Theft notebook

Hi @Bernie63,

You can find more information about device encryption or Bitlocker here. Note that Windows 10 Home does not support this, Windows 11 should be able to do it in all versions, I believe. (Please correct me).

At Microsoft, the device find function is called “[Find my device](https://support.microsoft.com/de-de/account-billing/lost-windows-device-find-and-lock-890bf25e-b8ba-d3fe- 8253-e98a12f26316)”.

However, all computers have one problem compared to a smartphone: the function only works if your device is connected to the Internet. This isn’t a problem for a smartphone, but the vast majority of laptops don’t have built-in cellular functionality - in other words, you can click on lock, but as long as the thief isn’t stupid enough to plug in an Ethernet cable or connect the device to a WLAN, nothing will happen .

That’s why prevention is king in this case. If the hard drive is not encrypted, an experienced Windows admin can reset the user password in under 5 minutes and have full access to your user account (there are various methods). Alternatively, he could also briefly remove the SSD/hard drive and vacuum the data directly. If you use myCloud Desktop, these can be read from the hard drive like normal files. (You can disconnect your laptop from the WiFi and see what you see - that’s exactly what a potential thief has in front of him)

But if you encrypt the hard drive, the whole thing is more difficult. A run-of-the-mill thief has no chance. I don’t know what it looks like with secret services, but I’m assuming that you are not a target of secret services 😉.

What doesn’t exist on Windows devices, as far as I know, is activation lock. If someone steals my iPhone or MacBook and I mark it as lost, it is worthless to the thief. Because every Apple device checks with the Apple servers whether it already belongs to someone, even after a complete reset. If this is the case, you have to log in with the previous owner’s Apple ID. If you can’t do that, you have a nice paperweight.

My devices are completely encrypted and provided with EFI (BIOS) password. In addition, they all have an adhesive on the bottom with a QR code, an email address and a request to return the device because it is worthless to the thief.

But what should you do if a device is stolen and the hard drive is not encrypted? Then you have to assume that all data on the device is potentially compromised. That means:

- Change all passwords and end sessions (on most sites this means “log out everywhere” or “log out from all devices”)

- If you had confidential data on the device, inform the originator

- Be prepared that the data can be used against you (ID copies are very sensitive, for example)

In any case:

- Open a complaint against someone unknown (your insurance will probably require it anyway)

As you can see, fully encrypting your system will save you a lot of trouble in the event of theft.

Last but not least: If you are shown a private key/recovery code during setup, keep it safe and in a safe place. If Windows ever shoots itself in the foot or you need to have your laptop repaired (or have it?), you will thank me 😉.

LG

r00t