Microsoft has added a new feature to the Smartphone Link (Link to Windows) app that lets you lock your Windows PC remotely from your phone.
This is one of those features that sounds small but is actually really handy. Say you leave your desk in a rush and forget to lock your PC. Instead of heading back to your desk, you can just lock it from your phone in a couple of taps. It’s especially useful in shared spaces where your PC might be left unattended for a while.
The feature works over an internet connection, as long as both devices are connected and linked to your Microsoft account.
To use it, the Smartphone Link app must be running on your PC. You can set this up automatically by opening Smartphone Link and clicking on the cog icon in the top-right corner. Scroll down and click on the down arrow to expand the App Behavior menu.
Tick the box next to “Start Smartphone Link when I sign in to Windows.” Then pick up your phone, install and launch the “Link to Windows” app. Sign in with your Microsoft account and connect to your PC. You should now see the “Lock PC” button in the app.
Tap it and confirm with “Lock.” The connection to the computer will be disconnected, and the Windows login screen will appear. You won’t be able to log back into the PC using your smartphone.
Tip: If you can’t establish a connection between your phone and PC, go to the Windows Settings in the Start menu and select “Bluetooth & Devices” -> “Mobile Devices.” In the “Mobile Devices” section, tap your phone’s name and make sure “Allow this PC to access your [name of smartphone]” is enabled.
