional) Click the Find button to retrieve the current location.Quick note: This feature will only work if the computer is connected to the network.

After you complete the steps, you will have a good idea of where the laptop is located to help you find it. However, this service only provides an approximate location, which may not always be accurate.

How to disable find my device on Windows 11

To disable the "Find my device" feature on Windows 11, use these steps:

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Click on Privacy & security.
  3. Under the "Security" section, click the Find my device page.

Source: Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Windows Central)
  1. Turn off the Find my device toggle switch.

Source: Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Windows Central)

Once you complete the steps, the feature will no longer monitor and save the device location on your Microsoft account, improving your privacy.

More Windows resources

For more helpful articles, coverage, and answers to common questions about Windows 10 and Windows 11, visit the following resources:

Mauro Huculak
Mauro Huculak

Mauro Huculak is technical writer for WindowsCentral.com. His primary focus is to write comprehensive how-tos to help users get the most out of Windows 10 and its many related technologies. He has an IT background with professional certifications from Microsoft, Cisco, and CompTIA, and he's a recognized member of the Microsoft MVP community.

3 Comments
  • i wont turn this on
  • How about wearing something loose fitting?
  • Or a tinfoil hat... but I wish em good luck on not getting robbed.