Administrators can remotely lock Chromebooks in case of theft

Admins can now remotely lock Chromebooks if users have lost them or the laptops have been stolen. Google has announced that. The laptop then displays a text about how finders can return the laptop to its rightful owner.

The function is in the management tool for Chromebooks at admin.google.com, according to the explanation of the search giant. This requires a Google Apps for Work account and managers account. Administrators can deactivate the Chromebook there, after which the screen displays a red box with optionally the address of the rightful owner. The laptop is no longer usable and only displays the warning window on startup.

The way to display the window only works for companies or institutions with Chromebooks. The functionality is not yet available to consumers. It is not yet known whether and when the system will also be available for home users.