LostHour

Ready Check / Windows PC or laptop

Get a Windows PC or laptop ready to be found

5 settings. Menu names differ between versions; the maker’s page beside each one is the source.

  1. 1

    Turn on Find my device

    SettingsPrivacy & securityFind my device

    Microsoft says it must be on before the PC goes missing; it needs a Microsoft account with administrator rights and location on.

    Source: Microsoft: Find and lock a lost Windows device

  2. 2

    Sign in with a password, PIN or Windows Hello

    SettingsAccountsSign-in options

    A PC with no sign-in password is open to whoever opens the lid.

  3. 3

    Know where your BitLocker or device encryption recovery key is

    SettingsPrivacy & securityDevice encryption (or BitLocker in Control Panel)

    With encryption on, a thief cannot read the drive; you need the key if you ever get the PC back.

    Source: Microsoft: Find your BitLocker recovery key

  4. 4

    Back up your files (OneDrive or an external drive)

    SettingsAccountsWindows backup

    A laptop can be replaced in a day; years of files cannot.

  5. 5

    Write down the serial number

    The sticker under the laptop, or in PowerShell: Get-CimInstance Win32_BIOS

    Needed for a police report or insurance claim.

Keep the numbers where you can reach them

Put this Windows PC or laptop in a private plan: its serial, IMEI and carrier number, ticked settings, and its own “it’s missing” page. Two devices free. Lost Hour Pass is $1.95 a month or $19.50 a year for 12 devices; Household is $3.95 a month or $39.50 a year for 30. Free during preview: nothing is charged.

Start a plan

Already missing? The first-hour steps for this Windows PC or laptop →