Windows 10 and 11 offer robust built-in security features, but advanced users can significantly tighten privacy and security by leveraging deeper system controls, group policies, and third-party utilities. This guide details actionable, step-by-step enhancements to protect your data, manage telemetry, and secure your Windows environment beyond default settings.
How do you harden your Windows system at the OS level?
1. Configure Local Group Policy for Security
Windows Pro and Enterprise editions allow granular control via the Local Group Policy Editor.
– Press Windows+R, type gpedit.msc, and hit Enter.
– Navigate to Computer Configuration > Windows Settings > Security Settings.
– Under Account Policies, enforce strong password policies, account lockout thresholds, and Kerberos settings.
– In Local Policies, adjust Audit Policy to log successful and failed login attempts for forensic analysis.
– Enable User Rights Assignment to restrict actions like “Log on locally” or “Access this computer from the network” to specific user groups.
– Use Security Options to disable features like LM hash storage and anonymous SID enumeration.
Real-world example: To disable the sending of Windows error reports, navigate to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Error Reporting, and set “Disable Windows Error Reporting” to Enabled.
2. Control Windows Telemetry and Data Collection
Advanced users often seek to minimize the data sent to Microsoft.
– Open Settings > Privacy & security > Diagnostics & feedback.
– Set Diagnostic data to “Required only”.
– Disable “Tailored experiences” and “Improve inking & typing”.
– Remove feedback frequency by setting it to “Never”.
For deeper control using Group Policy:
– Navigate to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Data Collection and Preview Builds.
– Set “Allow Telemetry” to “0 – Security” (available on Enterprise, Education, or IoT editions).
For Home edition users, use the Registry:
– Open regedit and navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\DataCollection.
– Create (or edit) DWORD value “AllowTelemetry” and set it to 0.
3. Enhance Windows Defender and Exploit Protection
Windows Security offers strong real-time protection, but advanced options are often overlooked.
– Open Windows Security, go to App & browser control.
– Click “Exploit protection settings” at the bottom.
– Configure system-wide mitigations like DEP, ASLR, and CFG for enhanced exploit protection.
– For high-risk applications, add custom rules with stricter settings.
Enable Controlled Folder Access:
– Go to Virus & threat protection > Manage ransomware protection.
– Enable Controlled folder access and specify critical folders (e.g., Documents, Pictures).
4. Lock Down Network and Firewall Settings
Advanced users should move beyond default firewall configurations.
– Open Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security (wf.msc).
– Create outbound rules to block unnecessary outbound traffic (for example, third-party telemetry or unused apps).
– Implement inbound rules allowing only trusted IPs or ranges for RDP or file sharing.
– Regularly monitor the firewall log for suspicious activity.
5. Manage Application and Driver Security
Application control limits attack surfaces from untrusted software.
– Open Windows Security > App & browser control > Exploit protection settings.
– For Application Guard (Pro/Enterprise only), enable isolation for untrusted websites.
– Create application whitelists using AppLocker (gpedit.msc > Computer Configuration > Windows Settings > Security Settings > Application Control Policies > AppLocker).
For driver security, enable Memory Integrity (Core isolation):
– Navigate to Windows Security > Device security > Core isolation details.
– Enable Memory integrity to protect against malicious drivers.
6. Use Glary Utilities for Privacy and Security Maintenance
Even advanced users benefit from a comprehensive utility suite for ongoing privacy and security cleanup.
– Download and install Glary Utilities from the official website.
– Launch the program and select Privacy & Security tools:
– Use the Tracks Eraser to clear browser history, cookies, and recent document lists.
– Employ File Shredder for securely deleting sensitive files beyond recovery.
– Use the Spyware Remover to scan for unwanted applications and potential privacy risks.
– Schedule automatic cleanups to routinely erase traces and temporary files.
– The One-Click Maintenance feature can automate junk file cleanups and privacy sweeps, reducing attack surfaces.
7. Automate Updates and Patch Management
Manually controlling updates can allow you to test patches before deployment.
– Use Group Policy: Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Update.
– Set “Configure Automatic Updates” to “Notify for download and notify for install” to review updates before applying.
– Use PowerShell scripts to query installed updates and roll back problematic patches.
How do you monitor and audit your system for privacy and security?
1. Enable Detailed Auditing
– In Group Policy, navigate to Security Settings > Advanced Audit Policy Configuration.
– Enable auditing for logon events, file access, privilege use, and process creation.
– Use Event Viewer to review Security logs regularly.
2. Monitor Security Health
– Open Windows Security > Device performance & health.
– Set up periodic checks for hardware integrity, storage health, and malware scans.
3. Use Glary Utilities’ System Information and Startup Manager
– Review active processes and startup items for suspicious or unnecessary entries.
– Disable or remove entries to reduce attack surfaces and improve boot times.
Conclusion
Advanced Windows users have the tools to dramatically improve their system’s privacy and security posture. Leveraging group policies, Registry tweaks, and built-in defense mechanisms, combined with regular maintenance using solutions like Glary Utilities, creates a layered approach to Windows security. Regular monitoring, controlled updates, and proper auditing ensure ongoing protection and privacy in an evolving threat landscape.