Keeping your Windows PC secure is essential for protecting your personal data and maintaining your computer’s performance. While advanced security techniques can seem intimidating, there are several straightforward steps anyone can follow to enhance privacy and security settings in Windows. This guide will walk you through practical, actionable steps—complete with real-world examples—to help you keep your system safe.
Why Are Windows Security Settings Important?
Windows security settings act as a shield against viruses, malware, and hackers. If these settings are not properly configured, your personal files, financial data, and even your identity could be at risk. By regularly checking and maintaining these settings, you significantly reduce the chance of a security breach.
How Can You Check and Update Windows Security Settings?
Start with the built-in Windows Security app. This tool, included in Windows 10 and 11, helps manage antivirus protection, firewall settings, and more.
1. Open Windows Security: Click the Start menu, type “Windows Security,” and press Enter.
2. Review the Dashboard: You’ll see sections such as Virus & threat protection, Account protection, Firewall & network protection, App & browser control, Device security, and more. Each section displays the current security status.
3. Take Action: If any section shows a warning or requires attention, click it for further details and follow the on-screen recommendations.
What Advanced Windows Security Features Should You Use?
Even as a beginner, you can take advantage of advanced security features with a few clicks:
Enable Controlled Folder Access:
– This feature helps protect your files from unauthorized changes by ransomware or malicious apps.
– Go to Virus & threat protection, select Ransomware protection, then turn on Controlled folder access.
Configure Windows Firewall:
– The firewall monitors network traffic and blocks suspicious activity.
– Under Firewall & network protection, ensure all network profiles (Domain, Private, Public) display “On.”
– For specific app permissions, click Allow an app through firewall and review the list. Only allow necessary, trusted apps.
Set Up BitLocker Drive Encryption (for Windows Pro editions):
– BitLocker encrypts your hard drive, making data inaccessible if your PC is stolen.
– Search for “Manage BitLocker” in the Start menu and follow prompts to enable it.
How Can You Strengthen Privacy Settings?
Privacy settings control what data Windows and apps can access. Regularly review and adjust these for better privacy:
Adjust Diagnostic Data Collection:
– Open Settings > Privacy & security > Diagnostics & feedback.
– Set Diagnostic data to “Required only” to limit the amount of data sent to Microsoft.
Manage App Permissions:
– Under Settings > Privacy & security, review permissions for Camera, Microphone, Location, Contacts, and other categories.
– Turn off permissions for apps that don’t need access.
How Do You Keep Windows and Apps Updated?
Security vulnerabilities are often fixed with updates. To stay protected:
– Go to Settings > Windows Update and click “Check for updates.”
– Enable automatic updates.
– Update your installed applications regularly, especially browsers and security tools.
How Can Glary Utilities Help With Privacy and Security?
Glary Utilities is an all-in-one optimization suite that simplifies maintaining your PC’s privacy and security. Here’s how it can help beginners:
1. Privacy Cleaner:
– Erases traces of online activities, temporary files, and usage history, reducing the risk of data leaks.
– Open Glary Utilities, select Privacy & Security, then choose Tracks Eraser to run a scan and clean up history.
2. Startup Manager:
– Disables unnecessary startup programs, which can prevent malicious or unwanted apps from running at boot.
– Go to Modules > Optimize & Improve > Startup Manager and review the list.
3. Software Updater:
– Scans for outdated software, helping you keep all your programs up to date with the latest security patches.
4. File Shredder:
– Permanently deletes sensitive files so they cannot be recovered by other people or malware tools.
– In Glary Utilities, navigate to Privacy & Security > File Shredder.
What Are Some Real-World Practices for Maintaining Security?
Create Strong User Passwords:
– Use a mixture of upper- and lower-case letters, numbers, and symbols.
– Change passwords regularly and avoid using the same password across different accounts.
Enable Two-Factor Authentication:
– Use two-factor authentication (2FA) for your Microsoft account and other important services whenever possible.
Regularly Scan for Malware:
– Run a full scan with Windows Security or a reputable third-party antivirus at least once a week.
– Use Glary Utilities’ 1-Click Maintenance to quickly check for issues and optimize your system.
Backup Important Data:
– Use Windows’ built-in backup or a trusted cloud service.
– Regular backups help you recover if your PC is compromised.
Summary
Maintaining Windows security settings doesn’t have to be difficult. By using built-in Windows tools, adjusting privacy options, keeping everything updated, and taking advantage of comprehensive tools like Glary Utilities, even a beginner can practice advanced security habits. Make it a routine to review these settings and stay informed—your privacy and peace of mind are worth it.