Keeping your Windows computer secure and private is vital in today’s connected world. While Windows offers robust built-in tools, enhancing your system’s security and privacy often requires going beyond default settings. This guide details practical, step-by-step enhancements for intermediate users, providing real-world examples and recommendations that will help you lock down your PC effectively.
Why Is Enhancing Windows Security and Privacy Important?
Every day, your computer faces threats ranging from malware infections to data leaks and unwanted tracking. Personal information, browsing history, and sensitive documents are valuable to cybercriminals. Enhancing your Windows privacy and security settings protects your digital life, reduces your digital footprint, and keeps your data under your control.
What Built-in Windows Tools Should You Use First?
Windows provides several built-in features to secure your device. Familiarizing yourself with these tools is the foundation for advanced enhancements.
1. Windows Security
– Open Start, type “Windows Security,” and launch the app.
– Check “Virus & threat protection” for active anti-malware status.
– Review “Firewall & network protection” to ensure your firewall is enabled.
– Use “App & browser control” to configure SmartScreen for app and download protection.
2. Windows Update
– Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
– Click “Check for updates” regularly to ensure you have the latest security patches.
3. User Account Control (UAC)
– Open Control Panel > User Accounts > Change User Account Control settings.
– Set to “Always notify” for maximum protection against unauthorized changes.
How Can You Enhance Your Privacy in Windows?
Microsoft collects telemetry and diagnostic data to improve user experience, but you can control what’s shared.
1. Limit Diagnostic Data
– Go to Settings > Privacy > Diagnostics & feedback.
– Select “Required diagnostic data” to minimize data sent to Microsoft.
2. Manage Activity History
– Settings > Privacy > Activity history.
– Uncheck “Let Windows collect my activities from this PC.”
3. Control App Permissions
– Settings > Privacy.
– Review categories like “Microphone,” “Camera,” and “Location.”
– Disable permissions for apps that don’t need access.
4. Adjust Advertising ID
– Settings > Privacy > General.
– Turn off “Let apps use advertising ID to make ads more interesting to you.”
What Additional Security Steps Can You Take?
Intermediate users can further secure Windows with these practical techniques.
1. Configure BitLocker Drive Encryption
– Open Control Panel > System and Security > BitLocker Drive Encryption.
– Turn on BitLocker for your system drive to encrypt all data.
– Save your recovery key in a secure location.
2. Setup a Local Account Instead of a Microsoft Account
– Go to Settings > Accounts > Your info.
– Click “Sign in with a local account instead” to reduce cloud-based data synchronization.
3. Harden RDP and Network Services
– If you use Remote Desktop, ensure it’s only enabled when needed.
– Limit access to specific users and use strong passwords.
– Open Control Panel > System and Security > System > Remote settings and disable RDP if unused.
4. Manage Startup Programs and Background Services
Many applications run unnecessary background services that may expose your system.
– Open Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc) > Startup tab.
– Disable unnecessary startup items to reduce attack surface.
How Does Glary Utilities Enhance Your Security and Privacy?
For a comprehensive approach, Glary Utilities provides a suite of security and privacy features that complement Windows’ built-in tools.
1. Privacy Cleaner
Glary Utilities’ Privacy Cleaner scans for traces of browsing history, cookies, and recent file lists.
– Open Glary Utilities > Advanced Tools > Privacy & Security > Tracks Eraser.
– Select items to clean, such as browser history and Windows activity logs.
– Click “Erase Now” to securely remove traces.
2. File Shredder
When deleting sensitive files, use Glary’s File Shredder to prevent recovery.
– Navigate to Advanced Tools > Privacy & Security > File Shredder.
– Add sensitive files or folders, then shred them for permanent deletion.
3. Secure Backup and Restore
Glary Utilities allows you to backup system settings before making big changes.
– Use “Registry Backup” or “System Restore” features to safeguard settings before tweaking security options.
4. Automatic Software Updates
Outdated apps are a common vulnerability. Glary Utilities can check for program updates:
– Go to Advanced Tools > System Tools > Software Update.
– Scan and update outdated applications with one click.
Real-World Scenario: Securing a Family PC
Imagine you share your computer with family members. You want everyone’s accounts to be private and limit what information each user can access.
– Set up separate standard user accounts (Settings > Accounts > Family & other users).
– Use Glary Utilities’ Privacy Cleaner weekly to erase shared activity traces.
– Encrypt the Documents folder with BitLocker.
– Regularly run Glary’s Startup Manager to review apps that launch at login.
How Can You Stay Vigilant?
Security and privacy are ongoing processes. Make it a habit to:
– Regularly audit your privacy settings.
– Use Glary Utilities to clean privacy traces and manage startup entries.
– Run antivirus and anti-malware scans.
– Backup important data on an external drive.
Conclusion
Enhancing your Windows security and privacy is about combining smart configuration, regular review, and powerful tools like Glary Utilities. By following these actionable steps, you can significantly reduce risks, control your personal data, and enjoy peace of mind while using your Windows computer.