Chrome OS devices for education and business can now be locked remotely if lost or stolen

Google has just issued an update to the Chrome OS Admin Console that should come in handy for educators and businesses. The update enables both business/enterprise and education devices running Chrome OS to be locked remotely if the devices are lost or stolen. To do so, ask your IT admin to lock the device remotely from the web-based control system. If you’re an IT professional that works with Chromebooks, head to this link to learn how.

Once the Chrome OS device is in its disabled state, the thief will be presented with the image below upon booting up the Chromebook. The person who turns on the device will be presented the lock screen with the school’s or company’s phone number and address, likely to shame them into returning the device back to its original owner.

Unfortunately, this feature is disabled for personal use Chromebooks, so don’t think you’re in the clear if you happen to misplace your computer. There’s no telling whether or not Google will add a similar feature to personal Chromebooks in the future, but we’ll be sure to update you if they do.