Are you encountering the “Find My Device” feature not working issue on your Windows 11 device after the recent 24H2 update? You are not alone! Considering how pivotal this tool is for tracking lost devices, it’s indeed frustrating to find the device-tracking feature crippled.
There are many reasons why it tends to malfunction – ranging from settings issues to software conflicts. In this in-depth guide, I’ve discussed the 20 most effective ways to find Find My Device not working on Windows 11. Keep reading…
Best Tips to Fix Find My Device Not Working on Windows 11
What has disrupted the Find My Device on your Windows PC? A number of factors could have contributed to this issue including
- Location services disabled
- Outdated drivers
- Airplane mode enabled
- Network connection issues
- Microsoft account problem
- Disabled Find My Device
- Windows update pending
- Firewall blocking connection
- Device offline
- Privacy settings misconfigured
- Incorrect time zone
- Conflicting third-party software
Having got a clear list of disrupters and roadblocks, we are going to break down the viable tips that work in bringing the malfunctioning device tracking tool back on track. As always, kickstart the guide with the basic solutions. Only if a specific tip doesn’t yield the desired result, move on to the next one.
1. Ensure “Find My Device” is Enabled
Note that the “Find My Device” needs to be active on your device in order to allow Windows to track a lost device. If it is disabled, Windows won’t be able to access or send your device’s location data.
- Open Settings > Privacy & Security > Find My Device.
- Now, toggle the switch to turn it On.
- If it’s already active, turn if off and back on.

2. Check Device’s Internet Connection
Find My Device requires a strong and active internet connection in order to send location data to the Microsoft account server. Hence, ensure that your device is connected to a stable internet connection.

3. Reboot Your Device
Rebooting has long been a mighty effective solution in resolving minor software glitches in a jiffy. Thus, it makes sense to reboot your PC.
- Restart your Windows device by clicking on the Start menu and selecting Restart.
4. Disable Battery Saver
Battery-saving modes never shy away from turning off certain background processes like location tracking in order to preserve as much battery as possible. Though this smart play goes a long way in boosting the battery life, it does tend to become a headache at times – especially when some important features fall prey to the extra caution.
- Open Settings > System > Power & Battery.
- Under Battery saver, disable Battery saver mode.

5. Check Date & Time Settings
Wrongly configured time settings can interfere with location tracking, causing many features to misbehave.
- Go to Settings > Time & Language > Date & Time.
- Turn on the toggle for “Set time automatically.”
6. Sign In with a Microsoft Account
It’s worth pointing out that the “Find My Device” feature needs to have an active Microsoft account to be able to sync device data across your devices and store location information.
- Open the Settings app on your PC > Accounts.
- If you’re using a local account, select “Sign in with a Microsoft account instead and go through the prompts.

7. Check Location Services
Location services are pivotal for “Find My Device” to function, as it needs to have your device’s GPS or network location to track it.
- To get it done, launch Settings > Privacy & Security > Location.
- Now, turn on the toggle for Location services.

8. Enable Device Sync
Your device needs to sync with your Microsoft account to share location data. If sync is disabled, location data won’t be updated.
- Go to the Settings app on your > Accounts > Sync your settings.
- Now, activate the Sync settings for all options.
9. Allow Apps to Access Location
For “Find My Device” to function without any restriction, it requires permission for specific apps to access your location.
- To do so, launch the Settings app > Privacy & Security > Location.
- Scroll down and make sure that the Allow apps to access your location is active.

10. Ensure Background Apps Are Enabled
“Find My Device” is an entirely dependent background app to gather location data and keep it updated.
- On your PC, navigate to Settings > Privacy & Security > Background Apps.
- Make sure that the apps that handle location tracking have the needed license to run in the background.
11. Update Windows
Keep in mind that out-of-date system files or a software bug can cause features like “Find My Device” to behave weirdly. Thus, updating the software could be a well-timed solution.
- Open Settings > Windows Update > Check for Updates and install any available updates.

12. Disable VPN
A VPN may block location data, making it impossible for “Find My Device” to track your device. Disconnect or disable any active VPN connections and check if the feature works.
13. Verify Device on Microsoft Account
If the device isn’t properly registered with your Microsoft account, “Find My Device” won’t be able to locate it.
- Visit account.microsoft.com/devices and check if your device is listed.
- If it’s missing, add it manually.
14. Check Device Permissions in Device Manager
If the device’s location hardware (like GPS) is disabled or malfunctioning, “Find My Device” will not work.
- Right-click the Start button and select Device Manager.
- Find Location or GPS, right-click and select Enable if it’s disabled.
15. Clear Cache and Cookies
Malicious cache or cookies in your browser or system can interfere with location syncing.
- Open Settings > Privacy & Security > Clear browsing data.
- Select Cookies and Cache, then click Clear.
16. Run Windows Troubleshooter
The built-in troubleshooter can automatically detect and fix location-related issues.
- Go to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot.
- Select Location and run the troubleshooter.
17. Check for Conflicting Software
Third-party software like firewalls or system optimizers can block location data, preventing “Find My Device” from working. Temporarily disable or uninstall any third-party software that might interfere with location services.
18. Reset Location Settings
Check if the location services have got stuck. If they have, resetting them to the default state will let you flush out the issue.
- Launch the Settings app > Privacy & Security > Location.
- Turn Location off, wait a few seconds, then turn it back on.

19. Run SFC Scan
Corrupt system files or unexpected errors might also be at the forefront of “Find My Device” from functioning. Therefore, check for system errors with the help of SFC (aka System File Checker) and take the necessary steps to get rid of them.
- Open Command Prompt as administrator.
- Type sfc /scannow and press Enter to scan for system errors.
20. Reset Windows
If nothing has worked in fixing the ill-functioning Find My Devic, a system reset can be the need of the hour. Known for resolving persistent issues, there is a decent chance that it will restore the full functionality of the device track.
- Dive into the Settings app > System > Recovery.
- Under Reset this PC section, click Get started and then run through the prompts to reset.

Wrapping up…
That wraps up this detailed guide about fixing the Find My Device issues on Windows 11. I hope the device tracker is back in full swing. Now, be sure to share your feedback and the solutions that have helped you restore it. If you find any other worthy tips missing from the guide, do not forget to share them via the comments section below.