7 Essential Windows Security Settings to Modify for Enhanced Protection

With the vast amount of sensitive information stored on your computer, ensuring robust security is crucial. While Windows provides a solid security foundation out of the box, you can amplify your protection by making a few essential tweaks to your settings.

1.Automatically Lock Your PC Using Dynamic Lock

Sign-In Options in Windows 11 Settings App

Even if your laptop is secured with a PIN or password, stepping away from your desk can pose risks, especially in public or office environments. Dynamic Lock acts as an additional safeguard; it automatically locks your screen when your paired Bluetooth device, usually your smartphone, moves out of range.

To set up Dynamic Lock, pair your phone with your computer. Then navigate to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options and locate Dynamic Lock. Simply check the option that says Allow Windows to automatically lock your device when you’re away, and you’re all set.

2.Enable Facial or Fingerprint Recognition

Windows 11 Sign-In options with their Remove button

Dynamic Lock is useful, but its effectiveness wanes if you’re using easily guessable PINs like “1234”or “0000.”For a more secure alternative, consider configuring facial or fingerprint recognition through Windows Hello.

This feature allows for quick and secure device access, eliminating the need for complex passwords. To activate Windows Hello, go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options and select either Facial recognition (Windows Hello) or Fingerprint recognition, based on your device capabilities. Follow the prompts to complete the setup.

3.Enhance Phishing Protection

Phishing protection setting in Windows Security app

Phishing poses a significant threat, allowing attackers to gain unauthorized access to your accounts and data. This can happen through deceptive emails, counterfeit websites, or malicious links. One careless click or app installation can jeopardize your sensitive information.

Fortunately, Windows comes equipped with built-in phishing protection tools, though they may not be activated by default. To enable them, open the Windows Security app and navigate to App & browser control > Reputation-based protection settings. Ensure options like Check apps and files, SmartScreen for Microsoft Edge, and Phishing protection are turned on. This proactive setup will alert you to suspicious links, downloads, and sites that may put your data at risk.

4.Activate Controlled Folder Access

Controlled folder access feature in Windows Security

Despite the protective measures in Windows Security and your antivirus software, ransomware threats can still infiltrate your system. Enabling Controlled Folder Access can further shield your important files.

This feature restricts unauthorized applications from modifying protected folders. To enable Controlled Folder Access, go to Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Ransomware protection and switch it to On. By default, it will safeguard essential folders such as Documents and Pictures. You can add other folders to the protection list as necessary and whitelist any trusted programs that may be erroneously blocked.

5.Enable Device Encryption

Utilizing a Microsoft account grants benefits like Device Encryption, which uses BitLocker technology to encrypt your system drive and any fixed drives automatically. A recovery key is saved to your Microsoft account, allowing you seamless access if you need it.

Think of Device Encryption as securing your data in a digital vault. If your device is lost or stolen, your personal files remain safe from prying eyes. To ensure this feature is activated, navigate to Settings > Privacy & security > Device encryption. It’s recommended to save a copy of your recovery key elsewhere as a backup in case you get locked out of your account.

6.Examine Apps Allowed Through the Firewall

Even with a properly configured firewall, certain applications may bypass it due to permissions granted during installation. It’s wise to revisit your firewall settings to assess which apps have access.

To review these settings, go to Control Panel > System and Security > Windows Defender Firewall > Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall. Here, you can see which programs have been granted access to communicate over both private and public networks. If you find apps you don’t recognize or that don’t require full access, revoke their permissions for added security.

7.Ensure “Find My Device”is Activated

Find my device option in Windows 11 settings app

Similar to smartphones, Windows devices feature a “Find My Device”functionality that can aid in recovering lost or stolen equipment. This feature is often active by default, but adjustments to privacy settings may disable location services necessary for its operation.

To verify proper functionality, go to Settings > Privacy & security > Find my device. If there’s a notification regarding disabled location services, click Location settings to enable them. Afterward, visit Microsoft’s Devices page to monitor your devices. Here, you can locate your device’s last known position, remotely lock it, or send a display message if it goes missing.

Windows provides a comprehensive array of security features, but it’s crucial to ensure they’re activated and correctly configured. While this might seem like a mundane task, it is essential for long-term security. By following these steps, you can confidently protect your system from various threats.

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