In the digital age, securing your Windows PC is no longer optional—it’s essential. With increasing cyber threats like ransomware, phishing, and data breaches, enabling the right security settings can mean the difference between a safe system and a compromised one. Fortunately, Windows comes with a powerful suite of built-in security features. You just need to know where to find them and how to activate them.
This comprehensive guide walks you through the best Windows security settings you should enable today to protect your data, identity, and privacy.
1. Turn On Windows Security (Windows Defender)
Why It Matters:
Windows Defender (now called Microsoft Defender Antivirus) is a built-in antivirus tool that provides real-time protection against threats like viruses, malware, and spyware.
How to Enable:
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Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Security.
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Click on Virus & threat protection.
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Ensure Real-time protection is toggled On.
Additional Tip:
Schedule regular scans and enable Cloud-delivered protection and Automatic sample submission for more proactive defense.
2. Enable Firewall and Network Protection
Why It Matters:
The Windows Firewall blocks unauthorized access to your PC and can prevent malicious apps from communicating with external networks.
How to Enable:
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Open Windows Security > Firewall & network protection.
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Ensure the firewall is On for all network types: Domain, Private, and Public.
Pro Tip:
Click on Advanced settings to set up rules for inbound/outbound traffic, particularly for apps you don’t use often or trust completely.
3. Use BitLocker to Encrypt Your Drive
Why It Matters:
BitLocker encrypts your data, ensuring it’s unreadable without your password or encryption key—even if your device is stolen.
How to Enable:
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Go to Control Panel > System and Security > BitLocker Drive Encryption.
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Click Turn on BitLocker for your system drive.
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Follow prompts to set up encryption using a password or a USB key.
Note:
BitLocker is available on Windows 10/11 Pro, Enterprise, and Education editions.
4. Turn On Controlled Folder Access
Why It Matters:
Controlled Folder Access protects sensitive directories from unauthorized changes, especially by ransomware.
How to Enable:
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Go to Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Manage ransomware protection.
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Toggle Controlled folder access to On.
Customization:
Add custom folders and allow specific apps to access protected areas.
5. Activate SmartScreen Filter
Why It Matters:
Microsoft Defender SmartScreen warns you about phishing sites and malicious downloads before you interact with them.
How to Enable:
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Navigate to Settings > Privacy & Security > Windows Security > App & browser control.
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Under Reputation-based protection, turn on:
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Check apps and files
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SmartScreen for Microsoft Edge
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Potentially unwanted app blocking
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Bonus:
You can customize each option for stricter protection.
6. Set Up Secure Sign-In with Windows Hello
Why It Matters:
Passwords can be compromised, but biometric authentication (face, fingerprint, PIN) adds an extra layer of security.
How to Enable:
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Go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options.
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Set up Windows Hello Face, Fingerprint, or a secure PIN.
Why It’s Better:
Windows Hello is stored locally and never transmitted over the internet.
7. Enable Dynamic Lock
Why It Matters:
If you walk away from your PC and forget to lock it, Dynamic Lock will automatically secure it.
How to Enable:
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Go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options.
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Scroll to Dynamic lock, check Allow Windows to automatically lock your device when you’re away.
Requirement:
Pair your phone or another Bluetooth device to use as a trigger.
8. Use Local Account or a Microsoft Account with 2FA
Why It Matters:
Your Microsoft account is often linked to OneDrive, Outlook, and other services. Securing it with Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) is crucial.
How to Set Up 2FA:
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Visit https://account.microsoft.com/security.
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Go to Advanced Security Options and enable Two-step verification.
Tip:
Use an authenticator app instead of SMS for better security.
9. Turn Off Unnecessary Location and Tracking Permissions
Why It Matters:
Reducing the data Windows collects improves your privacy and lowers your digital footprint.
How to Adjust Settings:
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Go to Settings > Privacy & Security.
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Review settings for:
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Location
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Camera
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Microphone
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Account Info
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Background Apps
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Recommended:
Disable access for apps that don’t need these permissions.
10. Keep Your System and Apps Up-to-Date
Why It Matters:
Many attacks exploit outdated software. Patching vulnerabilities is one of the simplest but most effective security measures.
How to Enable Auto Updates:
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Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
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Ensure Automatic Updates are turned On.
Additional Steps:
Also update drivers and Microsoft Store apps regularly.
11. Configure UAC (User Account Control) Settings
Why It Matters:
UAC notifies you when software tries to make changes to your system, acting as a barrier to unauthorized installations.
How to Configure:
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Search UAC in the Start menu.
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Adjust the slider to Always notify for maximum protection.
Best Practice:
Don’t disable UAC unless absolutely necessary.
12. Enable Tamper Protection
Why It Matters:
Tamper Protection prevents unauthorized changes to critical Windows Defender settings.
How to Enable:
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Go to Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Manage settings.
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Toggle Tamper Protection to On.
Benefit:
Stops malware from disabling your antivirus or modifying protection settings.
13. Use Secure DNS (Like Cloudflare or Google DNS)
Why It Matters:
Changing your DNS can block access to malicious sites and improve browsing privacy.
How to Configure:
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Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi or Ethernet > Hardware properties.
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Click Edit under DNS settings.
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Use:
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Google DNS:
8.8.8.8and8.8.4.4 -
Cloudflare DNS:
1.1.1.1and1.0.0.1
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14. Enable Device Encryption (For All Editions)
Why It Matters:
If you don’t have BitLocker, some Windows editions offer a basic device encryption tool.
How to Enable:
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Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Device encryption.
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Click Turn on if available.
Important:
Device encryption is not as feature-rich as BitLocker but still valuable.
15. Use Exploit Protection
Why It Matters:
Exploit Protection prevents applications from executing malicious code in vulnerable memory areas.
How to Enable:
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Go to Windows Security > App & browser control > Exploit protection.
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Enable system-wide settings and add custom rules for vulnerable apps.
Advanced Users:
You can tweak Data Execution Prevention (DEP), ASLR, and other advanced settings.
16. Turn On Network Protection
Why It Matters:
Network Protection helps prevent employees or home users from accessing dangerous domains via apps or browsers.
How to Enable:
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Run PowerShell as Administrator.
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Enter this command:
Only for:
Windows 10/11 Enterprise, Pro, and Education editions.
17. Disable Remote Desktop (If Not Used)
Why It Matters:
Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) is often targeted by attackers.
How to Disable:
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Go to Settings > System > Remote Desktop.
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Toggle the switch to Off.
If You Use It:
Restrict RDP with strong passwords, firewalls, and VPN.
18. Use a Standard User Account for Daily Use
Why It Matters:
Admin accounts have full access, increasing the risk of malware making major changes. Standard accounts are more restrictive and safer.
How to Set Up:
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Go to Settings > Accounts > Family & other users.
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Add a new user and set them as Standard User.
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Use the Admin account only for installing software or changing settings.
19. Audit App Permissions Regularly
Why It Matters:
Apps accumulate permissions over time, and some may access more data than they need.
How to Review:
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Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > App permissions.
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Go through each section (like Contacts, Files, etc.) and disable unnecessary access.
20. Install a Trusted Password Manager
Why It Matters:
Storing passwords in your browser or a notepad is risky. A password manager encrypts and stores all your login credentials safely.
Recommended Apps:
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Bitwarden (Free and Open Source)
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LastPass
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1Password
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Dashlane
Enable 2FA for your password manager account for maximum safety.
Final Thoughts
Securing your Windows PC doesn’t require expensive tools or complicated steps. Most of the essential features are already built into Windows—you just need to turn them on and configure them wisely.
Quick Recap of Top Security Settings to Enable Today:
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✅ Windows Defender & Firewall
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✅ BitLocker or Device Encryption
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✅ SmartScreen and Reputation-based Protection
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✅ Windows Hello & Dynamic Lock
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✅ Controlled Folder Access & Exploit Protection
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✅ Automatic Updates & Tamper Protection
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✅ Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
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✅ Secure DNS & Limited Permissions
By following this guide and regularly reviewing your security posture, you can stay ahead of most cyber threats and ensure that your Windows PC remains protected, private, and performant.
