Securing your Windows PC is more critical than ever. With increasing threats to privacy and security, every Windows user—especially those familiar with system settings—should take steps to protect their data and keep their machines running safely. This guide offers practical, actionable strategies for intermediate Windows users who want to boost both privacy and security, using both built-in tools and trusted third-party solutions.
Why is Securing Windows Important?
Windows is the world’s most popular desktop operating system, making it a frequent target for malware, ransomware, and privacy intrusions. By proactively managing your privacy and security settings, you can prevent unauthorized access, safeguard sensitive information, and ensure your system remains reliable.
How Can You Harden Windows Security?
Keep Windows and Apps Updated
Windows Update is your first line of defense. Outdated software is a major vulnerability.
– Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
– Click “Check for updates” regularly or enable automatic updates.
– Update all third-party applications, especially browsers, Adobe Reader, and Java.
Enable and Configure Windows Security
Windows Security (formerly Windows Defender) offers real-time virus and threat protection.
– Open Windows Security from the Start menu.
– Under Virus & threat protection, ensure real-time protection is on.
– Schedule periodic scans and review the protection history for any threats.
Set Up a Firewall
A firewall controls incoming and outgoing traffic.
– In Windows Security, click Firewall & network protection.
– Ensure your “Domain,” “Private,” and “Public” firewalls are all enabled.
– Use the “Allow an app through firewall” setting to manage app permissions.
Manage User Account Control (UAC)
UAC helps prevent unauthorized changes.
– Go to Control Panel > User Accounts > Change User Account Control settings.
– Set the slider to “Always notify” for maximum security, especially if you frequently install or configure software.
Use Strong, Unique Passwords
Avoid using “123456” or “password.”
– Create passwords with a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols.
– Consider using Windows Hello for biometric security if your device supports it.
How Can You Enhance Windows Privacy?
Review App Permissions
Windows apps can access your data and hardware by default.
– Go to Settings > Privacy.
– Review permissions for location, camera, microphone, and other categories.
– Turn off permissions for apps you don’t trust or need.
Control Diagnostic & Activity Data
By default, Windows sends diagnostic data to Microsoft. You can limit this:
– Settings > Privacy > Diagnostics & feedback.
– Set Diagnostic data to “Required only.”
– Turn off “Tailored experiences” and “View diagnostic data.”
Tweak Cortana and Search Privacy
Cortana and Windows Search may collect your search history and cloud data.
– Open Cortana settings and disable permissions you don’t need.
– Go to Settings > Search > Permissions & History and turn off “Search history on this device” if privacy is a concern.
Limit Advertising ID Usage
Windows uses an advertising ID to personalize ads.
– Settings > Privacy > General.
– Turn off “Let apps use advertising ID to make ads more interesting to you.”
How Can Glary Utilities Help with Privacy & Security?
Glary Utilities is a powerful system optimization suite that also excels at boosting your privacy and security. Here’s how intermediate users can benefit:
Privacy Cleaner
– Removes traces of your activities, including browser history, cookies, and recent documents.
– Go to Glary Utilities > Privacy & Security > Tracks Eraser.
– Select items to clean and run the tool regularly.
File Shredder
– When you delete sensitive files, standard deletion can leave recoverable traces.
– Use Glary Utilities > Privacy & Security > File Shredder to securely erase files.
Startup Manager
– Review and disable unnecessary startup programs, reducing attack surfaces.
– Go to Glary Utilities > Optimize & Improve > Startup Manager.
Automatic Maintenance
– Schedule Glary Utilities to run privacy scans and system cleanups automatically for ongoing protection.
How Can You Stay Safe When Browsing and Downloading?
– Use browsers with built-in security features and always run the latest version.
– Avoid downloading files from untrusted sources.
– Use browser extensions that block tracking and malicious scripts.
– Regularly back up your data to an external drive or secure cloud service.
Why Should You Regularly Review Your Security Settings?
Threat landscapes are always evolving. Monthly reviews of your security and privacy settings help ensure new vulnerabilities are addressed, and that you adapt to updated features in Windows and your installed software.
Conclusion
Improving Windows security and privacy is an ongoing process that requires attention to system updates, careful management of settings, and the use of comprehensive tools like Glary Utilities. By following the steps and examples above, intermediate users can significantly reduce their risk of breaches, protect sensitive information, and maintain control over their digital footprint. Take time to familiarize yourself with these settings and revisit them regularly for optimal security and privacy on Windows.