Safe browsing is essential for protecting your personal information and maintaining privacy on your Windows PC. Windows offers a variety of built-in tools and settings that help you manage your online security. Additionally, third-party utilities like Glary Utilities enhance these protections, making secure browsing even easier. This guide provides step-by-step instructions for both beginners and advanced users to improve their browsing safety in Windows.
Why Is Secure Browsing Important on Windows?
Browsing the internet can expose your system to threats such as malware, phishing, and data tracking. By adopting secure browsing practices, you reduce the chances of falling victim to cyberattacks, identity theft, or unwanted tracking.
Beginner Section: Easy Steps to Secure Your Web Browsing
What Built-In Windows Tools Help Secure Your Browsing?
1. Use Microsoft Edge with Enhanced Security Features
– Open Microsoft Edge.
– Go to Settings > Privacy, Search, and Services.
– Under “Security,” enable “Microsoft Defender SmartScreen” to block malicious sites automatically.
– Turn on “Tracking prevention” and set it to “Strict” for optimal privacy.
2. Keep Windows and Browsers Updated
– Open Windows Settings (press Windows Key + I).
– Go to Update & Security > Windows Update and click “Check for updates.”
– For browsers, open their settings and check for updates or enable auto-update.
3. Manage Your Passwords Securely
– Use Edge’s built-in password manager by navigating to Settings > Profiles > Passwords.
– Enable “Offer to save passwords” and “Sign in automatically” for convenience and security.
4. Clear Browsing Data Regularly
– In Edge, press Ctrl + Shift + Delete to open the Clear Browsing Data menu.
– Select Cached images, Cookies, Browsing history, and click “Clear now.”
How Can Glary Utilities Help Beginners?
Glary Utilities simplifies privacy protection with its user-friendly interface:
– Download and install Glary Utilities.
– Open the program and select the “1-Click Maintenance” tab.
– Check “Tracks Eraser” and “Temporary Files Cleaner,” then click “Scan for Issues.”
– Once the scan completes, click “Repair Problems” to remove browsing traces and cookies across all browsers, boosting your privacy with a single click.
Advanced Section: Enhanced Secure Browsing for Experienced Users
How Can You Harden Browser Security Further?
1. Use InPrivate or Incognito Mode for Sensitive Tasks
– Open Edge, click the three-dot menu, and select “New InPrivate window.”
– This mode prevents your browsing history and cookies from being stored.
2. Set Up DNS Over HTTPS (DoH) in Windows
– Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Ethernet or Wi-Fi > Hardware properties.
– Scroll to “DNS server assignment” and click “Edit.”
– Set Preferred DNS to a secure provider supporting DoH (e.g., 1.1.1.1 for Cloudflare).
– Choose “Encrypted only (DNS over HTTPS)” for both Preferred and Alternate DNS.
3. Configure Firewall and App Security
– Open Windows Security from the Start menu.
– Click on “Firewall & network protection” and ensure your firewall is on.
– Under “App & browser control,” set both “Reputation-based protection” and “Exploit protection” to on.
What Are Advanced Glary Utilities Features for Secure Browsing?
Glary Utilities offers deep privacy management tools:
– Open Glary Utilities and select “Privacy & Security.”
– Use the “File Shredder” to permanently delete sensitive files (e.g., downloads or PDFs with personal data) so they cannot be recovered.
– Schedule regular “Tracks Eraser” runs to automate cleaning of browser history and temporary files.
– Use the “Startup Manager” to disable unwanted browser extensions or apps that may compromise your privacy.
Real-World Example: Secure Banking Session
Suppose you need to access online banking. For optimal security:
– Open Edge in InPrivate mode.
– Ensure your DNS settings use DoH.
– Run Glary Utilities’ “Tracks Eraser” before and after your session to remove cookies and temporary files.
– Check your firewall is on via Windows Security.
This process minimizes the risk of leftover session data or malware interceptions.
Tips for Both Beginners and Advanced Users
– Always download software, including browsers and utilities like Glary Utilities, from official sites.
– Avoid saving passwords in browsers if you share your PC.
– Use two-factor authentication (2FA) where possible for online accounts.
– Never click on suspicious links or email attachments.
– Run regular privacy cleanups with Glary Utilities to maintain your online hygiene.
Conclusion
Windows provides robust tools for securing your browsing experience. By combining built-in features with comprehensive utilities such as Glary Utilities, both novice and advanced users can effectively manage and maintain their browsing privacy. Make these steps part of your routine to ensure safe and private internet use on your Windows PC.