- There are a few ways to lock your PC via your phone in Windows.
- If you have an Android, you can use Phone Link and Remote PC to do so.
- For all devices, you can locate and lock your phone via your Microsoft Account and Find My Device.
Forgetting to lock your front door might have you racing back home to do so, but isn’t it refreshing to know that you don’t have to do the same with your Windows PC? Yes, today we’re going to be looking at the many ways you can use your smart device to do the job for you and lock Windows with phone controls.
Lock Windows With Phone – Different Ways, Same Outcome
Windows 11 has brought even more integration between platforms, making it easier than ever to control your PC remotely. There are a few ways to use your phone to remotely lock your PC. Let’s take a look:
Lock via Android and PC Link
If you’ve got an Android device, then you have a handy way to use phone to lock Windows. The Phone Link app has even more features than Windows 10, and the latest versions now allow you to lock your PC via a linked device.
Before doing this, you’ll need to link your phone:
Step 1. Open Phone Link via the search bar.
Step 2. Choose “Android” in the window that pops up.
Step 3. Scan the QR code that’ll appear with your smartphone camera.
Step 4. You’ll be taken to the Google Play Store, where you’ll need to install the Link to Windows app if you haven’t already.
Step 5. You’ll then be prompted to enter a code shown on your PC into the app. You’ll also need to sign in to your Microsoft account on your phone.
Step 6. Your phone should now be linked. Remember to keep Bluetooth on for both devices.
Step 7. Now, head into the app on your phone and click on your profile. You’ll see a button saying “Lock PC.” Click this, and your PC should lock.
Lock via Remote PC
If you’re taking your phone out of Bluetooth and local network range, you can still lock via phone thanks to Remote PC. Here’s what to do:
Step 1. Open Settings (Win + I) and click “Bluetooth and devices” from the side menu.
Step 2. Select “Mobile Devices,” then turn on the “Phone Link” toggle.
Step 3. Follow the instructions and ensure “Allow this PC to access your mobile devices” is toggled to “On.”
Step 4. Once done, click “Manage devices” and add your phone. Alternatively, if you’ve already added your device through Phone Link, it should be visible.
Step 5. Ensure the “Remote PC controls” toggle is switched to “On.”
Step 6. You should now be able to lock your PC remotely.
Lock via Find My Device
If your PC is registered under your Microsoft account, then you can lock your PC via your smartphone browser, or any browser for that matter. Here’s how:
Step 1. Open your Microsoft Account and sign in.
Step 2. Head to the “Devices” tab in the sidebar.
Step 3. Choose your PC from the list of devices and click “Find my Device.”
Step 4. A map will show up with your PC’s location. Click it and select the “Lock” button.
