Essential Windows PC Security Settings You Must Configure First

Setting up a new Windows PC is an exciting experience. You want your machine to reflect your personality and needs, adjusting preferences, installing favorite apps, and customizing the environment. Yet, amidst this enthusiasm, it's crucial not to overlook the foundational security settings that protect your data and privacy.

While Windows Defender offers baseline protection, enhancing your defense with a reputable third-party antivirus can provide more comprehensive security. Premium options like ESET, Bitdefender, or Norton offer advanced features such as real-time protection, phishing detection, and secure browsing modes. These tools proactively defend against a broad spectrum of threats, including zero-day exploits and ransomware. (windowsforum.com)

BitLocker is a full-disk encryption tool available in Windows 11 Pro and higher editions. It encrypts your entire drive, ensuring that if your device is lost or stolen, data stored on the hard drive cannot be accessed by merely connecting the drive to another machine. Activating BitLocker can be done through Settings > Privacy & Security > under Related Settings, select BitLocker Drive Encryption. Once enabled, make sure to securely back up your BitLocker recovery key. Losing this key can lock you out of your own data permanently. (windowsforum.com)

Modern applications often request access to sensitive features like your camera, microphone, location, and contacts. It's essential to review these permissions proactively. Navigate to Settings > Privacy & Security > App Permissions in Windows 11, where you can clearly see which apps have access to various sensitive resources. Turning off permissions for apps that do not require them helps prevent unnecessary data collection and limits the risk posed by malicious or poorly configured apps. (windowsforum.com)

Windows collects diagnostic data to help Microsoft improve the operating system. This includes basic system information but may extend to optional data about app usage, device activity, and even web browsing habits, particularly within Microsoft Edge. To limit data collection, users can turn off "optional diagnostic data" via Settings > Privacy & Security > Diagnostics & Feedback. This doesn't cripple your PC but does dramatically cut down on what leaves your machine for Microsoft's servers, retaining more control over your computing habits and personal info. (windowsforum.com)

The Windows Defender Firewall is an essential tool for protecting your PC from unauthorized access and cyberattacks. It helps monitor and filter inbound and outbound traffic, allowing only trusted applications to communicate over the internet. To configure Windows Firewall, go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Windows Security > Firewall & Network Protection. Ensure the firewall is enabled for all network types (Domain, Private, and Public). (blog.acer.com)

Controlled Folder Access is a Windows Security feature that helps protect your files from unauthorized changes by ransomware or malware. By enabling this feature, you restrict access to certain folders and prevent unauthorized applications from making changes to your files. To enable Controlled Folder Access, go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Windows Security > Virus & Threat Protection. Scroll to Ransomware Protection and enable Controlled Folder Access. (blog.acer.com)

Regularly installing updates is critical for ensuring your system remains protected. Windows updates not only add new features but also address security vulnerabilities that cybercriminals might exploit. To check for updates, go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update. (onebyonesoft.com)

Multi-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security to your online accounts by requiring more than just a password to access your system or services. Enable MFA for your Microsoft account to protect sensitive data, such as personal information or payment methods. To set up MFA for your Microsoft account, visit the Microsoft account security settings page and follow the prompts to enable this feature. (onebyonesoft.com)

Password security is fundamental to protecting your PC and online accounts. Create long passwords with a combination of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. Avoid using easily guessable information, such as your name or birthdate. Consider using a password manager to securely store and generate unique passwords for every account. (onebyonesoft.com)

Backups are crucial for ensuring you don't lose valuable data in the event of a system failure, ransomware attack, or other cyber incidents. Use OneDrive or an external drive to back up important files regularly. Windows 10 and Windows 11 allow you to create restore points, which are snapshots of your system that you can revert to if something goes wrong. Set up automatic backups in Settings > Update & Security > Backup. (onebyonesoft.com)

By implementing these security settings, you establish a robust defense against potential threats, ensuring your Windows PC remains secure and your personal data protected.