Windows 11 is the latest operating system from Microsoft, and it comes with many new features and improvements. However, as with any new software, it also comes with some challenges and risks, especially in terms of security. That’s why it’s crucial to take measures to protect your Windows 11 device from potential threats and ensure your privacy and safety. In this article, we have eight essential tips to Make Windows 11 devices safe and more Secure.
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Why Secure Windows 11 is Important
Security is important for any device that connects to the internet. However, windows 11 is widely used by millions of people around the world, which makes it a prime target for cybercriminals or hackers who want to cause damage or gain access to valuable information. That is why Securing your Windows 11 environment is crucial to safeguard your digital identity, personal privacy, and sensitive information from unauthorized access, malware, and other cyber threats.
let’s look at some of the practical steps that you can take to make your Windows 11 device safe and secure.
Update your device regularly
One of the easiest and most effective ways to improve your device’s security is to update it regularly. Microsoft releases security patches and updates to address known vulnerabilities and enhance the overall security posture of the operating system. Windows 11 will automatically download and install updates for you by default, but you can also check for updates manually.
- Press the Windows key + X and select Settings
- Go to Windows Update then hit Check for updates.
- If new updates are available allow them to download and install on your PC
Updating your device will ensure that you have the latest security patches and bug fixes, as well as new features and enhancements. Updating your device will also help you avoid compatibility issues with other software or hardware that you use.
Use Strong and Unique Passwords
Another simple and important way to protect your device from unauthorized access is to use a strong password and a PIN. A strong password is one that is hard to guess and contains a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols. Additionally, enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) to add an extra layer of security to your online account.
A PIN is a four-digit code that you can use to unlock your device instead of typing
your password.
You can set up a password and a PIN by going to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options.
Using a strong password and a PIN will prevent anyone from accessing your device without
your permission.
Enable Windows Defender Firewall and antivirus
Windows Defender Firewall and Windows security (antivirus) are two built-in features that can help you defend your device from malware and hacking attacks. Windows Defender Firewall is a feature that blocks unauthorized network connections and prevents malware from spreading.
Windows Security (Defender) antivirus is a feature that scans your device for viruses, spyware, ransomware, and other threats.
You can enable both features by going to Settings > Privacy & Security > Windows Security.
- You can also customize the settings and preferences of these features according to your needs.
- Configure the firewall settings to control inbound and outbound network traffic, allowing only authorized applications to access your network.
Also, you can install third-party security software (Antivirus) to protect your system from malware, viruses, and other malicious threats. Regularly update the antivirus definitions to stay protected against the latest threats. A reliable antivirus program provides real-time scanning, threat detection, and removal capabilities to keep your Windows 11 system secure.
Use Encryption and BitLocker
Encryption and BitLocker are two features that can help you protect your data from theft or loss. Encryption is a process that scrambles your data so that only you or someone with the right key can access it. BitLocker is a feature that encrypts your entire drive, including your system files, apps, and personal files.
Windows 11 offers BitLocker, a powerful encryption tool that helps safeguard your files and drives. Enable BitLocker to encrypt your system drive and other external storage devices.
Go to control panel -> system and security -> BitLocker Drive Encryption.
You can also choose to encrypt individual files or folders by right-clicking on them and selecting Properties > Advanced > Encrypt contents to secure data.
Review Windows 11 Privacy Settings
Windows 11 privacy settings are options that let you control how your device collects and shares your data with Microsoft and other apps and services. You can review and adjust your privacy settings by going to Settings > Privacy & security.
You can choose what types of data you want to share or not, such as your location, camera, microphone, contacts, calendar, voice activation, diagnostics, feedback, and more.
You can also manage your online privacy by going to Settings > Privacy & security > General, where you can view and delete your browsing history, cookies, passwords, autofill data, and more.
Take the time to review and customize these settings according to your preferences. Adjusting privacy settings can enhance your control over data collection, protecting your personal information and minimizing the risk of privacy breaches.
Turn on System Protection
System Protection is a feature that allows you to create restore points for your device, which are snapshots of your system settings and files at a certain point in time. You can use restore points to undo changes that may have caused problems for your device, such as installing faulty software or drivers, or deleting important files.
- Press the Win key, type sysdm.cpl, and press the Enter key.
- Now, switch to the System Protection tab.
- Ensure protection for the system drive is enabled, if not select C then click on configure and Select Turn on system protection.
Enable System Protection for your Windows 11 system drive to regularly create restore points. This ensures that you have a reliable backup in case of system errors, malware attacks, or other unexpected events.
Uninstall unwanted software
Unwanted software is any software that you don’t use or need, or that may cause problems for your device, such as slowing it down, consuming resources, displaying ads, or collecting data. Unwanted software can include pre-installed apps that came with your device, or third-party apps that you downloaded or installed yourself.
You can uninstall unwanted software by going to Settings > Apps > Installed apps where you can view and remove the apps that you don’t want.
Regularly review and uninstall programs that you no longer need. Keep your software inventory lean and up-to-date, reducing the potential attack surface and enhancing the overall security of your Windows 11 system.
Be careful what you download and open
Finally, one of the most common ways to get infected with malware or hacked is by downloading or opening malicious files or links. You should always be careful with what you download and open, especially from unknown sources or suspicious emails. Only install apps from trusted sources, and review the permissions requested by each application.
You should also avoid clicking on pop-ups or ads that claim to offer free or discounted products or services. You should also use a reputable browser and search engine, and check the URL and the certificate of the websites that you visit.
Remember, security is not only about the software but also about the user. You should always be vigilant and cautious when using your device, and report any suspicious or unusual activity to Microsoft or your IT department.
