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In Windows 11, open Start > Settings > Privacy & security > Find my device, then switch the setting on or off. To locate a PC later, Find my device must be enabled before it goes missing, and Windows must be signed in with a Microsoft personal account as an administrator with device location enabled.
Enable or disable Find my device
- Open Start > Settings.
- Select Privacy & security > Find my device.
- Switch Find my device on to enable it, or off to disable it. Microsoft documents this path for Windows 11: Find and lock a lost Windows device.
What you need before you can locate a PC
- Enable the feature before the device is lost. Turning it on after the loss does not set up that device for the locate workflow.
- Sign in with a Microsoft personal account as an administrator. Microsoft lists both as requirements for Find my device.
- Keep device location enabled. The device-wide location setting is separate from Find my device and supports Windows location-dependent features. See Microsoft’s Location service and privacy guidance.
- Keep the device connected and powered. Microsoft advises that an internet connection and enough battery power are needed for a Surface to send its location; this is practical guidance, not a guarantee of a location at every moment.
Find or remotely lock a lost Windows device
- Go to account.microsoft.com/devices and sign in with the Microsoft account associated with the PC.
- Open the Find My Device tab, select the device, and choose Find. The portal displays a map with the device’s location.
- If appropriate, select Lock, then Next, to remotely lock the device. Microsoft says people using the device will see a notification when it is being located. If the device was stolen, Microsoft recommends reporting it to local law enforcement and the insurer.
Microsoft describes the feature as one that can help locate a lost or stolen Windows 10 or Windows 11 device. Its guidance does not provide a numeric success rate or an accuracy guarantee, so a map result should not be treated as certain or continuously current. Compatibility examples include Surface and other PCs or laptops; a Surface Pen is also mentioned, but it is not needed to configure the Windows PC setting.
Why Find my device may be unavailable
If the setting page or switch is missing or disabled, first confirm that you are signed in as an administrator. A device managed by an organization may also have settings controlled by that organization. Microsoft specifies the administrator requirement but does not document every reason a particular PC might omit or restrict the control, so a disabled switch alone does not identify the cause.
Check device location separately at Settings > Privacy & security > Location. Microsoft says only an administrator can change the device-wide Location services setting. If you still cannot change Find my device, contact your organization’s administrator if the PC is managed.
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- 1.1 GHz (boost up to 2.4GHz) Intel Celeron N5030 Quad-Core
Find my device, Location services, and app permissions
These controls do different jobs. Find my device is the feature used to locate the PC through the Microsoft device portal. Device-wide Location services supports location-dependent Windows features, including Find my device. App location permissions determine which apps can access location for your account. Turning off an app’s permission does not switch device-wide Location services back on; if device Location services is off, per-user app settings cannot re-enable it.
Windows may determine location from GPS, nearby wireless access points and routers, cell towers, an IP address, or a default location, depending on the device. Microsoft says de-identified location information may be sent to Microsoft to improve location services. When an app or feature accesses location while you are signed in with a Microsoft account, last-known location information may also be saved to the cloud and made available to permitted services. You can view or clear cloud location activity through the Microsoft account privacy dashboard.
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- 256 GB SSD of storage.
- Multitasking is easy with 16GB of RAM
- Equipped with a blazing fast Core i5 2.00 GHz processor.
Switching off Find my device or Windows Location does not guarantee that every third-party service cannot infer location through other signals, such as Bluetooth, an IP address, or a cellular modem. Microsoft also notes that Windows may still attempt to determine and share precise location for emergency calls. Local location history settings were removed in March 2025; cloud-stored location activity is managed through the Microsoft account privacy dashboard.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 【Efficient Performance】 Powered by Intel Core i3 processor (2 cores, 4 threads, up to 3.4GHz) with 12GB RAM and 256GB SSD. Handles multitasking, office software, online classes, and HD video streaming smoothly. Integrated Intel UHD Graphics 620
- Backlit Keyboard & Complete Package】Comes with a cool backlit keyboard. Comes with awebcam, dual stereo speakers (8Ω/1.0W each), DC charger, and user manual – ready for late-night studying, online classes, video conferencing, and daily productivity
- 【Vibrant Display】 15.6-inch Full HD (1920x1080) anti-glare screen with 16:9 aspect ratio delivers crisp images and vivid colors – perfect for studying, watching lectures, or entertainment. Thin-bezel design maximizes viewing area
- 【Fast Connectivity & Expansion】 Equipped with WiFi 6 (802.11ax) and Bluetooth 5.2 for stable, high-speed wireless. Features 3 x USB 3.0, HDMI 2.1, Type-C (supports PD3.0 fast charging), and a TF card slot expandable up to 2TB – easily connect external monitors, mice, drives, or expand storage for all your files
- 【Long Battery Life & Portable】 Built-in 11.55V 5000mAh/57.75Wh high-capacity battery delivers approximately 7 hours of mixed-use battery life – enough for a full day of classes and assignments. Lightweight at just 1.63kg (3.6 lbs) and 19.5mm thin, plus a compact packing size – easily slips into a backpack for campus, library, or coffee shop
Rank #4
- EFFORTLESS EVERYDAY PERFORMANCE: Powered by Intel Celeron N4020 processor and Windows 11 Home system, delivering reliable, low-power efficiency for daily tasks like document editing, email, online classes, and web browsing
- 15.6-INCH FULL HD DISPLAY: Enjoy immersive visuals on the 15.6" FHD (1920x1080) anti-glare screen with micro-edge bezels. Delivers clear details and comfortable viewing for long study sessions, working on spreadsheets, and video playback
- RESPONSIVE MULTITASKING & STORAGE: Built with 4GB LPDDR4 RAM and 128GB eMMC storage for smooth daily essential use. Expand your storage by up to 1TB via the integrated TF card slot to easily store movies, photos, and working files
- ADVANCED CONNECTIVITY: Outfitted with 2x Full-Featured Type-C ports for data transfer, fast charging, and dual-monitor output, alongside 2x USB 3.2 Gen1 ports and a 3.5mm audio jack for complete peripheral compatibility
- LIGHTWEIGHT & SILENT OPERATION: Slim and portable for effortless travel or commuting. Features a 1MP HD webcam for remote meetings, 38Wh battery with 45W Type-C fast charging, and a fanless silent design for peaceful work environments.
Rank #3
- 14" diagonal, 1366x768 resolution, HD BrightView LED, Glossy NON-TOUCH Display
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