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Windows Security - Sneakyone - 09-02-2024
Comprehensive Guide to Using Windows Security
Windows Security is a built-in feature of Windows that helps protect your computer from viruses, malware, and other security threats. This guide will walk you through how to use and configure Windows Security to keep your system safe.
Step 1: Accessing Windows Security
1. Open Windows Security:
- Click on the Start button and type Windows Security in the search bar.
- Select the Windows Security app from the search results.
2. Home Dashboard:
- When you open Windows Security, you'll see the Home Dashboard. This provides an overview of your system's protection status.
Step 2: Virus & Threat Protection
1. Running a Quick Scan:
- In the Windows Security dashboard, click on Virus & threat protection.
- Click Quick scan to scan your system for viruses and other threats.
2. Running a Full Scan:
- For a more thorough scan, select Scan options under the Current threats section.
- Choose Full scan and click Scan now. This will scan your entire system.
3. Custom Scan:
- If you want to scan specific files or folders, choose Custom scan in the Scan options menu.
- Click Scan now and select the files or folders you wish to scan.
4. Protection Updates:
- Ensure your virus definitions are up to date by clicking Check for updates in the Virus & threat protection section.
Step 3: Firewall & Network Protection
1. Viewing Firewall Status:
- In the Windows Security dashboard, click on Firewall & network protection.
- Here, you can view the status of your firewall for different network profiles (Domain, Private, and Public networks).
2. Enabling/Disabling the Firewall:
- To enable or disable the firewall for a specific network, click on the network profile and toggle the switch under Microsoft Defender Firewall.
3. Allowing an App Through the Firewall:
- Click Allow an app through firewall.
- Click Change settings, then check the box next to the app you want to allow through the firewall.
- If the app is not listed, click Allow another app… to add it.
Step 4: Account Protection
1. Setting Up Windows Hello:
- In the Windows Security dashboard, click on Account protection.
- Click Set up under Windows Hello to configure facial recognition, fingerprint recognition, or a PIN for added security.
2. Dynamic Lock:
- Dynamic Lock automatically locks your device when you're away.
- To set it up, pair your device with your smartphone via Bluetooth, and Windows will lock when your phone is out of range.
Step 5: App & Browser Control
1. Managing Exploit Protection:
- In the Windows Security dashboard, click on App & browser control.
- Scroll down to Exploit protection and click Exploit protection settings.
- Adjust settings under System settings and Program settings for enhanced security.
2. SmartScreen for Apps and Files:
- Ensure SmartScreen is enabled to help protect your device from unrecognized apps and files.
- In the App & browser control section, set Check apps and files to Warn or Block.
3. SmartScreen for Microsoft Edge:
- Under SmartScreen for Microsoft Edge, choose the level of protection against malicious sites and downloads.
4. SmartScreen for Microsoft Store:
- Enable SmartScreen to check for malicious content in Microsoft Store apps by selecting Warn or Block.
Step 6: Device Security
1. Core Isolation:
- In the Windows Security dashboard, click on Device security.
- Under Core isolation, click on Core isolation details to enable Memory integrity, which helps protect against attacks.
2. Secure Boot:
- Ensure that Secure Boot is enabled to protect your system from unauthorized firmware, software, and apps during the boot process.
- This can usually be configured in your computer's BIOS/UEFI settings.
Step 7: Device Performance & Health
1. Health Report:
- In the Windows Security dashboard, click on Device performance & health.
- Here, you can view a health report that shows the status of your device’s storage capacity, device driver, and other key components.
2. Fresh Start:
- If your device is not performing as expected, you can use the Fresh Start option to reinstall and update Windows.
- This option can be found at the bottom of the Device performance & health page.
Step 8: Family Options
1. Parental Controls:
- In the Windows Security dashboard, click on Family options.
- Set up parental controls by clicking View family settings. This will take you to the Microsoft Family website where you can manage screen time, content restrictions, and more.
2. Locate Your Device:
- Enable device tracking by clicking View your devices in the Family options.
- This helps you locate your devices on a map if they are lost or stolen.
Step 9: Best Practices and Tips
- Regular Scans: Schedule regular virus and threat scans to ensure your system is always protected.
- Keep Windows Updated: Always install the latest Windows updates to benefit from the latest security patches.
- Use Strong Passwords: Protect your account with strong, unique passwords or use Windows Hello for easier access.
- Monitor Device Health: Regularly check the Device Performance & Health section to ensure your system is in optimal condition.
Conclusion
Windows Security provides a comprehensive set of tools to protect your device from various threats. By following this guide, you can effectively use Windows Security to safeguard your computer, ensure privacy, and maintain optimal performance. Regular updates and scans will help you stay ahead of potential security issues, giving you peace of mind as you use your device.