How to use built-in tools and settings to secure your Windows 10?

 

Windows 10 has some of the built-in tools and settings that help in securing it from malicious software, viruses and more. These tools include Encryption, Windows Firewall, SmartScreen Filter and more. With these built-in tools, you would never want to install any third-party antivirus on your device. All you need to do is customize their settings as per your requirements.

As aforementioned, Windows defender is a built-in antivirus that immediately detects and fixes malware and other viruses. It also blocks applications that may harm your computer system in private or public network. SmartScreen filters malicious software and infected files that can cause damage to your device. Follow the below mentioned steps to workaround with every tool and setting:

Advanced Sharing Settings

This plays an important role to secure Windows 10. In advanced sharing                settings, you will find three network profiles for each network you use. Turn on the first two profiles, i.e. File and Printer Sharing and Network Discovery. On the 3rd profile, i.e. All Networks, use “Encryption” or turn off the public sharing in common situation.

1. Press Windows + R and type cp in the run box
2. In the control panel, locate Network and Sharing Centre and select it
3. Now, click Change Advanced Sharing Settings from the left side bar
4. Make the required privacy of your data and security settings

Enable Automatic Updates

Windows update is by default enabled in Windows 10 operating system and there is no switch anywhere that permits to disable it. The only thing you can do is check for updates in the update and security category under Windows update section. Don’t try to change this setting because Windows keeps on updating itself with the new security updates.

Protection Tools on Windows Defender Security Centre

Windows defender security centre includes all the tools for virus and threat protection, Firewall, SmartScreen Settings and more. This built-in application is a perfect solution to secure your Windows. Check the following settings under this section:

1. Press Windows + I; this will open settings application
2. Click Update and Security
3. On the left pane of the Update and Security pane, press Windows Defender. When you will navigate to the right side, you will see Windows Defender Security Centre on the top.
4. Hit that button
5. Check for the message “your device is being protected”
6. Also make sure that there is a green tick mark in front of the four options Virus & threat protection, Device performance & health, Firewall & network protection, and App & browser control
7. If any of the option has a cross mark, then turn it on to make it green
8. Now, click on the Firewall and network protection by visiting the home screen of Windows Defender Security Centre
9. Select “Allow an app through Firewall” from the bottom section
10. Click “Change Settings” and uncheck all the applications that run automatically and has a prefix Remote.
11. Click OK

Set minimum time for lock screen time out settings

Auto screen lock helps to increase the safety of the device as it protects your device when you are not around the corner. To set the time, do the following:

1. Press Start and type lock screen settings and hit enter
2. In the settings section, scroll down to the bottom in the right side bar and choose screen timeout settings
3. In the Power & Sleep setting interface, set the suitable time
4. It’s done!

Secure Boot

If you have recently purchased your device and have Windows 10 in it, then you must ensure a secure boot and UEFI instead of legacy BIOS. Enable the settings for the same.

Turn Off Flash and Java

Disabling Flash and Java in Windows 10 helps to protect it from the threats. Though some of the websites may not load some content in the absence of these two or one of the two, but they might affect the health of your system.

Encrypt Hard Drive

To secure your data at a higher level, you can encrypt your hard drive. This means, no one except you or the person who has enabled the encryption can read the data on the disk. If other wants to read that data, they must have the authorized security code or the password.

Use Local User Account Instead

The data of the local user account has no link with the Admin account. So, if you are using a local user account and it gets hacked, the entire system will simply blocked and you can easily access the administrator account. To use the local user account, do the following:

1. Click “Start” and search for Accounts
2. Hit Enter
3. Select “Sign in with a local account instead”

Privacy Settings

Microsoft offersa selection of settings to enjoy a better experience but you don’t need to use them always. To maintain the good health of your system, do the following privacy settings:

1. Press Windows key and letter I together
2. Now, under the General tab, check out the list and turn off the settings that are not needed

It is advised to turn off all the settings and access them whenever asked. Hope the information was useful.