en.Wedoany.com Reported - Microsoft has added a remote lock feature for Windows PCs in the Phone Link app for Android. Users can lock their PC with a single tap on their phone after leaving the computer.

This feature is currently only available on the Android platform. Users need to ensure both their phone and PC are running the latest version of Phone Link, and the feature will activate automatically. This update primarily addresses the security issue of users frequently forgetting to lock their PCs in shared office environments.

When opening the Phone Link app on a paired Android device, users will see the "Lock PC" option. After tapping this option, the PC will lock within seconds. Once the lock command is sent, the Phone Link app automatically disconnects, and users must manually unlock the PC to reconnect. This feature requires no additional setup; as long as both the Windows PC and Android phone are running the latest version of Phone Link, the "Lock PC" option will appear automatically.

Users who wish to disable the remote lock feature can do so through Windows settings: navigate to "Settings" > "Bluetooth & other devices" > "Mobile devices," select the paired phone from the list, and toggle the "Remote PC control" option on or off.

Windows previously included the Dynamic Lock feature, which automatically locks the PC when a paired phone disconnects via Bluetooth. The new Phone Link option serves a similar purpose but differs. The remote lock feature in Phone Link offers several advantages: it locks the PC only when the user explicitly presses the button, eliminating uncertainty; the "Lock PC" button grays out when the phone is not connected, providing clear feedback; and Phone Link operates over Wi-Fi, so Bluetooth does not need to remain on, helping to save phone battery. Dynamic Lock's advantage is that it works automatically when the user leaves, making it suitable for those who have not installed and configured Phone Link.

For users already using Phone Link for cross-device notifications, file transfers, or Apple Messages support, the new lock option provides clear, on-demand control. Other users may find the Dynamic Lock setting simpler.

The remote lock feature is currently only available for Android, and Microsoft has not indicated whether it will add this option to the iPhone version of Phone Link. Due to Apple's restrictions on third-party access to iMessage and other system functions, the iPhone version has limited integration with Windows. The recent addition of Apple Messages support to the iPhone version of Phone Link suggests Microsoft is still developing iOS integration, but the PC lock feature is not yet included.

This feature is rolling out with the latest update to the Phone Link app. Users need to ensure the Windows app and the Android Phone Link companion app are updated via the Microsoft Store and Google Play Store, respectively. Once both apps reach the required version, the feature will appear automatically. This feature provides a quick way for users who frequently work in shared offices, coworking spaces, or open environments to protect their devices, allowing them to remotely lock their PC without returning to their desk.

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