How to Remotely Lock Windows 10 and Windows 11 via the Internet

Sometimes, you may need to temporarily or permanently lock access to your Windows 10 or Windows 11 computer remotely. This can be especially useful if the device is lost or if you suspect its security has been compromised. Here are several ways to accomplish this through the Internet, each explained in detail below.

1. Using Microsoft’s “Find My Device” Feature

If you’ve linked your computer to a Microsoft account, you can take advantage of the convenient Find My Device feature. Here’s how to use it:

  • Go to the Microsoft website and log in with the account used on your device.
  • In the “Devices” section, select your device.
  • Click on “Find My Device” to view its location, and choose the “Lock” option. This will lock your device and display a message on the lock screen.

This function allows you to instantly lock your device, securing your data from unauthorized access.

2. Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP)

If Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) is set up on your device, you can connect to it and manually lock the session:

  • Use another computer or device to remotely connect to your Windows computer via RDP.
  • Once connected, press Windows + L to lock the screen.

This method requires pre-configuring RDP access and knowing your computer’s IP address. It’s suitable only if remote access is already set up on the device.

3. Using Third-Party Remote Management Software

You can also use third-party applications like TeamViewer or AnyDesk to lock and control your computer remotely:

  • Install and configure remote software (such as TeamViewer) on your Windows device beforehand.
  • From another device, log into the application and connect to your computer.
  • The management menu often includes options to lock or end the current session, which helps restrict access.

4. Using Mobile Device Management (MDM) Systems

If your computer is managed by a company or organization, an MDM solution (such as Microsoft Intune) may be installed. These systems allow administrators to remotely manage and lock devices. Contact your IT administrator for assistance with this option.