Alex Ruben
Essential Security Settings to Optimize in Windows 11 (24H2)
In today’s digital landscape, ensuring the security of your operating system is paramount. Windows 11 provides a range of security features, but many users may not have them configured optimally. This guide will walk you through the essential security settings in Windows 11 (24H2) that you should change to enhance your system’s protection against various threats. By following these steps, you will significantly improve your security posture, making your computer safer against malware, unauthorized access, and other vulnerabilities.
Before we begin, ensure you are running Windows 11 version 24H2. Additionally, it’s advisable to back up your important data and ensure your system is updated with the latest patches and drivers, as this can affect the functionality of certain security features.
Step 1: Access Windows Security Settings
Start by opening the Windows Security application. You can do this by clicking on the Start menu and typing Windows Security. Once opened, navigate to the Virus & threat protection section to manage key security settings.
Step 2: Configure Virus & Threat Protection Settings
In the Virus & threat protection section, click on Manage settings under the Virus & threat protection settings. Ensure the following features are enabled:
- Real-time protection
- Cloud-delivered protection
- Automatic sample submission
- Tamper protection
These settings help in actively scanning and protecting your system from potential threats.
Step 3: Enable Controlled Folder Access
Controlled Folder Access is designed to protect your files from unauthorized changes. In the Virus & threat protection section, find Manage Controlled folder access and turn it on. This feature will safeguard your important documents and folders, preventing untrusted applications from making changes.
Step 4: Verify Firewall Settings
Next, navigate back to the main page of Windows Security and select Firewall & network protection. Make sure the firewall is active for all network types (Domain, Private, and Public). This will help block unauthorized access to your system.
Step 5: Configure Device Security Settings
Go to Device security and then click on Core isolation details. Here, enable Memory Integrity. This feature helps protect your system by preventing attacks aimed at inserting malicious code into high-security processes.
Note: If you encounter any issues enabling Memory Integrity, it may be due to driver incompatibilities. Ensure all your device drivers are updated and try again.
Step 6: Adjust Privacy Settings
Privacy settings are also crucial for maintaining security. Go to Privacy & security in the Settings menu. Consider the following adjustments:
- Turn off Find My Device if you do not need this feature.
- Under General, disable options related to Telemetry and personalized ads.
- In the Speech section, turn off online speech recognition to prevent your voice data from being sent to Microsoft.
Step 7: Manage App Permissions
Finally, review the app permissions under Privacy & security. Check which apps have access to your location and other sensitive data. Disable permissions for apps that do not require them, ensuring only trusted applications have access.
Extra Tips & Common Issues
Always keep your Windows 11 updated with the latest security patches and updates. If you experience performance issues after enabling certain security features, consider adjusting settings selectively to find a balance between performance and security.
Conclusion
By following these steps, you can significantly enhance the security of your Windows 11 system. Regularly review these settings and stay informed about new security updates to maintain a robust defense against potential threats.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Memory Integrity important?
Memory Integrity prevents malicious code from being injected into critical system processes, thereby enhancing your system’s overall security.
What should I do if a feature won’t enable?
If you encounter issues enabling features like Memory Integrity, ensure all drivers are up to date, as incompatibilities can block activation.
Is it necessary to disable Find My Device?
Disabling Find My Device can enhance security for some users, especially if they do not wish to share their location data. However, for devices that may be lost or stolen, it may be beneficial to keep it enabled.