A device getting stolen or lost can lead to devastating consequences for businesses, whether they operate on-premises, remotely, or in a hybrid model. In fact, studies show that 41% of all data breaches are the result of lost or stolen devices, highlighting the urgent need for robust security measures.[1]
Remote wiping of Windows devices is an effective solution to mitigate this risk. By remotely erasing all data on a device, organizations can prevent unauthorized access to sensitive information, ensuring that even if a device is lost or stolen, the data remains secure.
Let’s explore how to remotely wipe data if your Windows laptop or desktop is lost or stolen, and discover the added benefits of using a UEM solution for this task. You’ll also learn how to remotely wipe a Windows device using Scalefusion UEM.
How to remote wipe a Windows computer?
1. By Enabling ‘Find My Device’ in Microsoft
Microsoft has its built-in ‘Find My Device’ feature that can help small businesses and individuals to remotely wipe Windows-based laptops and PCs.
Step 1. Enable Find My Device via Settings > Update & Security > Find My Device.
Step 2: Sign in to Your Microsoft Account.
Step 3: Select the lost or compromised device and choose the ‘Erase’ option.
2. Using Command Line Scripts
For IT professionals and advanced users, leveraging command-line scripting is a direct way to remotely wipe Windows devices. This method requires prior configuration of remote desktop access and appropriate administrative privileges on the target device.
For example, you can use PowerShell to execute a disk-wiping script. Here’s a sample command:
powershell
CopyEdit
Clear-Disk -Number 1 -RemoveData -Confirm:$false
This command clears the specified disk, removing all data without requiring user confirmation. Ensure you double-check the disk number to avoid accidental data loss on unintended drives.
3. Using third-party UEM/MDM software
Unlike the initial two methods, remote wiping your Windows-based laptop using a Unified Endpoint Management solution has additional benefits. While former methods are suitable for personal Windows computers and laptops and small deployments, managing a large and distributed fleet of Windows devices is much more difficult. UEM solutions have become indispensable for streamlining device management, including secure remote wiping.
Why choose a UEM for Remote Wiping?
- Centralized management: UEM platforms provide a single console to manage all enrolled devices, making it easier to initiate remote actions like wiping, even for large-scale deployments.
- Real-time control: With a UEM in place, IT admins can monitor device activity in real-time and instantly execute a remote wipe if a device is lost, stolen, or compromised. This minimizes the window of vulnerability.
- Compliance assurance: Many industries have stringent data protection regulations. UEM solutions help organizations stay compliant by ensuring sensitive data is erased securely and effectively.
- Automation capabilities: Advanced endpoint management tools allow for automated workflows, such as triggering a remote wipe when a device is reported lost or after multiple failed login attempts.
- Cross-platform support: Most UEM solutions support not only Windows but also other operating systems such as iOS, macOS, Android, Linux, and ChromeOS, enabling consistent security practices across diverse device inventories.
Remote wiping Windows devices with Scalefusion UEM
Scalefusion UEM offers an organized and easy-to-navigate dashboard, allowing IT admins to monitor devices, enforce security policies, and execute remote commands like wiping or factory resetting devices from a single console. By leveraging Scalefusion, organizations enhance their ability to safeguard devices and data, making remote wiping a proactive component of their overall security strategy.
How to wipe Windows devices using Scalefusion UEM?
Follow the step below to wipe data on Windows laptops and desktops with Scalefusion UEM
Step 1. Sign in to Scalefusion UEM dashboard.
Step 2. Navigate to the ‘Devices’ tab in the panel on the right. This displays the entire list of managed devices. Now, click on the name of the Windows device you want to wipe and lock.
Step 3. A ‘Registered Devices’ screen will appear with all the necessary device details and device location. Click on the ‘Settings’ icon on the top right of the device details section.
Step 4. A drop-down menu will appear. Scroll to the bottom of the menu and click the ‘Factory Reset’ option.
Step 5. Click on ‘Ok’ on the ‘Are you sure’ dialog box that pops up.
Step 6. Now, enter your Scalefusion dashboard login password in the ‘Confirm Action’ dialog box. Click on confirm to execute.
This wipes off the complete data of the selected device, keeping it secured and protected.
Gain complete security of Windows devices with Scalefusion UEM
Whether you’re safeguarding devices for a small business or a large enterprise, experience top-notch Windows Endpoint Management with Scalefusion UEM. Take proactive steps to maintain data security, compliance, and peace of mind. With Scalefusion get a centralized dashboard, real-time device monitoring, and automated workflows make it an ideal choice for organizations managing diverse and distributed device fleets.
Learn more about Scalefusion by getting in touch with our product experts. Start your 14-day free trial today!
References
1. UDT Online
