{"id":151537,"date":"2020-07-20T08:27:44","date_gmt":"2020-07-20T08:27:44","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/sftarticles.wpenginepowered.com\/en\/?p=151537"},"modified":"2025-07-01T21:18:39","modified_gmt":"2025-07-02T04:18:39","slug":"the-best-windows-security-tips","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cms-articles.softonic.io\/en\/the-best-windows-security-tips\/","title":{"rendered":"The Best Windows Security Tips"},"content":{"rendered":"

We live in a world full of dangers, including cyberattacks<\/strong>, viruses<\/strong>, malware<\/strong> and online<\/strong> scams<\/strong>. They can infiltrate your operating system before you even realize it, and by the time you do, it\u2019s already too late. It may seem like a hassle or a waste of time, but spending a few minutes strengthening Windows 10 security on your computer<\/strong> can prevent a bad experience or two. And believe us, it\u2019s worth the trouble.<\/p>\n

\"Person<\/p>\n

At first glance, Windows may seem like an impenetrable operating system, but it\u2019s actually a prime target for hackers around the world, who are discovering new security holes<\/strong> every day. Want to use Windows without worrying about online attacks? Keep reading for some useful tips!<\/p>\n

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1. Keep your PC up-to-date<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Many people think of Windows updates<\/strong> as a hassle that slows down their work or asks them to reboot at the worst possible time. But did you know these updates play a vital role in keeping your computer secure? <\/strong>Every time you update Windows, Microsoft repairs the security holes in the operating system and strengthens its line of defense, ensuring your security and that of your data.<\/p>\n

If you don\u2019t know how to update Windows 10, don\u2019t worry. It’s a piece of cake! Just click the Start<\/strong> button (the Windows icon on the lower left side of your screen) and then Settings<\/strong> (the gear icon). Alternatively, you can press the Windows key + I<\/strong>. Next, click \u201cUpdate & Security.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"How<\/p>\n

In the new window, click on \u201cWindows Update,\u201d<\/strong> which appears in the menu on the right side. Finally, click the \u201cCheck for updates\u201d<\/strong> button and wait for Windows to be updated. See how easy that was?<\/p>\n

\"Windows-Update-interface\"<\/p>\n

2. Secure your computer with a password<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Your PC\u2019s security can be compromised not only over the internet, but also in the physical world, right where you are. If you use your private computer in a public place, for example, you use your laptop in a coffee shop, or if your home or office is robbed, your data will be at risk as well<\/strong>. If you haven\u2019t set a password<\/strong> to log into your computer, it will be vulnerable if it falls into the wrong hands.<\/p>\n

To set a password for Windows 10, follow these easy steps. Click Start<\/strong> (the button with the Windows logo on the lower left side of the screen) and then Settings<\/strong> (the gear icon). If you prefer, you can also click the Windows button + I. Next click the \u201cAccounts<\/strong>\u201d option.<\/p>\n

\"How<\/p>\n

In the new window, go to \u201cSign-in options\u201d<\/strong> in the menu on the left. Then a new menu will appear where you can set a password to sign into Windows<\/strong> and other new options for unlocking your device (a physical security key, a PIN, your fingerprint, a picture password, facial recognition, etc.).<\/p>\n

3. Make sure you have the only administrator account on your computer<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Not all Windows accounts are created equal. There is one kind of account that lets you make any change on your computer without the other users\u2019 consent. We\u2019re referring to administrator accounts<\/strong>. To see which user accounts are linked to your computer, follow these steps.<\/p>\n

Click the Start<\/strong> button (the Windows icon in the lower left corner of your screen) and then Settings<\/strong> (the gear icon). You can get to the same window by clicking the Windows button + I. Next, just go to \u201cAccounts<\/strong>.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"Family<\/p>\n

In this new window, click \u201cFamily & other users.\u201d<\/strong> This will show you everyone who has an account to access your computer. Make sure that nobody but you can log on as an administrator.<\/p>\n

4. Update all computer programs regularly <\/strong><\/h2>\n

Keeping your operating system up-to-date isn\u2019t enough to prevent a security hole from compromising your data. It\u2019s important to make sure that all the programs<\/strong> and internet browsers on your PC are always up-to-date.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Fortunately, many programs are updated automatically whenever you open them, but others need some extra help. That\u2019s why we recommend that you visit their websites regularly<\/strong> to check for new versions.<\/p>\n

If you have downloaded programs from the Microsoft Store<\/strong>, the process is a lot easier. To check for updates, just open the Microsoft Store, click the three-point icon on the upper right side of the window and go to \u201cDownloads and updates.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

5. Delete programs and apps you don\u2019t use <\/strong><\/h2>\n

Hard drives have so much space these days that it\u2019s easy to install programs over time and never delete them, even if you don\u2019t use them. But it\u2019s important to clean your PC of old programs<\/strong> or ones that are just taking up space. By deleting them, you\u2019ll make sure they never cause any security problems. At the same time, you’ll be surprised how much your computer\u2019s performance will improve.<\/p>\n

\"Access<\/p>\n

To get rid of a program on Windows 10, always use the uninstaller<\/strong>. Go to the Settings menu (click the Windows button + I) and click the \u201cApps<\/strong>\u201d option. Next, you\u2019ll see a menu with all the programs and apps installed on your computer. Click the one you want to delete and then \u201cUninstall<\/strong>.\u201d If you prefer, you can also use software to uninstall programs. Check out the article below to find out which ones we like the most.<\/p>\n

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Spring clean your computer with these digital tidying tools<\/p>\r\n READ MORE<\/a>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/a>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n

6. Deactivate \u201cspyware\u201d on Windows 10<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Windows 10 is an excellent operating system, but it has always been criticized for invading users\u2019 privacy<\/strong>. Unless we disable them, Windows 10 comes with a series of enabled options that share our data<\/strong> without us even realizing it (our location, data to help it decide what ads to display, activity, etc.)<\/p>\n

\"How<\/p>\n

To disable them, go to Settings<\/strong> (click the Windows button + I) and the \u201cPrivacy<\/strong>\u201d option. In the new window, turn off the options under the \u201cGeneral<\/strong>\u201d tab, and under \u201cActivity history<\/strong>,\u201d disable \u201cSend my activity history to Microsoft.\u201d Finally, under \u201cDiagnostics & feedback,\u201d turn off \u201cTailored experiences.”<\/p>\n

7. Install good antivirus software<\/strong><\/h2>\n

This may come as a surprise, but many Windows 10 users don\u2019t have antivirus software<\/strong>, making them an easy target for potential hacker attacks. Good antivirus software is not necessarily expensive, and in fact, there are many free antivirus products<\/strong> that are excellent and will protect your PC without impacting its performance.<\/p>\n

\"Hacker<\/p>\n

Here at Softonic, we especially recommend Avast Free Antivirus<\/strong>. It detects the vast majority of viruses, and you\u2019ll barely notice you have it installed. Click below to download it completely free.<\/p>\n

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If you\u2019re not a fan of Avast, don\u2019t worry. We have a great article about the best free antivirus programs<\/strong> to protect your computer with Windows 10<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

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Best free antivirus 2020 (Desktop)<\/p>\r\n READ MORE<\/a>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/a>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n

8. Always keep your firewall on<\/strong><\/h2>\n

This point is closely related to the one above: always keep your computer\u2019s firewall<\/strong> on. If you use Windows Defender<\/strong>, we recommend checking regularly to make sure that it\u2019s on.<\/p>\n

\"Windows<\/p>\n

Go to Settings (click the Windows button + I) and the \u201cUpdate & Security\u201d<\/strong> option. When the new window opens, click \u201cWindows Security\u201d<\/strong> and make sure there is a green check mark<\/strong> beside \u201cFirewall & network protection.\u201d You can also make sure by going to the Control Panel and clicking \u201cWindows Defender Firewall.\u201d<\/p>\n

9. Use a paid VPN<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Many of us browse the internet without using a VPN<\/strong>. This isn\u2019t a problem if you only use your computer on your Wi-Fi at home. But everything changes if you access open Wi-Fi networks <\/strong>on your laptop at a library, coffee shop, airport, etc. Unless you use a VPN, your data won\u2019t be encrypted<\/strong> and can be intercepted by any malicious user who is using the same network at the same time. So why is it important to use a paid VPN?<\/p>\n

Free VPNs<\/strong> could seem like a bargain at first, but keep in mind that unless they cover their costs via subscriptions, they do so by other means. One of the most typical ways these free VPNs earn money is by selling your data to third parties<\/strong>, and they\u2019re even capable of selling your internet bandwidth<\/strong> to other users without you realizing it. Want to know more about why we advise against free VPNs? Read the article below.<\/p>\n

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The \u2018Free VPN\u2019 Trap: Dangers, Realities and Safe Paid Alternatives<\/p>\r\n READ MORE<\/a>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/a>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n

When choosing a VPN<\/strong>, make sure that it\u2019s the right one to meet your needs, so consider how you use your computer. A good VPN for browsing the internet isn\u2019t the same as one for streaming content or, for example, online gaming. To make your decision easier, read our roundup of the best VPNs<\/strong> for safe browsing.<\/p>\n

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Quick and easy guide to VPNs<\/p>\r\n READ MORE<\/a>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/a>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n

We hope our list of tricks and tips<\/strong> helps to protect your operating system<\/strong> from hacker attacks. Know of any we didn\u2019t mention? Feel free to share it in the comments section!<\/p>\n

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The best VPNs for online gaming<\/p>\r\n READ MORE<\/a>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/div>\r\n <\/a>\r\n <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

We live in a world full of dangers, including cyberattacks, viruses, malware and online scams. They can infiltrate your operating system before you even realize it, and by the time you do, it\u2019s already too late. It may seem like a hassle or a waste of time, but spending a few minutes strengthening Windows 10 … Continue reading “The Best Windows Security Tips”<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2040,"featured_media":151610,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":"","wpcf-pageviews":0},"categories":[2441],"tags":[1027,1080,1052],"usertag":[],"vertical":[],"content-category":[],"class_list":["post-151537","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-how-to","tag-security","tag-windows","tag-windows-10"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/cms-articles.softonic.io\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/151537","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/cms-articles.softonic.io\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/cms-articles.softonic.io\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cms-articles.softonic.io\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2040"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cms-articles.softonic.io\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=151537"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/cms-articles.softonic.io\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/151537\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":325242,"href":"https:\/\/cms-articles.softonic.io\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/151537\/revisions\/325242"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cms-articles.softonic.io\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/151610"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/cms-articles.softonic.io\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=151537"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cms-articles.softonic.io\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=151537"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cms-articles.softonic.io\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=151537"},{"taxonomy":"usertag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cms-articles.softonic.io\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/usertag?post=151537"},{"taxonomy":"vertical","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cms-articles.softonic.io\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/vertical?post=151537"},{"taxonomy":"content-category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cms-articles.softonic.io\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/content-category?post=151537"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}