microsoft has introduced a remote lock feature for Windows PC within the Phone Link app on Android. With this update, users can lock their PC with a single tap from their phone, even if they have walked away from the computer.
The feature is currently available only on Android and works automatically when both the phone and PC are running the latest version of Phone Link. This change fixes a common issue where users forget to lock their PC when leaving shared work environments.
How the new remote PC lock works on Phone Link
When you open the Phone Link app on a paired Android device, you’ll see the Lock PC option. Tapping this option will lock your PC within a few seconds.
Once the lock command is sent, the Phone Link app automatically disconnects and you will need to unlock the PC manually to reconnect.
This feature does not require any additional configuration. As long as both your Windows PC and Android phone are running the latest versions of Phone Link, the Lock PC option will appear automatically.
How to manage remote locking and how it compares to dynamic locking
Users who want to disable remote locking, perhaps to prevent accidental locks, can do so through Windows Settings. To do this, open Settings on your Windows PC, then navigate to Bluetooth & devices, followed by Mobile devices. Select your paired phone from the list and toggle the Remote PC Controls option to turn the feature on or off.
Windows has long included Dynamic Lock, a feature that automatically locks the PC when a paired phone is disconnected via Bluetooth. The new Phone Link option serves a similar purpose but with a few key differences.
Phone Link offers several advantages:
- The PC locks only when the user explicitly presses the button, eliminating any uncertainty about whether the lock has occurred.
- The Lock PC button appears grayed out when the phone is not connected, providing clear information about its availability.
- Phone Link works over Wi-Fi, so Bluetooth doesn’t need to stay on constantly, which helps conserve phone battery.
Dynamic Lock has its own benefits: it works automatically when the user walks away. It may be useful for users who do not yet have Phone Link installed and configured.
For those already using Phone Link for features like cross-device notifications, file transfers, or the recently added Apple Messages support, the new Lock PC option offers explicit on-demand control. Users who don’t use Phone Link in other ways may find Dynamic Lock easier to set up.
iOS Status, Availability, and Who Benefits Most from Remote PC Lock
Currently, the remote lock feature is only available on Android. Microsoft has not indicated whether this option will be added to Phone Link for iPhone.
Since Apple restricts third-party access to iMessage and other system features, the iPhone version has more limited integration with Windows.
The recent addition of Apple Messages support to iPhone Phone Link shows that Microsoft is continuing to develop iOS integration, but the Lock PC feature is not yet included in that effort.
The Lock PC feature is now rolling out with the latest updates to the Phone Link app. Users should ensure that both the Windows app and the Android Phone Link add-on are updated through the Microsoft Store and Google Play Store, respectively.
Once both apps have the required versions, the feature will appear automatically. For those who frequently work in shared offices, coworking spaces, or open-plan environments where forgetting to lock the PC can pose a security risk, this new feature offers a quick way to secure the device without having to return to the desk.
