Security is one of the most important aspects of using any device that connects to the internet or a network. Whether you are browsing the web, working on a document, playing a game, or shopping online, you want to make sure that your device and your data are safe from hackers, malware, viruses, phishing, and other threats.
Fortunately, Windows 10 and 11 come with a range of built-in security features that help protect your device and your data from various types of attacks. These features are part of Windows Security, which is a comprehensive security solution that monitors threats, runs scans, updates definitions, and provides settings and options for you to customize your security level.
In this article, you will learn about the main security features that are built-in to Windows 10 and 11, how to use them effectively, and what tips and best practices you should follow to enhance your security. By the end of this article, you will have a better understanding of how to secure your Windows device using the tools that are already available to you.
Section 1: Virus & threat protection
One of the most essential security features of Windows 10 and 11 is virus & threat protection. This feature provides real-time protection against malware (malicious software), viruses, ransomware (a type of malware that encrypts your files and demands a ransom for their decryption), and other threats that can harm your device or steal your data.
The main tool that provides virus & threat protection is Microsoft Defender Antivirus, which is a next-generation antivirus solution that comes with Windows 10 and 11. Microsoft Defender Antivirus scans your device regularly for any signs of malicious activity or suspicious files. It also updates its definitions automatically to keep up with the latest threats.
Another tool that helps with virus & threat protection is Microsoft Defender SmartScreen, which is a feature that warns you if a website, application, or download is potentially malicious or harmful. It also blocks known phishing sites (sites that try to trick you into giving away your personal or financial information) and unsafe downloads.
Other tools that enhance virus & threat protection are:
Windows Firewall, which is a feature that helps prevent hackers or malicious software from gaining access to your device through the internet or a network. It also allows you to control which apps can communicate with the internet or other devices on your network.
Bluetooth protection, which is a feature that helps secure your connection when you use Bluetooth devices, such as headsets, mice, keyboards, or other wireless accessories. It prevents unauthorized pairing or access to your device by using encryption and authentication methods.
Secure Wi-Fi, which is a feature that helps protect your data when you connect to a Wi-Fi network. It supports industry-standard encryption and authentication methods, such as WPA2 and WPA3, to prevent eavesdropping or tampering with your data. It also warns you if a network is not secure or has potential risks.
Some tips and best practices for using virus & threat protection are:
Make sure that Microsoft Defender Antivirus is turned on and up to date. You can check its status and settings in Windows Security > Virus & threat protection. You can also run quick or full scans manually or schedule them to run automatically.
Enable ransomware protection in Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Ransomware protection. This feature helps protect your important files from ransomware attacks by using controlled folder access and OneDrive backup.
Use Microsoft Defender SmartScreen to filter out unsafe websites, applications, and downloads. You can check its settings in Windows Security > App & browser control. You can also report unsafe sites or downloads to Microsoft by clicking on the feedback link in the SmartScreen warning page or dialog box.
Configure Windows Firewall to allow or block apps from accessing the internet or your network. You can check its settings in Windows Security > Firewall & network protection. You can also create firewall rules to customize your network traffic.
Pair your Bluetooth devices securely by using a PIN code or a confirmation prompt. You can check your Bluetooth settings in Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices. You can also remove or forget devices that you no longer use or trust.
Connect to secure Wi-Fi networks that use encryption and authentication methods. You can check the security level of a network by clicking on its name in the taskbar. You can also manage your Wi-Fi settings in Settings > Network & internet > Wi-Fi.
Section 2: Account protection
Another important security feature of Windows 10 and 11 is account protection. This feature helps protect your identity and credentials (such as passwords, PINs, or biometrics) from being stolen or compromised by hackers, phishing, or other attacks.
The main tool that provides account protection is Windows Hello, which is a feature that allows you to log into your device using a PIN, facial recognition, fingerprint, or other biometric method. These methods are more secure than passwords because they are unique to you and your device, and they cannot be guessed, cracked, or leaked.
Another tool that helps with account protection is Passkey, which is a feature that allows you to sign into websites and apps without using a password. Instead, you use a digital credential that is stored on your device and backed by Windows Hello security. This reduces the risk of phishing attacks and password leaks.
Other tools that enhance account protection are:
Wake on approach and lock on leave, which are features that automatically lock or unlock your device based on your presence. If your device has a presence detection sensor, such as a camera or a motion sensor, Windows 11 can detect when you walk away from your device and lock it using facial recognition. It can also detect when you return to your device and unlock it using Windows Hello.
Microsoft Authenticator App, which is an app that provides easy and secure sign-ins for all your online accounts using multifactor authentication (MFA), passwordless phone sign-in, or password autofill. MFA adds an extra layer of security by requiring you to verify your identity with another factor, such as a code, a notification, or a biometric method, after entering your password. Passwordless phone sign-in allows you to sign into your accounts using only your phone and biometric method, without entering a password. Password autofill allows you to store and fill in your passwords securely across different devices and browsers.
Some tips and best practices for using account protection are:
Set up Windows Hello to log into your device faster and more securely. You can check its settings in Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options. You can also choose which sign-in method you prefer, such as PIN, face, fingerprint, etc.
Use Passkey to sign into websites and apps without using a password. You can check its settings in Settings > Accounts > Passkey. You can also manage your Passkey credentials and websites in the Microsoft Authenticator App.
Use the Microsoft Authenticator App to enable multifactor authentication, passwordless phone sign-in, or password autofill for your online accounts. You can download the app from the Microsoft Store or from your phone’s app store. You can also scan QR codes or enter codes manually to add your accounts to the app.
Enable wake on approach and lock on leave to automatically lock or unlock your device based on your presence. You can check its settings in Settings > Personalization > Lock screen. You can also adjust the sensitivity and timeout of the presence detection sensor.
Section 3: App & browser control
Another essential security feature of Windows 10 and 11 is app & browser control. This feature helps protect your device from potentially dangerous apps, files, sites, and downloads that can harm your device or steal your data.
The main tool that provides app & browser control is Microsoft Defender SmartScreen, which we have already mentioned in the previous section. Microsoft Defender SmartScreen warns you if a website, application, or download is potentially malicious or harmful. It also blocks known phishing sites and unsafe downloads.
Another tool that helps with app & browser control is exploit protection, which is a feature that helps prevent attacks that exploit vulnerabilities in your apps or system. Exploit protection applies a set of mitigation techniques to your apps, such as data execution prevention, address space layout randomization, and control flow guard, to make it harder for attackers to exploit them.
Other tools that enhance app & browser control are:
App security settings, which are settings that allow you to control the permissions and access of your apps. You can manage your app security settings in Settings > Apps > Apps & features. You can also view and change the permissions of individual apps in Settings > Privacy.
Reputation-based protection settings, which are settings that allow you to adjust the level of protection that Microsoft Defender SmartScreen provides for your device. You can manage your reputation-based protection settings in Windows Security > App & browser control > Reputation-based protection settings. You can also turn on or off specific features, such as blocking potentially unwanted apps, checking apps and files, or checking downloads.
Some tips and best practices for using app & browser control are:
Keep Microsoft Defender SmartScreen turned on and up to date. You can check its status and settings in Windows Security > App & browser control. You can also report unsafe sites or downloads to Microsoft by clicking on the feedback link in the SmartScreen warning page or dialog box.
Use exploit protection to protect your apps from vulnerabilities. You can check its status and settings in Windows Security > App & browser control > Exploit protection. You can also customize the exploit protection settings for individual apps by clicking on Program settings.
Review and manage your app security settings regularly. You can check your app security settings in Settings > Apps > Apps & features. You can also view and change the permissions of individual apps in Settings > Privacy. You should only grant permissions that are necessary for the app to function properly and revoke permissions that are not needed or suspicious.
Adjust your reputation-based protection settings according to your needs and preferences. You can check your reputation-based protection settings in Windows Security > App & browser control > Reputation-based protection settings. You can also turn on or off specific features, such as blocking potentially unwanted apps, checking apps and files, or checking downloads. You should choose the level of protection that suits your device usage and risk tolerance.
Section 4: Device security
Device security is crucial for protecting your device from attacks by malicious software that can compromise your system or data.
Mode-based execution control is a feature that allows you to run your device in different modes depending on your needs and preferences. S mode is the most secure mode, as it only allows you to install and run apps from the Microsoft Store and use Microsoft Edge as your default browser. Standard mode is the default mode, as it allows you to install and run apps from any source and use any browser, but with some restrictions and warnings. Pro mode is the most flexible mode, as it allows you to install and run apps from any source and use any browser, without any restrictions or warnings.
TPM encryption uses a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) chip on your device to encrypt your data and protect your credentials. It helps prevent unauthorized access to your device or data by requiring a PIN, password, or biometric method to unlock your device or access your data.
Other tools that enhance device security include secure boot, which verifies the integrity of system files and drivers before loading them; HVCI, which protects system files or drivers from modification by malware; Windows Sandbox, which allows you to run untrusted apps in an isolated environment; and KDP, which prevents malware from stealing or corrupting sensitive data.
Some tips for using device security are:
Choose the mode that best suits your device usage and risk tolerance.
Enable TPM encryption if your device supports it.
Enable secure boot if your device supports it.
Enable HVCI if your device supports it.
Use Windows Sandbox for testing untrusted apps.
Enable KDP if your device supports it.
Section 5: Device performance & health
Device performance & health keep your device clean and up to date with the latest version of Windows.
Windows Update automatically downloads and installs updates for Windows and other Microsoft products, protecting against vulnerabilities.
Storage Sense frees up space by deleting unnecessary files, improving performance.
Troubleshooters diagnose and fix common problems with devices.
Recovery options restore devices to previous states or factory conditions if needed.
Fresh Start cleans up devices by reinstalling Windows and removing non-Microsoft apps.
Tips for maintaining device performance & health include:
Keep Windows Update turned on.
Use Storage Sense regularly.
Utilize Troubleshooters for common issues.
Be familiar with Recovery options.
Consider using Fresh Start for a clean setup.
Conclusion
By using the built-in security features of Windows 10 and 11, you can protect against threats while maintaining optimal performance. This guide has provided an overview of these features along with tips for effective use. For more information on Windows Security, visit the official websites for Windows 10 help and Windows 11 help. Stay safe and secure with Windows!