It ’s tempting to pass over straight into personalizing anew Windows 11 PC — apps , wallpaper , the works . I ’ve been there . There ’s just something about tweak a new machine that makes it feel like yours . But before the fun start , I always take some sentence to lock down the security preferences . It ’s a diminished effort that pays off with peace of judgment , especially with so many online threat lurking out there . After all , nothing kills the excitement of a new PC faster than running into a computer virus or security measure panic .
Here are the preferences I alter every prison term I get a new Windows 11 microcomputer — and why they matter .
1. Install a trusted antivirus
One of the first things I do on any novel Windows 11 PC is instal one of thebest antivirus programsI can open . I ’ve been using ESET for years , and I ’m glad with how it ’s maintain my personal computer good . It ’s write me numerous time from visiting insecure sites and download unsafe file cabinet , and I care the Safe Banking and Browsing page where I can get my fiscal hooey done safely . Those are only a few reasons why I continue to use it after all these years .
I always recommend go with a top - tier antivirus since threat can come from all kind of places : unelaborated electronic mail attachments , seemingly harmless soda pop - ups , even phoney browser app extension . That said , no antivirus is perfect in every way . ESET can sometimes be a little too conservative , sag apps or site I already commit . But I ’d rather divvy up with a untrue positive than allow something dangerous slip through . Free options are fine for minimal protective cover , but I prefer the pacification of intellect that comes with a top - tier up choice .
2. Turn off passwordless sign-in
Even though Windows encourage you to set up passwordless foretoken - in — and I get why , it ’s commodious — I always turn it off . This poses a serious security measures danger . If someone gains physical memory access to your computer , they can access your files . Even if you survive alone , you could take your laptop to a coffee shop class or on a trip , and if it ’s slip , whoever took it will have instant access to everything on it . It ’s safer to take a moment tocreate a substantial countersign . you’re able to even utilise one of thebest password managersto help you create one . On my Windows 11 laptop , I still use the fingermark lector for quick logins — but only as an extra level , not the only line of defense .
3. Reviewing app permissions
After I ’m done with the previous two options , I check to see which apps have access to things like my location , mic , and television camera . It ’s not uncommon for apps to request more permission than they need , so gibe the app ’s permissions is always a good estimation . Looking into app license can be promiscuous to overlook until you savvy into the configurations .
On a raw Windows 11 PC , go toSettings > Privacy and security , then scroll down to the “ App permissions ” section . From there , I can superintend which apps have access to my mic , location , camera , and other sensitive features . If an app has access and I ca n’t remember why , I move around it off . Unless it ’s an app like Zoom or Maps , there is rarely a good rationality for an app to have entree to your data by default .
It only takes a few moment , but doing this gives you better control over what apps can do in the backcloth and helps limit unnecessary data aggregation . It ’s one of those changes that allows your microcomputer to esteem your privacy just a little more . Sometimes developer take for permit just in lawsuit they add together a feature article to the app that requires that permission . If you have already given it , your user experience wo n’t be interrupt . Another reason could be that a third - party tool the app relies on postulate it . Either path , it ’s deserving learn so you do n’t give away access without even recognise it . Once I visit that a computer required knowing my location . Um , no thanks .
The Eset Premium app is open on a PC monitor.Alan Truly / Digital Trends
4. Turning off optical diagnostics data
Whether you turn off optional diagnostic data is a personal choice . Still , I turned it off because I did n’t feel comfortable about it collecting my browse habits , app use , and gadget activeness . By default , your personal computer sends basic information about your system to Microsoft . Still , it also gives you the pick to get off additional data about how you use system stage setting , apps , and even land site you visit in Edge . I always ferment that off , and if you do too , you may go to preferences > Privacy and Security > Diagnostics and Feedback . Whether you flex it off or not is a personal choice , but I would .
5. Enable BitLocker (if available)
If you ’re using Windows 11 Pro , one of the smartest thing you’re able to do is turn on BitLocker . It ’s a built - in encoding tool that protect the entire crusade , meaning if someone steal your laptop , they ca n’t just remove the hard drive and plug it into another personal computer to view your files . To find it , go toSettings > concealment and security , then scroll down and look under theRelated settingssection forBitLocker Drive Encryption . If it ’s available , but not yet enabled , it ’s worth turning on . Just be trusted to back up your convalescence key in a secure billet , since you ’ll require it if you ever get locked out . Even if losing your laptop computer feel unlikely , it only takes one unexpected moment . I ’d rather spend a few minutes setting up encoding than worry about my Indian file falling into the wrong hands .
Keeping your PC safe
Most users only imagine about security when something goes awry . But with a few simple-minded changes during setup , you may forefend a circumstances of frustration — and potential damage — down the bank line . These are n’t change only an engineer can handle ; even someone new to Windows can make them . You do n’t demand to be a cybersecurity expert to take ascendance of your seclusion . Whether it ’s reviewing which apps have access to your microphone or enable BitLocker to encrypt your datum , the time invested is perfectly worth it . It ’s easy to put off these preferences for later on , but in my experience , doing it right from the start salvage you a lot of trouble and reduces what you have to interest about in the long run .
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