How to locate Lost laptop if someone installs fresh windows

Anonymous
2019-06-27T11:54:48+00:00

Hi,

My laptop has been lost. Location tracking is turned on my device. If someone formats my laptop and re-installs fresh copy of windows, will I be still able to locate my device? If not, what is the recourse? PLZ HELP.

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Connect Phone and PC

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  1. Martmcd 19,900 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2019-06-27T11:58:47+00:00

    Hi MunirMuhammad.

    yes, you will still be able to see its location in your microsoft account.

    when the device connects to the internet.

    although it is not perfectly accurate. it might be useful information for the police.

    36 people found this answer helpful.
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  2. Igor Leyko 105.7K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2019-06-27T11:58:55+00:00

    Hi Munir,

    unfortunately it is impossible. And there is no a solution except ask a help from police.

    25 people found this answer helpful.
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  3. Anonymous
    2019-06-27T12:54:51+00:00

    Hi,

    My laptop has been lost. Location tracking is turned on my device. If someone formats my laptop and re-installs fresh copy of windows, will I be still able to locate my device? If not, what is the recourse? PLZ HELP.

    Unfortunately, no. If the thief erases your hard drive, or restores your computer to factory settings (using the manufacturer's factory restore procedure,) your computer can no longer be located.

    At present, the 'find my device' feature of Windows 10 is very limited. All it can do is locate your PC. It can't lock the PC, or erase it, or take pictures from the built-in webcam. For that reason, it's pretty useless. If you lose your PC and can't find it quickly - forget about it. It's gone.

    Instead, worry about what personal information is on the computer, and how a thief might use it.

    40 people found this answer helpful.
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  4. DaveM121 803.9K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2019-06-27T14:53:47+00:00

    Hi Munir

    I am sorry, if the thieves re-install Windows 10 on your device, then you will not be able to locate that device using the 'Find My PC' option in Windows 10

    If they wipe that PC, that will remove your User Profile, Microsoft Account and Windows completely from that system and so, your device will not be found

    55 people found this answer helpful.
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