Tips to Secure your Windows 10

Keeping your Windows operating system safe from hackers and online attacks is a crucial step in protecting your data on your PC. There are different ways to secure your Windows without spending any money.

In this article, we will mention some beneficial tips for Windows users to secure their system:

Stay up-to-date

We often ignore the pop-up notification to update our system. But the outdated system creates a threat of various online attacks and transmission of viruses and malware into our system. Whenever you update your Windows, Microsoft automatically fixes the security loopholes in your operating system. Updated Windows also strengthens the defense mechanism of your operating system to protect itself from online attacks. You can easily update your system by clicking on the “Start” button and then open the “Settings.” Then click on “Windows Update” and then tap on “Check for Updates.” Another way of updating your system is by pressing the Windows key+1 and then click on “Update & Security.”

Set a strong password for your PC

Your system’s security is not limited to the internet only; you also need to secure your system offline. Your system comes in contact with various public networks which makes your data vulnerable to risks like data theft and misuse of your data. Even if your PC gets stolen, you are putting your data at high risk.

To avoid this kind of mishappenings, you should secure your PC with a strong password. You can set a password in Windows 10 by clicking on” Start” and then tap on “Settings.” Then, go to “Sign-in” options and set a strong password in the appeared window. You can set other security measures like a physical security key, a PIN, your fingerprint, facial recognition, and more.

Check the administrator account on your PC

The administrator account holder can make various changes in your PC without any consent from other users. The owner of the PC should only access the administrator account. You can check which account is linked to your computer by clicking on the “Start” button and then click on “Settings.” In the newly appeared window, check the “Family & other users” option and it will show you other users who can access your computer. Make sure the administrator account only belongs to you.

Regular updating of computer programs

An updated operating system is not the only step to block any online threats. Keeping your other programs updated also plays a vital role in securing your Windows. Some programs are capable of updating itself automatically, but other programs need your attention from time to time. If you have downloaded applications from Microsoft Store, then open the Microsoft Store and click on the three dots on the upper right corner and then click on “Downloads and updates”. If you have downloaded any other than Microsoft programs, then you can visit their website regularly to check for the latest updates.

Delete applications that you don’t use

There are tons of applications available that can help you to perform various functions. Because of this abundant availability, our system is often filled with useless programs and applications that we don’t use. Removing these programs makes your system more secure, and it enhances the performance of your system at the same time. To uninstall unwanted files, you can use the uninstaller on Windows 10. Go to the “Settings” and tap on the “Apps” option. Then, a window will appear with all your programs and applications installed on your PC. Select the unwanted apps and click on “Uninstall.” You can also use various software to get rid of unwanted applications and programs.

Go for a good antivirus software

Windows 10 already has in-built antivirus software, but it only offers basic protection from online threats. Many Microsoft users don’t install efficient antivirus software in their system, which makes them an easy target for online attacks. By installing good antivirus software in your PC, you are adding an extra layer of security from potential hackers. There is various antivirus software available that protects your system without affecting its performance.

Keep your firewall always on

Your computer’s firewall is the primary protection that protects you from online attacks. Make sure your firewall is always on with Windows Defender. To check your firewall, go to the “Settings” and then tap on “Update & Settings” and then click on “Windows Security.” Then check the green checkmark against the “Firewall & network protection” option. Another option to check your firewall is by clicking on “Control Panel” and then tap on “Windows Defender Firewall.”

Use a paid VPN service

If you frequently use public Wi-Fi networks, then your data might be at risk of online theft. Without a VPN, your data is prone to encryption and can be misused by any malicious user. To protect yourself from such online threats, make sure you invest in a paid VPN service. Free VPN services are not very effective in protecting your data as they sell your data to third parties to earn money.

Encrypt your files

In case your system gets stolen, and your important files are not encrypted, then those files can be misused in different ways. Windows 10 comes with a “BitLocker” which is fully capable of encrypting your in-built or portable drives. To set up “Bitlocker”, go to “Control Panel” and then tap on “System and Security”, then select the “BitLocker Drive Encryption” and follow the rest of the instructions.

Conclusion

Setting computer security is crucial to safeguard our data. We often don’t pay attention to our computer’s security until a problem arises, and sometimes it becomes too late because the online attack has already caused great harm to our system. The tips, as mentioned above, are straightforward to follow and do not consume your time. You can follow these tips to strengthen your system against potential online attacks and viruses. 

Source:-  Tips to Secure your Windows 10