As a Windows user, ensuring the security and privacy of your PC is crucial. This beginner’s guide will walk you through configuring essential Windows security settings using built-in features. By following these expert recommendations, you can bolster your system’s defenses and protect your personal information.
What are the Key Security Settings in Windows?
Windows offers a plethora of security settings designed to safeguard your system. These include Windows Defender Antivirus, Firewall, User Account Control (UAC), and Privacy Settings. Each of these components plays a vital role in maintaining a secure computing environment.
How to Enable and Configure Windows Defender Antivirus?
Windows Defender Antivirus is your first line of defense against malware and other threats. It’s built into Windows and provides real-time protection.
1. Open the Start Menu and type “Windows Security” into the search bar. Press Enter.
2. Click on “Virus & threat protection.”
3. Ensure that real-time protection is turned on. If it’s not, click the toggle to enable it.
4. Click on “Scan options” to perform a quick or full system scan. It’s a good practice to run a full scan weekly.
5. Review the “Threat history” section to ensure no threats were detected. If there are issues, follow the on-screen instructions to resolve them.
How to Configure Windows Firewall?
The Windows Firewall helps block unauthorized access while permitting authorized communications.
1. In the Windows Security app, select “Firewall & network protection.”
2. Here, you can see the status of your firewall for different network profiles: Domain, Private, and Public.
3. Ensure that the firewall is enabled for all profiles. Click on each profile and toggle the switch to “On” if it isn’t already.
4. To allow a particular app through the firewall, select “Allow an app through firewall” and click “Change settings.”
5. Check the app you want to allow, ensuring the appropriate network boxes are selected, then click “OK.”
What is User Account Control (UAC) and How to Adjust It?
User Account Control (UAC) prevents unauthorized changes to your system, serving as a safeguard against malicious activity.
1. Type “UAC” into the Start Menu search bar and select “Change User Account Control settings.”
2. You’ll see a slider with various levels of notification. For optimal security, set it to the second-highest level, which notifies you only when apps try to make changes.
3. Click “OK” to save your settings.
How to Protect Your Privacy with Windows Settings?
Privacy settings in Windows allow you to control what data is shared with Microsoft and installed apps.
1. Go to “Settings” from the Start Menu, then select “Privacy.”
2. Review the settings under “General” to disable options that share data with Microsoft if you prefer more privacy.
3. Navigate to “Activity history” and uncheck “Send my activity history to Microsoft” if you want to limit data sharing.
4. Explore other privacy settings like “Location,” “Camera,” and “Microphone” to control which apps have access to these features.
Why Should You Use Glary Utilities for Enhanced Privacy and Security?
While Windows offers robust built-in security features, using a comprehensive tool like Glary Utilities can further enhance your system’s privacy and security.
Glary Utilities provides additional options such as:
– Privacy Cleaner: Erase traces of your online activities to protect your privacy.
– Disk Cleaner: Remove unnecessary files to prevent unauthorized access.
– Startup Manager: Manage programs that start with Windows to improve boot time and security.
Simply download and install Glary Utilities, open the application, and navigate to the required tools to enhance system security and performance.
Conclusion
By taking advantage of Windows’ built-in security features and enhancing them with tools like Glary Utilities, you can ensure that your PC remains safe from threats while maintaining optimal privacy. Regularly review and update these settings to adapt to any new security challenges that may arise.