Windows, being the most popular operating system worldwide, attracts a disproportionate share of malware threats. While this might lead to security concerns, strengthening your Windows 11 PC’s defenses is easier than you might think. This guide walks you through essential settings and practices, enabling you to fortify your computer against potential threats without resorting to expensive software. Let’s dive into the steps to safeguard your Windows 11 PC.
Enable Robust Virus Protection
The first line of defense is a reliable antivirus. Access the Windows Security app (found through the search bar) and select ‘Virus & threat protection.’ Ensure you’re using either Microsoft Defender or a reputable third-party antivirus. Regularly schedule virus scans to proactively catch threats. While the exact steps vary between applications, make it a habit to check for updates and run scans to maintain a robust defense.
Secure Your Account for Enhanced Protection
Head back to the Windows Security app and choose ‘Account protection.’ Under ‘Windows Hello,’ select ‘Manage sign-in options.’ If your PC has a webcam or fingerprint reader, enable either ‘Facial recognition (Windows Hello)’ or ‘Fingerprint recognition (Windows Hello)’ for a significant security boost over password-only logins. To prevent unauthorized access when you step away, enable ‘Dynamic lock settings.’ This feature automatically locks your device when your paired phone goes out of Bluetooth range, ensuring your computer remains secure even when you’re not around.
Firewall: A Crucial Barrier Against Online Threats
A strong firewall is essential when connecting to the internet. In the Windows Security app, choose ‘Firewall & network protection.’ Verify that ‘Firewall is on’ under each network type (Domain, Private, and Public). If not, enable it following the on-screen instructions. Next, select ‘Allow an app through firewall’ to review the list of permitted apps. If you find an app that shouldn’t have firewall access, untick its checkbox in the ‘Change settings’ menu. This carefully curated firewall helps prevent unauthorized access and potential attacks.
Controlling App Behavior and Protecting Your Data
Navigate to ‘App & browser control’ in the Windows Security app. Turn on ‘Reputation-based protection’ to enable enhanced security measures. Then, go to ‘Exploit protection > Exploit protection settings > System settings’ and ensure all options are enabled. The ‘Smart App Control’ section provides another layer of protection by blocking malicious and untrusted apps from accessing your PC. However, it relies on sending optional diagnostic information to Microsoft. If you disabled this feature during Windows installation, you’ll need to reinstall the operating system to enable Smart App Control.
Secure Boot and Encryption: Keeping Your Device Safe
In the Windows Security app, navigate to ‘Device security.’ The ‘Secure boot’ section prevents malware from loading at startup and is a crucial requirement for Windows 11. If you’re using Windows 11, a green tick indicates secure boot is active. If not, follow the instructions to enable it. Next, explore the ‘Data encryption’ section. Here, you can instruct Windows to encrypt your device, making it inaccessible to anyone without the correct password. This setting might not be available on all PCs. If you don’t see it, check for the option ‘Manage BitLocker drive encryption.’ Selecting this will enable BitLocker encryption to safeguard your data.
Reviewing and Managing Permissions: Protecting Your Privacy
Over time, various apps and Windows itself can gain access to your data. To review and modify these permissions, open the Settings app and navigate to ‘Privacy & security.’ Within this section, explore the ‘Windows permissions’ settings, examining each area (Speech, Search permissions, etc.) to understand what permissions Windows has. To disable specific permissions, toggle off the corresponding switch. The ‘App permissions’ section allows you to control app access to your location, microphone, camera, and other sensitive data. Scrutinize these permissions to ensure no unwanted apps have access to your private information.
Find My Device: Locating Your Missing PC
If you ever lose your Windows device, ‘Find my device’ can be a lifesaver. In the Settings app, go to ‘Privacy & security’ and select ‘Find my device.’ Enable the toggle to activate the feature. Once enabled, access Microsoft’s device location website (https://account.microsoft.com/devices/find-my-device) through a web browser. Log in with your Microsoft account, and you’ll see a list of your connected devices. Select the device you wish to locate, and ‘Find’ will display its current location on a map. You can also remotely lock your device or reset your password for added security. Remember that Find my device requires location services to be enabled. If they’re not active, you’ll see a notification on the ‘Find my device’ page. Select the ‘Location settings’ button to adjust these settings.
Update Your PC Regularly: Staying Ahead of Threats
While not a setting itself, keeping your PC updated is paramount for security. Regular updates deliver essential security patches that help prevent malware infections. Open the Settings app, choose ‘Windows Update’ from the left sidebar, and select ‘Check for updates.’ After the scan, follow the instructions to install any available updates. A restart might be necessary to complete the installation. To update your apps, consider using a tool like Patch My PC. This free utility automatically checks for and installs updates for all your installed apps, streamlining the process of keeping everything secure and up to date.
Bonus: Safeguarding Your Privacy
Windows collects and sends a significant amount of user data to Microsoft, which might raise privacy concerns. Third-party apps can help address this issue. One such app is ShutUp10++, which also works with Windows 11. This application provides granular control over data collection, allowing you to block specific data-gathering practices. It offers convenient options to apply recommended settings or import settings from other computers. Other helpful privacy-enhancing apps include BCUninstaller (removes unnecessary bloatware) and Safing Portmaster (monitors network activity to detect unauthorized data transfers).
By implementing these steps and utilizing these helpful tools, you can significantly improve the security and privacy of your Windows 11 PC, ensuring a safer and more enjoyable computing experience.
