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On a Windows 11 PC, leave Microsoft Defender Antivirus, reputation-based protection, and Microsoft Defender Firewall enabled; keep Windows and your apps updated; and back up important files. These settings reduce exposure to common threats, but they cannot guarantee that a device will stay safe. Windows 10 users should also note that standard support ended on October 14, 2025, so changing settings cannot replace security fixes.
Which Windows security settings should you leave on?
Windows Security brings together built-in antivirus, firewall, and app and browser protections. For most home users, the practical approach is to keep the default protections enabled, check that security intelligence is current, and avoid weakening protection to solve routine performance or compatibility issues.
- Antivirus: Keep real-time protection, cloud-delivered protection, and tamper protection on.
- Apps and downloads: Keep reputation-based protection and potentially unwanted app blocking enabled.
- Networks: Keep Microsoft Defender Firewall on, using the right network profile.
- Files: Consider Controlled folder access if its compatibility tradeoffs suit your apps.
- Recovery: Install updates and maintain backups; backups help you recover files rather than prevent an infection.
How do I change Windows Security settings?
Keep Microsoft Defender Antivirus protections enabled
- Open Start, search for Windows Security, and open it.
- Select Virus & threat protection, then Manage settings.
- Check that Real-time protection, Cloud-delivered protection, and Tamper Protection are on.
Real-time protection monitors the device for threats. Cloud-delivered protection helps Defender use current cloud intelligence, and tamper protection helps prevent malicious apps from changing critical security settings. Microsoft documents these controls in its Windows Security guidance.
Check security intelligence
Windows Update automatically downloads current security intelligence for Defender. To check manually, go to Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Protection updates > Check for updates. Security intelligence is distinct from a full Windows feature update, so keep Windows Update running as well.
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Avoid casual antivirus exclusions
Do not add an exclusion just because a file or app is inconvenient to scan or appears to slow down a task. Microsoft warns that Defender no longer checks excluded files, folders, file types, or processes for threats during real-time scanning. If you must exclude something for a specific, understood reason, limit the exclusion to the narrowest possible item and remove it when it is no longer needed. See Microsoft’s Defender Antivirus settings guidance.
Protect against unsafe apps, websites, and downloads
Open Windows Security > App & browser control and review Reputation-based protection. Keep SmartScreen checks and potentially unwanted app blocking enabled. These protections help identify unsafe files, apps, websites, and downloads before you run or install them. Microsoft explains the controls in its App & browser control documentation and potentially unwanted app guidance.
Smart App Control is not available to everyone
Smart App Control is a Windows 11 feature, not a Windows 10 setting. Microsoft’s support page says it can be enabled only on qualifying new Windows 11 installations. A device that received Smart App Control through an update may need a reset or reinstall before the feature can be turned on. If the option is unavailable, that does not mean you should disable the other app and browser protections.
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- POWERFUL SECURITY KEY: The Security Key NFC is the essential physical passkey for protecting your digital life from phishing attacks. It ensures only you can access your accounts.
- WORKS WITH 1000+ ACCOUNTS: Compatible with Google, Microsoft, and Apple. A single Security Key NFC secures 100 of your favorite accounts, including email, password managers, and more.
- FAST & CONVENIENT LOGIN: Plug in your Security Key NFC via USB-A and tap it, or tap it against your phone (NFC) to authenticate. No batteries, no internet connection, and no extra fees required.
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Leave advanced exploit mitigations alone unless you have a reason
Exploit protection is already active with settings Microsoft considers best for most people. Most home users do not need to change advanced, program-specific mitigations. Altering them without understanding an app-specific issue can affect compatibility without providing a clear benefit. Microsoft’s Windows Security guidance describes exploit protection and its defaults.
Keep the firewall on and choose the right network profile
Go to Windows Security > Firewall & network protection. Check the active network and make sure Microsoft Defender Firewall is on. Microsoft says, “Windows Firewall helps protect your device by filtering network traffic and blocking unauthorized access.” See Firewall and network protection in the Windows Security app.
Use the profile that matches the network, not just the location where you are sitting:
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- FAST & CONVENIENT LOGIN: Plug in your YubiKey 5 via USB and tap it to authenticate. No batteries, no internet connection, and no extra fees required.
- MOST SECURE PASSKEY: Supports FIDO2/WebAuthn, FIDO U2F, Yubico OTP, OATH-TOTP/HOTP, Smart card (PIV), and OpenPGP. That means it’s versatile, working almost anywhere you need it.
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- Private: Use for a trusted home network you control.
- Public: Use for untrusted networks, such as public Wi-Fi. Devices using the public profile are less discoverable to other devices on that network.
Do not turn off the firewall simply to make a connection work. If a trusted app needs network access, review the specific app permission or troubleshoot the connection instead of disabling firewall protection broadly.
How do I turn on ransomware protection in Windows?
Controlled folder access can prevent untrusted apps from changing files in protected folders, including common folders such as Documents, Pictures, Videos, Music, and Desktop. It is a useful additional barrier, but it can block legitimate apps that need to save files.
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- Open Windows Security.
- Select Virus & threat protection > Manage ransomware protection.
- Review Controlled folder access and turn it on if its compatibility tradeoffs work for you.
- If a trusted app is blocked, verify the app and that it genuinely needs access before adding it to the allowed-app list.
Allowed apps can access protected files, so do not approve an app merely because a prompt appeared. Microsoft provides details in its ransomware protection guidance and Windows Security settings guidance.
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- For the driver download and user guide, please visit TrustKey Solutions Home support page.
Keep Windows and apps updated, and download carefully
Install Windows security updates and keep your browser and other apps current. Download software from sources you trust, and use a modern browser with its protections enabled. Updates close known security gaps; careful downloading reduces the chance of running a deceptive or unwanted program. Microsoft’s guidance covers avoiding potentially unwanted applications.
Windows 10 needs a supported security baseline
Microsoft ended standard Windows 10 support on October 14, 2025. Free Windows Update software updates, technical assistance, and security fixes ended on that date. Security settings cannot substitute for ongoing security fixes, so moving to a supported operating system is an important part of reducing risk. Check Microsoft’s Windows 10 end-of-support information for applicable options and details.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Back up files so you can recover them
A backup does not stop malware from infecting a PC, but it can help restore files after accidental deletion, hardware failure, or a ransomware incident. Microsoft’s Windows backup overview describes cloud storage and external storage options, including external drives. Cloud storage can make backed-up files accessible remotely; an external drive requires hardware and a configured backup routine. Keep a usable backup routine rather than assuming that simply owning a drive means files are protected.
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- Ultra-Compact FIDO2 Security Key - Plug-and-stay or carry on a keychain. This USB-A hardware security key offers portable, always-on protection for desktop and mobile use. (Item Size: 0.75 X 0.74 IN x 0.25 IN)
- USB-A Hardware Key for All Devices - Works with USB-A ports on PC, Mac, Android, and other laptop/notebook device. Enables secure, cross-platform login with FIDO2.0 passkey support.
- FIDO Certified Security Key - Meets FIDO and FIDO2 standards. Works with Google, Microsoft, GitHub, Dropbox, and more. Please check service compatibility before purchase.
- Passwordless Login with Passkey - Supports passkey login via WebAuthn and CTAP2. Enjoy password-free sign-ins where supported. Not all websites or services currently support passkeys.
- Advanced Multi-Factor Authentication - Offers 200 FIDO2 passkey slots and 50 OATH-TOTP slots. Strong, flexible 2FA/MFA support across various apps and authentication platforms.
For ransomware-related recovery options, Microsoft also describes OneDrive file versioning and recovery in its ransomware guidance.
If Windows Security reports a possible infection
Prevention settings are not a substitute for responding to a current alert. If a scan or warning suggests an existing infection, follow Microsoft’s scan and recovery instructions rather than relying only on the settings in this guide.
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