If you use a Windows 10 or Windows 11 computer, making sure your device is secure and your personal information remains private is essential. Even if you’re not a tech expert, there are straightforward actions you can take to boost your PC’s security and privacy. This guide will walk you through ten practical steps, with easy-to-follow instructions and real-world examples, designed specifically for beginners.
Why is security and privacy important?
Protecting your computer guards you from viruses, hackers, and identity theft. Privacy enhancements help keep your personal data from being tracked or misused.
1. Keep Windows Up to Date
Why: Updates fix security holes and bugs that hackers may exploit.
How:
1. Click the Start button.
2. Select Settings (the gear icon).
3. Go to Update & Security, then click Windows Update.
4. Click Check for updates, and install any available updates.
Example: Regular updates ensure you get the latest security patches, keeping your data safe from new threats.
2. Set up a Strong Password or PIN
Why: Weak passwords are easy to guess, putting your files and information at risk.
How:
1. Go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options.
2. Choose Password or PIN (Windows Hello PIN) and follow the prompts to create a strong password (at least 8 characters, mixing letters, numbers, and symbols).
Example: Instead of “password123”, use something like “G!8mYv2#”.
3. Enable Windows Defender Firewall
Why: The firewall blocks unauthorized access to your computer.
How:
1. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Security.
2. Click Firewall & network protection.
3. Ensure the firewall is turned on for Domain, Private, and Public networks.
Example: A firewall helps prevent hackers from accessing your files when you’re connected to public Wi-Fi.
4. Use Glary Utilities for Privacy Cleanup
Why: Over time, your computer accumulates privacy traces like browsing history, cookies, and temporary files.
How:
1. Download and install Glary Utilities from the official website.
2. Open the program and select 1-Click Maintenance.
3. Check Privacy Tracks and other relevant options.
4. Click Scan, then Repair Problems.
Example: Glary Utilities quickly erases traces of your online activities, helping safeguard your privacy.
5. Adjust App Permissions
Why: Some apps may access your camera, microphone, or location without your knowledge.
How:
1. Go to Settings > Privacy.
2. Review each section (Location, Camera, Microphone, etc.).
3. Turn off permissions for apps you don’t trust or don’t use.
Example: Turn off camera access for apps that don’t need it, like games or basic utilities.
6. Use BitLocker or Device Encryption
Why: Encryption protects your files if your PC is lost or stolen.
How:
1. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Device encryption.
2. If available, turn on Device encryption.
(If you don’t see this option, your device may not support it. BitLocker is available in some Windows editions.)
Example: If someone steals your laptop, your files remain encrypted and inaccessible.
7. Enable Controlled Folder Access
Why: This feature protects your important files from unauthorized apps and ransomware.
How:
1. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Security > Virus & Threat Protection.
2. Click Manage ransomware protection.
3. Turn on Controlled folder access.
Example: Only trusted programs can make changes to your Documents, Pictures, and other protected folders.
8. Manage Your Microsoft Account Privacy Settings
Why: Your Microsoft account may share data with Microsoft services and apps.
How:
1. Go to https://account.microsoft.com/privacy
2. Sign in and review privacy settings.
3. Adjust settings like ad preferences, browsing history, and app permissions.
Example: You can disable personalized ads or clear your browsing history from your Microsoft account.
9. Turn Off Ad Tracking
Why: Windows and apps may track your usage to serve targeted ads.
How:
1. Go to Settings > Privacy > General.
2. Turn off Let apps use advertising ID to make ads more interesting to you.
Example: Disabling this prevents Windows from building a profile of your interests for advertising.
10. Regularly Backup Your Data
Why: Backups protect your important files from accidental deletion, malware, or hardware failure.
How:
1. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Backup.
2. Click Add a drive and select an external drive or network location.
3. Follow prompts to turn on automatic backups.
Example: If your PC gets infected or crashes, you can restore your files from your backup.
Conclusion
By following these ten steps, you can significantly improve both security and privacy on your Windows 10 or 11 PC—even if you’re a beginner. Make a habit of checking these settings regularly, and use tools like Glary Utilities to keep your system clean and private. Your digital life will be safer, and your personal information more secure.