Keeping your Windows PC secure and private is essential in today’s digital world. Whether you’re a beginner Windows user or have some experience, understanding and repairing security and privacy settings can protect your data and help your computer run smoothly. This guide walks you through the key steps and offers practical advice, including the use of tools like Glary Utilities for easier management.
Why is Security and Privacy Important in Windows?
Windows is a popular operating system, making it a frequent target for malware, viruses, and unwanted data collection. Regularly checking your security and privacy settings ensures your information stays protected, your system performs well, and you avoid unwanted programs or breaches.
Beginner Section: Step-by-Step Actions to Enhance Security and Privacy
1. Install Windows Updates Promptly
Updates often contain security patches to fix vulnerabilities. To install updates:
– Click the Start button, then select Settings (the gear icon).
– Go to Update & Security, then Windows Update.
– Click Check for updates and install any available updates.
2. Use Windows Security (Windows Defender)
Windows Security is built into Windows 10 and 11, offering real-time protection.
– Open Settings and go to Update & Security.
– Select Windows Security, then open Virus & threat protection.
– Click Quick scan to check for threats. Turn on Real-time protection if it’s not enabled.
3. Check and Adjust Privacy Settings
Windows collects some diagnostic and usage data by default. You can limit this:
– Go to Settings > Privacy.
– In the General tab, turn off options like “Let apps use advertising ID.”
– Browse through the left menu and check each section (e.g., Location, Camera, Microphone) to disable access for apps you don’t trust or use.
4. Use a Strong Password or Enable Windows Hello
Setting a strong login password or using features like Windows Hello (facial recognition or fingerprint) increases security.
– Go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options.
– Choose Windows Hello options if available, or set a strong password or PIN.
5. Manage Which Apps Can Access Your Data
– In Privacy settings, select App permissions.
– For each category (Contacts, Calendar, Email, etc.), review which apps have access and toggle off any you don’t recognize or need.
6. Use Glary Utilities for Easy Privacy and Security Management
Glary Utilities is an all-in-one PC optimization tool that can also help you repair privacy issues:
– Download and install Glary Utilities from their official website.
– Open the program and select the 1-Click Maintenance tab.
– Ensure “Tracks Eraser” and “Spyware Remover” are checked, then click Scan for Issues.
– After the scan, click Repair Problems to fix privacy traces and potential threats.
Glary Utilities can also manage startup programs, clear unused files, and fix registry issues—all of which contribute to a more secure and private PC.
Advanced Section: For Users Wanting Extra Protection
1. Set Up Controlled Folder Access
To protect sensitive folders from ransomware:
– Open Windows Security.
– Click on Virus & threat protection, then Manage ransomware protection.
– Enable Controlled folder access and specify which folders to protect.
2. Enable BitLocker Drive Encryption
BitLocker encrypts your hard drive, making your files inaccessible to unauthorized users:
– Search for BitLocker in the Start menu.
– Click Turn on BitLocker and follow the instructions. (Note: BitLocker is available on certain editions of Windows.)
3. Use a Local Account Instead of a Microsoft Account
A local account limits the amount of data sent to Microsoft:
– Go to Settings > Accounts > Your info.
– Select Sign in with a local account instead and follow the prompts.
4. Regularly Review Installed Programs
Remove programs you no longer use or recognize to minimize vulnerabilities:
– Go to Settings > Apps > Apps & features.
– Click on unwanted programs and select Uninstall.
Glary Utilities can help here too, with its powerful Uninstall Manager, which finds and removes leftover files after uninstalling. Open Glary Utilities, go to Advanced Tools, and select Uninstall Manager to review and remove programs safely.
5. Schedule Regular Security and Privacy Scans
Set reminders to run Windows Security and Glary Utilities scans at least weekly. This ensures your device remains protected and clean over time.
Conclusion
Repairing and enhancing Windows security and privacy settings is straightforward with the right tools and a systematic approach. Beginners should start with Windows’ built-in security settings and regular system updates, while advanced users can explore encryption, controlled folder access, and deeper privacy management. Using comprehensive tools like Glary Utilities makes these tasks even simpler and more effective, ensuring your PC remains safe, private, and running at its best.