Windows PCs are powerful and versatile, but they can also expose your personal information if not properly configured. Whether you’re a regular user or someone with a bit more technical experience, enhancing your security and privacy is essential. This guide provides clear, actionable steps for safeguarding your Windows system, organized by skill level so you can dive in wherever you feel comfortable.
Why Should You Enhance Security and Privacy in Windows?
Every day, your computer interacts with various networks, websites, and applications. Without proper settings, your data can be collected, tracked, or even stolen. Enhancing your privacy and security not only protects sensitive information but also helps your system run more reliably and efficiently.
Getting Started: Essential Security and Privacy Basics
For Beginners
1. Keep Windows Updated
Outdated systems are vulnerable to attacks. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and click ‘Check for updates’. Make this a habit and enable automatic updates.
2. Set a Strong Account Password
Go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options. Choose a password, PIN, or facial recognition method that’s hard to guess. Avoid using common phrases or personal information.
3. Enable and Configure Windows Defender Firewall
Navigate to Control Panel > System and Security > Windows Defender Firewall. Make sure it’s turned on for both private and public networks.
4. Use Windows Security for Virus & Threat Protection
Open Windows Security from the taskbar or Start menu. Click on ‘Virus & threat protection’ and run a full scan. Enable real-time protection.
5. Choose What You Share with Microsoft
Go to Settings > Privacy > Diagnostics & feedback. Select ‘Required diagnostic data’ and turn off optional diagnostic data sharing.
6. Manage App Permissions
From Settings > Privacy, review permissions for your camera, microphone, location, and other features. Toggle off access for apps you don’t trust or use.
Step Up Your Protection: Intermediate Strategies
For Intermediate Users
1. Create and Use a Standard User Account for Daily Activities
Using an Administrator account for everything increases your risk if malware strikes. Create a standard user account via Settings > Accounts > Family & other users > Add someone else to this PC, then assign Standard User privileges.
2. Enable BitLocker Drive Encryption (Available in Pro and Enterprise)
Protect your files by encrypting your hard drive. Go to Control Panel > System and Security > BitLocker Drive Encryption. Follow the prompts to enable BitLocker and save your recovery key in a safe place.
3. Adjust Advanced Privacy Settings
Go to Settings > Privacy > Activity history. Uncheck ‘Store my activity history on this device’. Also, clear activity history periodically.
Review the ‘Sync your settings’ tab and turn off sync for things you don’t want stored in the cloud, like passwords or browser history.
4. Harden Microsoft Edge or Your Web Browser
Open Edge, go to Settings > Privacy, search, and services. Set ‘Tracking prevention’ to ‘Strict’ and clear browsing data on close. Consider using a privacy-focused extension.
5. Turn Off Advertising ID
Stop apps from tracking you for advertising purposes. Find this setting in Settings > Privacy > General, and toggle off ‘Let apps use advertising ID…’.
6. Regularly Clean Up Privacy Traces with Glary Utilities
Glary Utilities offers a robust Privacy Cleaner that removes browser traces, cookies, and chat history. Open Glary Utilities, select ‘Privacy & Security’, then run ‘Tracks Eraser’. This helps prevent unauthorized access to your digital footprint.
Advanced Windows Security and Privacy Enhancements
For Advanced Users
1. Configure Windows Defender Exploit Protection
From Windows Security, go to App & browser control > Exploit protection settings. Here, you can fine-tune system and program-specific mitigations, such as DEP, ASLR, and Control Flow Guard.
2. Group Policy Tweaks (Windows Pro/Enterprise)
Press Win + R, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter. Under Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components, you can:
– Disable telemetry and data collection.
– Prevent automatic driver updates.
– Control automatic Windows Store app downloads.
3. Use Advanced Glary Utilities Features for Privacy
Beyond the basics, Glary Utilities’ ‘File Shredder’ can permanently delete sensitive files. Its ‘Registry Cleaner’ also ensures no leftover data is lurking in the system registry.
Open Glary Utilities, go to ‘Advanced Tools’, and use ‘File Shredder’ for confidential documents. Run ‘Registry Cleaner’ to remove old software traces, further enhancing privacy.
4. Configure Network Security with Windows Defender Firewall Rules
In the Windows Defender Firewall, choose ‘Advanced Settings’. Here, you can create inbound and outbound rules to restrict which applications can access the network, reducing your attack surface.
5. Use Encryption for Files and Folders
Right-click on a folder, select ‘Properties’, then ‘Advanced’, and check ‘Encrypt contents to secure data’. This option is available in Pro editions and helps protect specific data.
Best Practices for All Users
– Regularly back up important data to an external drive or secure cloud service.
– Be cautious about installing unknown programs.
– Use strong, unique passwords for every online account, and consider a password manager.
– Monitor account logins and security notifications for suspicious activity.
Real-World Example
Consider a user who shops online and manages finances from their PC. By enabling BitLocker, disabling unnecessary app permissions, running regular privacy cleanups with Glary Utilities, and using strict browser settings, this user minimizes the chance of data leaks or unauthorized access—even if malware is encountered.
Conclusion
Windows offers strong privacy and security tools—but only if you take the time to configure them. Start with the basics, progress to intermediate measures, and, if you’re comfortable, take advantage of advanced features. Regular use of tools like Glary Utilities can make privacy maintenance simple, regardless of your experience level. With these steps, you’ll enjoy a safer, more private Windows experience.