Windows 11: How to Use These 11 Key Security Settings

Microsoft’s insistence on this A computer must have a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0 component built into the motherboard In order to be eligible for a Windows 11 upgrade it is a testament to the company’s seriousness regarding security with its latest operating system.

TPM 2.0 is a feature that actually validates user identities and protects data from attack. Among other protections, the TPM makes it much more difficult for anyone not sitting in front of a Windows computer to access it.

But the trusted platform module is just the beginning of the security and safety features that Microsoft has built into Windows 11. If the new operating system is installed on your computer, here are the security settings you need to be aware of.

First, to get to the settings screen in Windows 11, press start Menu button or e to look for Taskbar button and then select Definitions From the panel that popped up.

1. Keep Windows 11 up to date

Good security starts with keeping your software updated, and if you choose Windows Update From settings, you can check that all recent fixes and bug fixes have been applied to the operating system. knock Advanced options and Activity time To make sure that Windows does not intend to restart and apply updates in the middle of your work day.

2. Check your login options

Select your name in the upper right corner of the settings pane and then Login options To see the different ways you can log on to your computer. If face recognition (Using your webcam) or Fingerprint recognition (Using a fingerprint sensor) are available, these are more password secure, and most modern computers need to support them.

Exit when you are not

From the same login options screen, use If you were not, when should Windows require you to log in again? Option to make sure entry is always required. You can also use Dynamic locking Option to tell Windows to lock your device when you move away from it (as indicated by the location of a connected smartphone).

4. Enable the built-in security tools

If you choose Privacy and security and then Windows Security From the settings, you can make sure that the security software that comes with Windows is enabled. This is an absolute necessity if you do not have third-party alternatives installed. All security issues that require attention will be marked with a yellow exclamation mark – click on one for more details.

5. Run a malware scan

From the same thing Windows Security Screen, you can click Open Windows Security To get to the built-in security center of Windows 11. Most of the features here should run automatically in the background, including scans for malicious software, but you can enable a manual scan by clicking Protection against viruses and threats And choice Quick scan.

6. Check the security of the device

All hardware issues on your Windows 11 computer – including issues with the TPM and the secure boot process – will appear in Device security Page after opening Windows Security Tool. If you need to take immediate steps to further secure your operating system and stored data, they will appear here.

7. Stay safe while you are connected

If you choose App and browser Controlling Windows Security Utility, you will see that there are two settings you can enable: Reputation-based protection (Which means that Windows 11 is always looking for suspicious or poorly performing applications) and Protection of exploitation (Which helps reduce the impact of a variety of remote hacking attacks).

8. Check the security tools you have in place

Open the settings from Windows Security to see the software that protects your Windows 11 computer below Security providers– This may be the security software that came with Windows or third-party alternatives. You can also configure security alert settings from here to make sure you are always up to date.

9. Manage application permissions

As with your smartphone, you can decide which permissions apps are allowed to use in Windows 11. Open Privacy and security Page from the main settings screen, then scroll down to see the permissions. Click on any permission, such as Place, Camera, Or microphone, To manage which programs are currently accessible.

10. Make sure your device can be found if lost

M Privacy and security Under Settings, select Find my device To document its location from time to time. It allows you to log into your Microsoft account on another device and find out where your Windows 11 computer has gone – very useful if you left it behind on the train or do not remember if it is in the office or somewhere at home.

11. Encrypt the data on your device

Encrypting the data on your hard drive makes it difficult for someone else to read the information (if it is able to extract the drive from your computer, for example). Not every computer gives you the option, but if yours does, you can turn it on by choice Privacy and security and then Device encryption From the Windows 11 settings screen.

More great WIRED stories

Microsoft’s insistence on this A computer must have a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0 component built into the motherboard In order to be eligible for a Windows 11 upgrade it is a testament to the company’s seriousness regarding security with its latest operating system.

TPM 2.0 is a feature that actually validates user identities and protects data from attack. Among other protections, the TPM makes it much more difficult for anyone not sitting in front of a Windows computer to access it.

But the trusted platform module is just the beginning of the security and safety features that Microsoft has built into Windows 11. If the new operating system is installed on your computer, here are the security settings you need to be aware of.

First, to get to the settings screen in Windows 11, press start Menu button or e to look for Taskbar button and then select Definitions From the panel that popped up.

1. Keep Windows 11 up to date

Good security starts with keeping your software updated, and if you choose Windows Update From settings, you can check that all recent fixes and bug fixes have been applied to the operating system. knock Advanced options and Activity time To make sure that Windows does not intend to restart and apply updates in the middle of your work day.

2. Check your login options

Select your name in the upper right corner of the settings pane and then Login options To see the different ways you can log on to your computer. If face recognition (Using your webcam) or Fingerprint recognition (Using a fingerprint sensor) are available, these are more password secure, and most modern computers need to support them.

Exit when you are not

From the same login options screen, use If you were not, when should Windows require you to log in again? Option to make sure entry is always required. You can also use Dynamic locking Option to tell Windows to lock your device when you move away from it (as indicated by the location of a connected smartphone).

4. Enable the built-in security tools

If you choose Privacy and security and then Windows Security From the settings, you can make sure that the security software that comes with Windows is enabled. This is an absolute necessity if you do not have third-party alternatives installed. All security issues that require attention will be marked with a yellow exclamation mark – click on one for more details.

5. Run a malware scan

From the same thing Windows Security Screen, you can click Open Windows Security To get to the built-in security center of Windows 11. Most of the features here should run automatically in the background, including scans for malicious software, but you can enable a manual scan by clicking Protection against viruses and threats And choice Quick scan.

6. Check the security of the device

All hardware issues on your Windows 11 computer – including issues with the TPM and the secure boot process – will appear in Device security Page after opening Windows Security Tool. If you need to take immediate steps to further secure your operating system and stored data, they will appear here.

7. Stay safe while you are connected

If you choose App and browser Controlling Windows Security Utility, you will see that there are two settings you can enable: Reputation-based protection (Which means that Windows 11 is always looking for suspicious or poorly performing applications) and Protection of exploitation (Which helps reduce the impact of a variety of remote hacking attacks).

8. Check the security tools you have in place

Open the settings from Windows Security to see the software that protects your Windows 11 computer below Security providers– This may be the security software that came with Windows or third-party alternatives. You can also configure security alert settings from here to make sure you are always up to date.

9. Manage application permissions

As with your smartphone, you can decide which permissions apps are allowed to use in Windows 11. Open Privacy and security Page from the main settings screen, then scroll down to see the permissions. Click on any permission, such as Place, Camera, Or microphone, To manage which programs are currently accessible.

10. Make sure your device can be found if lost

M Privacy and security Under Settings, select Find my device To document its location from time to time. It allows you to log into your Microsoft account on another device and find out where your Windows 11 computer has gone – very useful if you left it behind on the train or do not remember if it is in the office or somewhere at home.

11. Encrypt the data on your device

Encrypting the data on your hard drive makes it difficult for someone else to read the information (if it is able to extract the drive from your computer, for example). Not every computer gives you the option, but if yours does, you can turn it on by choice Privacy and security and then Device encryption From the Windows 11 settings screen.

More great WIRED stories