Securing your Windows 10 or 11 PC is an essential step in safeguarding your personal data, privacy, and overall system health. Whether you’re a beginner looking for a simple guide or a more advanced user seeking deeper control, this article will walk you through the five most effective security settings strategies, with step-by-step instructions and helpful examples.
1. Enable and Configure Windows Security (Windows Defender)
For Beginners:
Windows includes a built-in security suite called Windows Security (formerly Windows Defender). It protects against viruses, malware, and other threats. To ensure it’s active and set up correctly:
– Click the Start menu, then select Settings.
– Choose Privacy & Security, then Windows Security, and open Windows Security.
– Under Virus & Threat Protection, confirm that protection is turned on.
– Click Manage settings under Virus & Threat Protection Settings. Make sure Real-time Protection, Cloud-delivered Protection, and Automatic Sample Submission are enabled.
For Advanced Users:
Consider customizing exclusions for trusted software to minimize false positives, or schedule regular scans at off-peak hours. You can also configure Controlled Folder Access (under Ransomware Protection) to protect important folders from unauthorized access.
2. Restrict App Permissions and Review Privacy Settings
For Beginners:
Many apps request access to your location, camera, microphone, and more. Periodically review these permissions:
– Go to Settings > Privacy & Security.
– Select the specific permission (e.g., Camera, Microphone, Location).
– Toggle off access for apps you don’t use or trust.
Example: If you don’t use Cortana or Maps, turn off their access to your location.
For Advanced Users:
Use Activity History and Diagnostic Data settings to control what personal data is shared with Microsoft. Set Diagnostic Data to “Required only” rather than “Optional” to limit info sent to Microsoft.
3. Keep Windows and All Software Up To Date
For Beginners:
Updates often include security patches that close vulnerabilities.
– Go to Settings > Windows Update.
– Click Check for updates and install all available updates.
Set updates to automatic by clicking Advanced options and ensuring “Receive updates for other Microsoft products” is enabled.
For Advanced Users:
Use the Optional Updates section to review and selectively install driver updates. Set “Active hours” to prevent restarts during important work.
4. Set Up a Local Account or Use a Strong Microsoft Account
For Beginners:
A Microsoft Account provides additional security features (like password recovery), but it must be protected by a strong, unique password.
– Go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options.
– Use a password manager to create and store complex passwords.
If you prefer privacy, use a local account:
– In Accounts, select “Sign in with a local account instead” and follow the prompts.
For Advanced Users:
Enable Two-factor Authentication (2FA) on your Microsoft Account through account.microsoft.com for an extra layer of security.
5. Use Glary Utilities to Automate Security and Privacy Maintenance
For Beginners:
Glary Utilities is a user-friendly tool that helps automate privacy and security checks.
– Download and install Glary Utilities from the official site.
– Open Glary Utilities and use the 1-Click Maintenance feature. This will scan for privacy issues (like browser traces) and system vulnerabilities.
For Advanced Users:
Use Glary Utilities’ advanced modules to:
– Permanently erase sensitive files with File Shredder.
– Manage startup programs to prevent unwanted software from running.
– Clean registry and temporary files, reducing the risk of data leaks.
Bonus Tip: Regularly Review Security Settings
No security strategy is set-and-forget. Schedule a monthly review of your security and privacy settings. Use Glary Utilities’ Scheduler to automate scans and cleanups, making ongoing maintenance effortless.
Final Thoughts
Whether you are new to Windows or an experienced user, taking a proactive approach to security settings will drastically reduce your risk. Start with the beginner steps to lock down the basics, and gradually explore advanced options as you become more comfortable. Don’t forget to use comprehensive tools like Glary Utilities to simplify and automate your privacy and security routines, ensuring your Windows 10 or 11 PC stays safe and private.