Windows 11 security features

Introduction

Windows 11 is the latest version of Microsoft’s operating system, and it comes with a list of new security features designed to keep your PC safe and secure. In today’s world, where cyber threats are becoming increasingly common, it is more important than ever to protect your personal and sensitive information from unauthorized access.

Windows 11 security features are designed to provide multi-layered protection against various types of cyber threats, including viruses, malware, phishing attacks, and more. These features range from built-in antivirus software to advanced security protocols that protect your data and prevent unauthorized access.

We will explore in this article the available Windows 11 security features, and explain how they can help keep your PC safe and secure.

Windows 11 Security Features

Windows Hello

Windows Hello is a biometric authentication system that allows you to log in to your Windows 11 PC using facial recognition, fingerprints, or a PIN. This feature provides an additional layer of security and makes it more difficult for unauthorized users to access your PC.

To set up Windows Hello:

1. Go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options.
2. Under “Windows Hello,” select the type of biometric authentication you want to use (facial recognition, fingerprints, or a PIN).
3. Follow the on-screen instructions to set up your biometric authentication.

Microsoft Defender Antivirus

Microsoft Defender Antivirus is a built-in antivirus software that comes with Windows 11. It provides real-time protection against viruses, malware, and other types of cyber threats. Microsoft Defender Antivirus uses machine learning and AI to detect and block suspicious activity on your PC, and it can also scan email attachments and downloaded files to ensure they are safe to open.

To use Microsoft Defender Antivirus:

1. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Security.
2. Under “Virus & threat protection,” select “Scan options” to run a quick scan, full scan, or custom scan.
3. Under “Protection updates,” make sure your antivirus definitions are up-to-date.

Windows Sandbox

Windows Sandbox is a new feature in Windows 11 that allows you to run untrusted software in an isolated environment. This feature creates a temporary desktop environment where you can test software without risking damage to your PC. Once you close the sandbox, all the files and programs inside it are deleted.

To use Windows Sandbox:

1. Go to Start > Windows Accessories > Windows Sandbox.
2. Install any software you want to test inside the sandbox environment.
3. Once you are finished testing, close the sandbox to delete all the files and programs inside it.

Virtualization-Based Security (VBS)

Virtualization-Based Security (VBS) is a security protocol that uses hardware virtualization to protect critical system processes and data from malicious attacks. This feature isolates sensitive processes from the rest of the operating system, preventing attackers from gaining access to them.

To enable VBS:

1. Open the Group Policy Editor by typing “gpedit.msc” in the search bar and pressing Enter.
2. Navigate to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > System > Device Guard > Turn on Virtualization

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3. Select “Enabled” and click “OK” to save the changes.

Windows Defender Firewall

Windows Defender Firewall is a built-in firewall that helps protect your PC from unauthorized access. It monitors incoming and outgoing network traffic and blocks any suspicious activity. You can customize the settings for the Windows Defender Firewall to allow or block specific programs or ports.

To customize Windows Defender Firewall settings:

1. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Security.
2. Under “Firewall & network protection,” select “Manage settings.”
3. Choose the network profile you want to customize (private or public), and then select “Allow an app through firewall” to customize which apps are allowed to access the network.

BitLocker

BitLocker is a built-in encryption tool that allows you to encrypt the contents of your hard drive to prevent unauthorized access. BitLocker uses advanced encryption algorithms to protect your data and requires a password or PIN to access it.

To use BitLocker:

1. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Device encryption.
2. Under “Device encryption,” select “Turn on” to enable BitLocker.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions to set up your encryption options, such as choosing a password or PIN.

Windows Update

Windows Update is an essential security feature that helps keep your PC up-to-date with the latest security patches and bug fixes. Windows updates are released regularly to address new vulnerabilities and improve system performance.

To check for Windows updates:

1. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
2. Select “Check for updates” to see if any updates are available.
3. If updates are available, select “Download and install” to install them.

FAQs

Q: Do I need antivirus software if I am using Windows 11?

A: Windows 11 comes with built-in antivirus software (Microsoft Defender Antivirus), which provides real-time protection against viruses, malware, and other types of cyber threats. However, it is always a good idea to use additional antivirus software for added protection.

Q: Can I disable Windows Defender Firewall?

A: While it is not recommended to disable Windows Defender Firewall, you can do so by going to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Security > Firewall & network protection > Change settings > Turn off the firewall.

Q: Do I need to enable BitLocker if my PC already has a password?

A: While a password can help prevent unauthorized access to your PC, it does not encrypt the contents of your hard drive. BitLocker provides an additional layer of security by encrypting your data, so it is recommended to enable BitLocker if you are concerned about data security.

Conclusion

Windows 11 security features provide multi-layered protection against various types of cyber threats, including viruses, malware, and phishing attacks. By using these features and following best practices for cybersecurity, you can keep your PC safe and secure. Remember to always keep your operating system and software up-to-date, use strong passwords, and avoid clicking on suspicious links or downloading files from untrusted sources. With these tips, you can protect your personal and sensitive information from unauthorized access and keep your PC running smoothly.

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