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If you just had the misfortune of having your laptop stolen, then you might be wondering how to track a stolen laptop with serial number?
Tracking a laptop is often tricky because the information required to track the lost laptop is most often stored on the laptop itself. However, if you have the serial number of the laptop it can help in the tracking process.
It is also possible to track your laptop if you have particular tracking software installed on it. However, the exact method to track it is unclear to most people.
In this step-by-step guide, we will walk you through the process of tracking your laptop using various methods. This guide will also help you prepare your laptop beforehand in case you ever face this misfortune.
How to Track a Stolen Laptop with Serial Number?
In order to track a stolen laptop with the serial number, you have to get into contact with your network administrator. This will only work if you have registered your missing device with the manufacturer. Your device will regularly send data back to the network administrator, and it can be recognized immediately via the serial number. Then, they can trace it when a change in IP address is observed to see where the connection is coming from.
This method is used in conjunction with other methods for the best tracking results.
Methods to Track a Stolen Laptop
Several other methods of tracking are also used for stolen laptops. These methods are often combined for the best and most accurate results.
Using Find My Device
For this method to work, you will need to log into your Microsoft account from another device. If you have previously logged into the Microsoft account on your stolen laptop, you can track your device with these steps:
- Open the Start Menu and select Accounts.
- Select your account and go to “Update and Security”
- Here you will log into your Microsoft account.
- Search for “Find My Device” after logging in.
- Select the “Find My Device” option on the sidebar menu and turn it ON.
- Go to the “Devices” tab.
- Select the stolen device, and click on “Find My Device”.
- You can start tracking your stolen laptop now.
Remember, this will only work if the stolen device is powered ON, and connected to the internet/GPS. In addition to that, you must have logged into the same Microsoft account on that device previously.
Speaking of WiFi, we also have a guide on why won’t a laptop connect to WiFi.
Using the default tracking features
Some laptops come with default tracking features straight from the factory. This is becoming more and more common nowadays thanks to the security movement from manufacturers. However, these features need to be activated beforehand.
If you still have your laptop and want to prepare it for this unfortunate situation, you should definitely activate these tracking options through the Start menu.
Once you have these activated, you will need to follow the instructions closely because every manufacturer has different tracking features. If your laptop has been stolen already, contacting manufacturer support directly is a great way to get some immediate help.
Using the installed tracking software
There are some fantastic third-party tracking programs available out there as well. If you have installed one of these tracking software programs on your laptop, it can be a real lifesaver in the event of a theft. Therefore, you should definitely consider installing one of these tracking programs on your laptop.
After installing the latest version of these software programs, you should enable their tracking capability. Then, create a recovery plan for your laptop. This plan usually includes your contact information for the purpose of tracking, and the software support team has access to this information.
In most of these tracking programs, you can also add a list of your device’s important data. If the laptop is unfortunately stolen, you should immediately notify the software’s support team. With the help of your device’s stored information and your provided contact info, they can help track your laptop.
The best third-party tracking applications include Prey, HiddenApp, Absolute Home and Office, Front Door, and EXO5.
Tracking the Laptop’s IP address
Another method to track a laptop involves the IP (internet protocol) address or MAC address of the laptop. In order to perform this method, you will need to know the IP address or MAC address of the device beforehand.
If you do have this information, the first thing you should do is notify your network administrator. The MAC address is usually specific to each device, so the administrator can use a process known as MAC address filtering to help track the laptop. They usually use the changes in IP addresses to track a stolen device.
Furthermore, you can also use software programs like Advatrack, Absolute, and Adonia to help find the laptop’s exact location through an IP address. These software programs need to be installed on the laptop before the theft, of course. They can detect changes in location and send the change to the network administrator.
The MAC address and IP address of the laptop can be found using the Command Prompt. Type the command “ipconfig/all” to get a list of the most important networking metrics. The “Physical Address” is the MAC address, while the IP address can also be found in the list.
Using Dropbox to find a stolen laptop
You may not have known, but an application such as Dropbox can also help you track your stolen laptop. It has a “Find My Device” feature which can be enabled with these steps.
- Open Dropbox and input your details.
- Go to the Settings in the upper right-hand corner.
- Scroll down and select the Security tab.
- Turn the “Find My Device” option ON.
- If your laptop gets stolen, go to the Dropbox website or app.
- Log in with your credentials.
- Go to Settings and then Security.
- Scroll down to see the log-in sessions and devices.
- Look at the recent activity column, and select the stolen device.
- You will get the IP address of that device.
You can also remotely lock your stolen laptop and erase its data using Dropbox.
Using Gmail to find a stolen laptop
Gmail also has a tracking feature similar to the one for Dropbox. This one is called “My Device” and it works in a similar way. Here is how you can activate it.
- Open your Gmail account and sign in.
- Go to Settings by clicking the gear icon in the upper right corner.
- Find the Security tab.
- Under “My Devices”, toggle the switch to ON.
- If your laptop gets stolen, go to the Gmail website.
- Go to the Settings again.
- Under “Last account activity”, find Details.
- When you click the Details option, a new window appears.
- The window has all the activity details, along with IP addresses.
You can use this feature to wipe your data or lock your device too.
Steps to Ensure Safety of your Laptop
If you want to prepare your laptop before you face this misfortune, then you should definitely follow these steps.
Use a password
In order to protect your personal data, always use a password on your laptop. This will help protect your sensitive data in the case of theft. You should also immediately change your account passwords if your laptop gets stolen because your personal information might be at risk.
Create regular backups
You should always back up your data to an external drive or server regularly, which can be tremendously helpful in the case of theft. If you have sensitive data, you should try to make an off-site backup as well.
On a related note, you may also be interested in how to factory reset an HP laptop.
Have a tracking software installed
Having a third-party tracking program will dramatically increase your chances of getting your laptop back. Make sure that you complete the entire setup process and that you provide all the required information to the support team of the software.
In the case of theft, you will be able to contact them immediately and begin tracking your device. Some popular tracking software options include Prey, HiddenApp, Front Door, etc.
Enable the default tracking features
As mentioned previously, many manufacturers are now installing default tracking features on their laptop models. This tracking service is provided directly by the manufacturer, so make sure you turn on these features and go through the setup process.
This also includes the “Find My Device” option of Microsoft Windows which helps track your device using your Microsoft account if you have a windows laptop.
Make sure the laptop is registered with the manufacturer
In order to get official support from the manufacturer in case of theft, your laptop must be registered with the manufacturer. The manufacturers have tracking tools that can use the device’s registered information to help find your device.
In order to register the device with the manufacturer, you need the laptop’s serial number. This can be found on the bottom of your laptop in most cases. If you cannot find it on the bottom of the chassis, be sure to check the system properties as well.
FAQs:
What is a laptop’s serial number?
A laptop’s serial number is a unique identifier that can be used to track your device if it is ever stolen. A serial number is basically a code that varies from every laptop to the next, so the manufacturer can immediately identify a laptop based on this serial number.
How to find my laptop’s serial number?
A laptop’s serial number can be found on the bottom of your laptop. It is usually printed on the bottom surface of the chassis in the case of most laptops. You can also check the system properties of the laptop within Windows to find the serial number of your laptop. Moreover, you can check the product box of the laptop for the serial number as well.
How to find my laptop’s IP address?
A laptop’s IP address can be found using the Command Prompt in Windows. Open the Command Prompt and run the command “ipconfig/all” (without the asterisks) and press Enter. You will get a list of the most important networking metrics including MAC address, IP address, and many others.
What should I do if my laptop gets stolen?
If your laptop gets stolen, you should immediately inform the local law enforcement agency first of all. After that, you should contact the manufacturer of the laptop, your local network administrator, and the support team of any installed tracking software. Finally, you should also change the passwords of all your accounts due to a potential security breach.