In today’s interconnected world, where computers and laptops have become indispensable tools for work, communication, and entertainment, their loss or theft can be devastating. Apart from the financial loss, it often leads to the disappearance of valuable data, personal memories, and important information. Fortunately, technology offers us solutions.
One of them is Prey – a powerful, free application designed to help you locate and protect your desktop or portable device in case of unwanted theft. Prey operates discreetly in the background, providing detailed reports on your device’s location and status once marked as stolen, without interfering with your normal computer work.
In This Post
The Winning Edge
Optimize Mobile Device Tracking Settings
- On Android, go to Settings > Location > Mode and select High Accuracy. Keep Wi-Fi and/or GPS on.
- For iOS, navigate to Settings > Prey and ensure Location is set to Always and Camera is Enabled.
- Enable Background App Refresh for Prey in iOS settings to ensure continuous monitoring.
Reason To Do This: Properly configured location and camera settings are critical for Prey to accurately track your device and capture vital evidence, such as photos of a thief, when your device is marked as missing. High accuracy mode on Android leverages all available location sources for the best results.
Enhance Account Security with Two-Factor Authentication
- Log in to your Prey Control Panel via the web interface.
- Navigate to your account settings or security section.
- Locate and activate the Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) option.
- Follow the on-screen prompts to link a 2FA app (like Google Authenticator) or set up SMS verification.
Reason To Do This: Activating 2FA adds an essential layer of security to your Prey account, protecting it from unauthorized access even if your password is compromised. This ensures that only you can control your device’s security features.
Verify Device Connection and Functionality
- After installing Prey, log into your Prey Control Panel.
- Select the newly added device from your device list.
- Initiate a test action, such as Sound Alarm or Display Message, on the device.
- Confirm that the action is successfully executed on your device and that a report is generated in the Control Panel.
Reason To Do This: Testing your Prey setup ensures that the client software is correctly installed, communicating with the control panel, and capable of executing remote commands. This verification step provides peace of mind that your device is truly protected before an incident occurs.
Download Prey
File size: 91.8 MB
OS support: Windows, macOS, Linux
Windows
Prey 1.13.36 for Windows 64-bit
macOS
Linux
Important Features
- Precise Location Tracking: Prey determines the exact geographical location of your device using Wi-Fi networks or its IP address, providing crucial information for recovery efforts. This feature is fundamental to quickly pinpointing a lost or stolen device.
- Comprehensive Device Reports: When activated, Prey generates informative reports that include the device’s general condition, a list of active applications, details of active network connections, and local/Wi-Fi network information. These insights help understand how the device is being used.
- Remote Desktop Screenshots: If your laptop is active, Prey can secretly capture a screenshot of the screen, revealing the activities being performed on the computer. This visual evidence can be invaluable for identifying unauthorized usage.
- Thief Photo Capture (Webcam): One of Prey‘s most powerful features is its ability to secretly capture a photo of the person using the device via its webcam. This photographic evidence can be crucial for identifying and apprehending a perpetrator.
- Hardware Inventory List: Prey can produce a detailed list of all hardware components on the computer. This information is highly useful for identifying the device in case of recovery or for providing necessary details to law enforcement agencies.
- Full Remote Computer Lock: In the event of theft, you can remotely lock your computer completely, requiring a password for access. This security measure effectively prevents unauthorized access to your sensitive data and personal information.
- Stealth Mode Operation: Prey operates discreetly in the background, ensuring that its presence is not detected by unauthorized users. This stealthy operation allows it to collect vital information without alerting the thief.
Tech Specs
| Software Name | Prey |
|---|---|
| Version | 1.13.36 |
| License | Freeware |
| File Size | 91.8 MB |
| OS Support | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Language | Multi-language (English, Spanish, Bahasa Indonesia, Latviešu, Türkçe, Oʻzbekcha) |
| Developer | Prey Project |
| Homepage | https://preyproject.com/ |
| Changelogurl | https://preyproject.com/product-releases |
| Last Updated | June 5, 2026 |
Hardware Requirements
Minimum
- OS: Windows 11, 10, 8 or 7
- Processor: 1 GHz or faster
- RAM: 1 GB RAM
- Disk Space: 50 MB of available disk space
Installation Steps
Installation Steps
- Click the download button above to get the installer for your operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux).
- Locate the downloaded file (e.g., prey-windows-installer.exe) and double-click to run the installer.
- Follow the on-screen installation wizard to complete the setup. You will be prompted to log in or create a Prey account to register your device.
- Once installed and registered, your device will appear in your Prey Control Panel, ready for monitoring and management.
Compatibility: Compatible with Windows 7 and later versions. For Linux, official support is primarily for Ubuntu systems. Ensure all necessary permissions are granted during mobile app installation for full functionality.
Fix Common Problems
- Issue: Device not connecting to the Prey Control Panel → Solution: Ensure the device has an active internet connection and that Prey has all necessary permissions (e.g., location services, background app refresh) enabled in the device’s settings.
- Issue: Webcam photos or screenshots are not captured → Solution: Verify that Prey has camera and screen recording permissions enabled in your device’s privacy settings.
Questions & Answers
Is Prey anti-theft software free to use?
Yes, Prey offers a free plan that includes basic tracking and security features for up to three devices. Paid plans are available for advanced functionalities and support for more devices.
Can Prey track a device that is already lost or stolen?
No, Prey can only track devices that have the software installed and registered to your account prior to being lost or stolen. It is essential to set up the software on your devices beforehand to ensure they are protected.
What operating systems does Prey support?
Prey is a cross-platform solution that supports a wide range of operating systems, including Windows, macOS, Linux (specifically Ubuntu), Android, and iOS. This allows you to manage and protect various devices from a single account.
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