Keeping your Windows 10 or 11 PC secure and private is more important than ever. With increasing online threats, personal data breaches, and privacy concerns, every user should know how to repair and maintain their system’s security and privacy settings. This guide covers the top 10 ways to help you protect your computer, with clear steps and real-world examples. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced user, you will find actionable tips and strategies.
1. How Can I Update Windows and Software Regularly?
Beginner Steps:
– Open the Start Menu and select Settings (the gear icon).
– Click on Update & Security, then Windows Update.
– Click “Check for updates” and install any available updates.
– Enable automatic updates to ensure you never miss important security patches.
Advanced Tip:
– Use the “View update history” option to monitor which updates are installed.
– Set up Active Hours to prevent surprise restarts during work.
Why is this important? Regular updates patch vulnerabilities that hackers exploit.
2. What Are the Best Ways to Use Windows Security (Defender)?
Beginner Steps:
– Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Security.
– Click “Virus & threat protection” and run a Full Scan.
– Enable Real-time protection and Cloud-delivered protection.
Advanced Tip:
– Schedule regular scans and review Security Reports for suspicious activities.
– Use “Controlled folder access” to protect sensitive files from ransomware.
Windows Defender provides a free and effective baseline protection for all users.
3. How Can I Manage App Permissions and Privacy Settings?
Beginner Steps:
– In Settings, select Privacy.
– Review permissions for location, camera, microphone, and other sensitive data.
– Toggle off permissions for apps that don’t require access.
Advanced Tip:
– Use the “Diagnostics & feedback” section to limit what data Windows sends to Microsoft.
– Disable advertising ID for less personalized ad tracking.
Regularly reviewing app permissions is key to maintaining privacy.
4. Should I Use a Local Account or a Microsoft Account?
Beginner Steps:
– Decide if you need Microsoft cloud features (OneDrive, sync, etc.).
– For better privacy, set up a local account in Settings > Accounts > Family & other users > Add someone else to this PC > I don’t have this person’s sign-in information.
Advanced Tip:
– If using a Microsoft account, enable two-factor authentication for stronger security.
– Use separate accounts for home and work to reduce risks.
Choosing the right account type balances convenience and privacy.
5. How Do I Clean Up and Secure My System with Glary Utilities?
Beginner Steps:
– Download and install Glary Utilities from the official website.
– Launch the program and use the “1-Click Maintenance” feature to clean junk files, fix registry errors, and check for spyware.
Advanced Tip:
– Use the “Tracks Eraser” to remove browsing and usage traces.
– Schedule automatic cleanups and privacy sweeps.
– Explore the “Privacy Protector” module for securely deleting files and managing passwords.
Why use Glary Utilities? It offers a user-friendly way to improve performance and strengthen privacy in one place.
6. What Password Practices Should I Follow?
Beginner Steps:
– Use strong, unique passwords for each account.
– Change passwords regularly, especially for critical accounts.
Advanced Tip:
– Use a password manager to store and generate secure passwords.
– Enable Windows Hello or a PIN for device sign-in.
Good password habits are essential for preventing unauthorized access.
7. How Do I Secure My Network Connection?
Beginner Steps:
– Connect only to trusted Wi-Fi networks.
– Set your home Wi-Fi to WPA3 encryption if supported, or at least WPA2.
– Avoid public Wi-Fi for sensitive activities.
Advanced Tip:
– Set your network as “Private” in Windows settings to allow device discovery only at home.
– Use a VPN service for additional privacy when connecting to public networks.
A secure network is your first defense against intruders.
8. How Can I Manage and Monitor Startup Programs and Services?
Beginner Steps:
– Press Ctrl+Shift+Esc to open Task Manager.
– Click the Startup tab and disable unnecessary programs.
Advanced Tip:
– Use Glary Utilities’ “Startup Manager” for more detailed control and recommendations.
– Regularly review running services for unknown or suspicious entries.
Reducing startup bloat improves performance and limits attack surfaces.
9. What Options Are There for Backing Up My Data Securely?
Beginner Steps:
– Use Windows’ built-in Backup & Restore (Control Panel > System and Security > Backup and Restore).
– Store backups on external drives.
Advanced Tip:
– Encrypt backups for extra privacy.
– Use cloud backup services with end-to-end encryption.
Routine backups ensure you can recover from malware or hardware failures.
10. How Can I Recognize and Remove Malware?
Beginner Steps:
– Run regular scans with Windows Security.
– Be wary of suspicious email attachments or links.
Advanced Tip:
– Use Glary Utilities’ “Malware Remover” tool for a second opinion.
– Install and run periodic scans with a reputable anti-malware program.
Quick response to malware keeps your data safe and your PC running smoothly.
Final Thoughts
Repairing and maintaining your security and privacy in Windows 10 and 11 doesn’t have to be complicated. By following the steps above, both beginners and advanced users can create a safer and more private computing experience. Regularly using tools like Glary Utilities simplifies ongoing maintenance, making it easy to stay protected against evolving threats. Remember, the best defense is a proactive one—review your settings and habits regularly to keep your digital life secure.