Historically , Windows has had a bad report for security measures , and there are far more malware strains that target Windows than any other operating system out there — for the most part due to the scale of personal computer that exist in the humanity . With such a vast array of potential threats , it ’s more important than ever to keep your Microsoft PC secure and protect .
But doing so does n’t have to be difficult or expensive . In fact , you could get going the right way now with just the computer you own , no extra software necessary . And if you do want to append your PC with some of thebest Windows appsthat will advance your security and privateness , you do n’t need to pay off a penny .
In this template , we ’ll take you through some of the most importantWindows 11security background that everyone should get it on . Put them to use and you ’ll be able-bodied to ramp up your computer ’s protection in just a few click . Let ’s see how it ’s done .
Enable virus protection
Because it ’s the most pop operating system of rules on the planet , Windows is a prime target for hackers , and that imply you take to have robust virus protection on your electronic computer . To enable that , open up the Windows Security app from the Windows search legal community and chooseVirus & menace protectionin the sidebar . There , you ’ll see details on your chosen antivirus app ( ensure you ’re course either Microsoft Defender or one of thebest third - party antivirus apps ) . If you demand to remedy anything , accompany the on - screen prompt to frustrate up your security .
Regardless of which antivirus app you expend , it ’s a good thought to regularly schedule computer virus glance over so that you’re able to becharm any threats as before long as they appear . The steps to do this will deviate with each app , but make certain to look them up for your chosen app to keep your PC protected .
Secure your account
In the Windows Security app , selectAccount protectionin the sidebar . UnderWindows Hello , chooseManage mansion - in alternative . If you have a webcam or fingerprint reviewer on your PC , start the options for eitherFacial recognition ( Windows Hello)orFingerprint recognition ( Windows Hello ) , as these will offer much stronger protection than just using a password to access .
conk back to theAccount protectionsection in Windows Security , pickDynamic lock settingsunder theDynamic lockheader and ticktock the highlighted checkbox on the next screen . This setting will automatically lock your equipment once your paired phone is outside of Bluetooth range , with the assumption being that you ’ve leave your desk . This way , your PC and its private data point are not approachable to anyone who endeavor to sneak up to your computer when you ’re not there .
Fire up the firewall
Ensuring you have a strong firewall is another good way to keep your PC and its table of contents secure when touch base to the internet . In the Windows Security app , chooseFirewall & internet protectionin the sidebar . Make indisputable that under each of the header on the page ( Domain internet , Private internet , andPublic net ) , you see the textFirewall is on . If not , pick out the header and follow the on - screen prompts to turn on the firewall .
Back on theFirewall & net protectionpage , selectAllow an app through firewallat the bottom . Check the resulting listing to check that that every app should really be allowed through . If you find an app that you ’re sure does not call for to be granted a firewall exclusion , selectChange settingsand untick the checkbox to the left of its name . When you ’re done , selectOK .
Apps and browsers
act down the sidebar , head toApp & internet browser controlin the Windows Security app and chooseReputation - based protection . see that the toggles for all of the section on the page are turn on . Then go back to theApp & internet browser controlpage and chooseExploit protection > Exploit protection setting > System settingsand ensure that everything is enabled .
Back on theApp & internet browser controlpage , you ’ll see theSmart App Controlsection . This blocks malicious and untrusted apps from your microcomputer , add to its protection . However , it bank on sending Microsoft optional diagnostic information — if you disabled this when you firstinstalled window , you ’ll need to reinstall Windows to enable Smart App Control . If you do n’t want to broadcast Microsoft your optional diagnostic information for privateness reasons , Smart App Control will be unavailable .
Secure boot and drive encryption
In the Windows Security app , move down toDevice securityin the sidebar . At the top of this section , you ’ll see theSecure bootheader . This lineament prevents malware from loading when you change state on your PC , and it ’s required to be able to install Windows 11 . Thus , if you ’re currently running Windows 11 , you should see a light-green check mark next to theSecure boottext . If you do n’t , follow the on - projection screen pedagogy to regenerate the issue .
Underneath is theData encryptionsection . Here , you may enjoin Windows to inscribe your gimmick , prevent anyone from accessing its file cabinet if they do n’t have the correct login password . Note that this setting is not available on all Windows personal computer — if you do n’t see it on yours , you might have an option toManage BitLocker drive encoding . If you do , select this to enableBitLocker encryptioninstead .
Check permissions
Over sentence , you’re able to end up granting wide - ranging admission to your datum to both window itself and a range of apps . If you desire to suss out or overturn some of those permit , you ’ll need to give the preferences app and go toPrivacy & securityin the sidebar . From there , head to the Windows permission section .
Once you ’re there , go through each of the section one b y one , includingSpeech , Search permissions , and more , to see what activities Windows has access to . To withdraw those permit , incapacitate the toggle next to your opt mise en scene .
BelowWindows permission , you ’ll findApp permissions . This is where you’re able to contain which apps can access things like your location , your mike , your webcam , and more . It ’s significant to go through each of these sections to ensure there are n’t any undesirable surprises , like an app that has been cede license to vacuum up your location data when it really should n’t have been .
Find my device
If you turn a loss your Windows machine , you ’ll want to get it back as quickly as potential . One way to help you do that is to enable notice my equipment . To do so , head toPrivacy & securityin the preferences app , then selectFind my devicenear the top of the page . After that , but activate the toggle switch next toFind my gadget .
Once that ’s been done , give a entanglement web browser app and go to Microsoft’sdevice location website . enter with yourMicrosoft accountand you ’ll see a tilt of your attached devices . Choose the one you want to locate , then selectFindto bring up a mapping with your gimmick ’s current location displayed . you could also remotely lock your machine to prevent any unauthorized person from using it — once you ’ve found your machine on the mapping , pickLock > Next . you’re able to reset your watchword from here as well for an supernumerary STD of certificate .
Note that get my twist requires locating preferences to be enable . If they ’re not , you ’ll see a notice on theFind my devicepage . Select theLocation settingsbutton to be take to the appropriate page , where you could amend the necessary configurations .
Update your PC
The last point on the list is n’t really a setting , but it ’s the individual most important affair you may do to improve your PC ’s certificate . And that , quite simply , is to keep it on a regular basis updated . That manner , you ’ll always be sure that you ’ve convey the latest security patches set up to help resist off viruses and malware .
To update windowpane , launch the preferences app and selectWindows Updatein the left - paw sidebar , then pickCheck for update . Wait for your PC to finish checking , then stick with the on - screen direction to install any update that are available . You might require to reset your PC for the update to dispatch .
That will get Windows itself updated for you , but what about your apps ? For that , it ’s worth getting an app likePatch My personal computer . This free utility tally all your installed apps for update and then install them for you , making it dissolute and simple-minded to keep everything safe , secure , and up to day of the month .
Bonus: ensure your privacy is being protected
You might not know it , but Windows collects an awful lot of your secret information and sends it off to Microsoft , often without you realizing it . This includes everything from telemetry to potentialprivacy issues with CoPilot . That ’s unfit for your privacy , but you’re able to put things right with a third - party app or two .
One such app isShutUp10++from O&O Software . Originally made for Windows 10 ( which will be end - of - life in 2025 ) , this app also works in Windows 11 and is a one - stop shop for block Microsoft ’s regretful information - collection drug abuse . It get you go through options in granular detail , stopping anything that necessitate call for more datum than is necessary . Helpfully , you could apply all of its recommended configurations with just a duo of clicks , or importation configurations from other figurer you use .
There are other apps that can help . For instance , BCUninstallerremoves all of the unneeded bloatware that can get loaded onto Windows , protect your privateness and speeding up your machine in one go . AndSafing Portmasterhelps you keep track of your connection body process to ensure apps are n’t burn off your data point without your license . These and other apps are a unspoiled room to increase the seclusion and security of your Windows PC .
