Windows is the most widely used desktop operating system, making it a prime target for viruses, ransomware, and data breaches. Securing your Windows PC goes beyond installing antivirus software—you need to properly configure security settings to protect your privacy and personal data. Whether you’re a casual user or an experienced administrator, understanding and adjusting your system’s security settings is essential.
This article provides a comprehensive, step-by-step guide to improving Windows security settings, with tailored advice for both beginners and advanced users. It also highlights how tools like Glary Utilities can simplify and enhance your security configuration.
Why Is Configuring Security Settings Important?
Many security breaches exploit weak configuration rather than software flaws. Default Windows settings prioritize usability, sometimes at the expense of privacy and protection. By actively managing your security settings, you can defend against malware, unauthorized access, and data leaks.
Where Should Beginners Start with Windows Security Settings?
Update Windows Regularly
Always ensure Windows Update is enabled:
1. Open Settings (Win + I).
2. Go to “Update & Security”.
3. Click “Check for updates”.
Automatic updates patch vulnerabilities and keep your system secure.
Enable Windows Defender Antivirus
1. Open Settings.
2. Go to “Update & Security” > “Windows Security”.
3. Click “Virus & threat protection”.
Make sure Real-time protection is enabled.
Configure Firewall Settings
1. Go to “Windows Security” > “Firewall & network protection”.
2. Ensure network firewalls are “On” for your active network profile.
Set Up User Account Control (UAC)
UAC helps prevent unauthorized changes:
1. In the Start menu, type “UAC”.
2. Select “Change User Account Control settings”.
3. Move the slider to “Always notify” for maximum security.
Review Privacy Settings
1. Go to Settings > Privacy.
2. Review permissions for Location, Camera, Microphone, and Account Info.
3. Disable unnecessary permissions for apps you don’t trust.
Password and Login Security
1. Go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options.
2. Use a strong password, PIN, or Windows Hello (fingerprint/face recognition).
3. Activate “Require sign-in” when the device wakes from sleep.
How Can Advanced Users Enhance Windows Security?
Enable BitLocker Drive Encryption (Pro and Enterprise editions)
1. Open Control Panel > System and Security > BitLocker Drive Encryption.
2. Turn on BitLocker for system and data drives.
This encrypts your data, making it unreadable to unauthorized users.
Audit and Harden Network Settings
1. Disable SMBv1 protocol (an old, vulnerable file sharing protocol).
– Go to Control Panel > Programs > Turn Windows features on or off.
– Uncheck “SMB 1.0/CIFS File Sharing Support”.
2. Use a private network profile for home networks.
– Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi/Ethernet > Manage known networks.
– Set your network as “Private”.
Configure Advanced Firewall Rules
1. Open Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security (search in Start).
2. Create inbound/outbound rules to block unnecessary ports and apps.
Secure Remote Desktop and Remote Access
1. Disable Remote Desktop if not needed:
– Settings > System > Remote Desktop.
– Turn off “Enable Remote Desktop”.
2. If you need remote access, use Network Level Authentication (NLA) and strong passwords.
Implement Controlled Folder Access
1. Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Manage ransomware protection.
2. Turn on Controlled folder access to protect critical folders from unauthorized changes.
Regularly Review Security Logs
1. Open Event Viewer (search in Start).
2. Check Windows Logs > Security for signs of suspicious activity.
How Can Glary Utilities Help Optimize Privacy & Security Settings?
Glary Utilities is an all-in-one PC maintenance suite that can simplify many security and privacy tasks, especially for beginners:
– Privacy Cleaner: Quickly erases browsing history, cookies, and traces from over 200 apps and browsers, reducing your data footprint and risk of tracking.
– Startup Manager: Disable unnecessary startup items, minimizing attack surfaces and speeding up boot times.
– Software Updater: Automatically detects and helps install updates for vulnerable third-party apps.
– Tracks Eraser: Removes hidden system and internet traces that can reveal your activity or be exploited by attackers.
– One-Click Maintenance: With a single click, run a thorough checkup that includes privacy protection, registry cleanup, and security optimization.
For advanced users, Glary Utilities also offers file encryption and shredding tools to prevent data recovery from deleted files.
Real-World Example: Using Glary Utilities for a Privacy Sweep
1. Download and install Glary Utilities.
2. Open the app and select “Privacy & Security” tools.
3. Click “Tracks Eraser” and run a scan.
4. Review and clean all detected privacy risks.
5. Use the “Startup Manager” to disable suspicious or unnecessary startup programs.
You can set Glary Utilities to run scheduled privacy cleanups to ensure your system stays secure with minimal effort.
Final Tips: Staying Proactive with Windows Security
– Regularly review your security settings as new Windows updates may reset or introduce new options.
– Don’t rely solely on antivirus—layered defenses are best.
– Use a password manager and enable two-factor authentication for online accounts.
– Back up important data to an external drive or cloud storage.
Conclusion
Improving your Windows security settings is not a one-time task. By following these expert recommendations—from basic updates to advanced configuration and leveraging tools like Glary Utilities—you can significantly reduce your risk of malware, data leaks, and privacy invasions. Whether you’re just starting or managing multiple systems, proactive security management is the key to a safer Windows experience.