How to use Windows Security on Windows 11 for maximum protection

Check for new Windows updates

First, we’ll start by making sure you have the latest Windows updates on your PC. So, in addition to getting security and bug fixes, updating Windows will also provide you with the latest virus definitions.

To update Windows 11 manually:

1. Open Start and click Settings
2. whenSettings When it opens, click Windows Update at the bottom of the list in the lower left corner.
3. Click the Check for Updates button and download any new content as it appears. Note that some updates require a restart, but virus definitions usually do not. You can restart manually now or set an active time to restart when the computer is not in use.

Perform regular virus scans

While Windows Security Center can protect your system in real time, running scans regularly is essential. Windows should do this automatically, but it doesn't hurt to run a detailed scan yourself - just to be sure.

To run a virus scan using Windows Security Center, use the following steps:

1. Open the Start menu and type windows security — Select the top result.
2. When the Security Overview screen appears, click the Virus and Threat Protection option.
3. Now, click on the "Quick Scan" button to check the folders where threats are usually found.
4. For more scanning options, click the Scan Options link under the Quick Scan button.
5. From here, you can select other types of virus scans.

Select Windows Security virus scan level

After clicking Scan Options in Windows Security, you can choose between three different types of severity levels Make your selection. These determine how long the scan takes and how deep it goes.

These include:

• Full Scan: Checks all files and folders as well as applications on the drive.
• Custom Scan: Allows you to select folders and files to be scanned specifically for viruses.
• Microsoft Defender Antivirus (Offline Scan) : Run boot-level scans for the most stubborn malware. It will restart your device and use the latest virus definitions scanned during startup.

While running a scan (except offline scan), it will show you the progress. If the scan finds nothing, you will receive a "No current threats" message. However, if the scan does find malware, you can choose to quarantine the file, delete it, or allow it to remain.

Configuring Windows Security Settings

Another thing you'll want to manage is your Windows Security Settings. This affects how Windows Security runs in the background on your PC.

To configure Windows security:

1. Using the Start menu, search for windows security and open it.
2. In Windows Security Center, click Virus & threat protection.
3. Under the Virus and threat protection settings section, press Manage settings.
4. Make sure Real-time Protection, Cloud Delivery Protection, Automatic Sample Submission and Tamper Protection are enabled.
5. Another important piece of the protection puzzle is Controlled Folder Access. Click the Manage Controlled Folder Access link under the Controlled FilesFolder Access section.
6. Controlled Folder Access feature provides ransomware protection. This feature was introduced with Windows 10 a few years ago and is available with Windows 11. If an unauthorized application attempts to change a protected folder, it is placed on the fallback list and Windows notifies you of the action.

How to exclude certain files from Windows security scans

If you have multiple files and folders that are suitable, a virus scan may require It takes a while to complete. You can customize Windows Security virus scans to allow you to exclude certain files or folders.

To do this:

1. Open the Windows Security app through the Start menu.
2. In Virus and Threat Protection, select the Management Settings option under the Virus and Threat Protection Settings section.
3. Scroll down to the Exclusions section and click the Add or Remove Exclusions link.
4. Click the Add Exclusion button and select the items to exclude from the scan.
   

If in doubt, Don’t exclude the file —Have Windows Security check the file to make sure your PC is free of malware.

How to use Account Protection in Windows Security

In addition to virus detection, Windows Security Center also provides the option to notify you if there is a security issue with your account. You can then take appropriate steps to enhance your account protection.

To use Windows Security Account Protection:

1. Open the Windows Security app and select the Account Protection option on the left.
2. In this section, you can enable Windows Hello secure sign-in, facial recognition and fingerprint (if available), and dynamic lock. In this section you can also change and view your account settings.

How to use firewall and network protection in Windows 11

One of the more critical security aspects of Windows 11 is the built-in firewall. You can manage firewall and network protection by doing the following:

1. In the Start menu, search for Windows Security and open the application.
2. From there, click on the Firewall and Network Protection option in the list on the right.
3. For best protection, make sure Domain Network Firewall is turned on.
4. You should also enable the Private Network Firewall and Public Network Firewall settings.
5. Note that you can also access other firewall settings, such as the Network and Internet Troubleshooter and the Allow applications through the firewall tool. Click on these options to use them.

Generally, you want to keep the firewall settings enabled on your PC. However, administrators and power users may need to disable the firewall to allow known connections or applications to pass through or to allow for additional troubleshooting.

Configure online and app security settings

When you are online, it is important to enable the online security provided by Windows Security.

To manage online and app security settings on Windows 11:

1. Open the Windows Security app on Windows 11 from the Start menu.
2. Select Apps & Browser Controls from the left menu.
3. The main setting here is Reputation-based protection. It allows you to control Defender SmartScreen and protect your PC from malicious applications, files, websites and downloads. Click the Reputation-based protection settings link under the Reputation-based protection section.
4. Scroll down to the right of the Windows Security app and turn on Phishing Protection.
5. Scroll down further and enable SmartScreen for Potentially Unwanted App Blocking and Microsoft Store Apps settings.

How to manage Windows 11 device security options

In addition to software protection, you can also view your device security settings in the Windows Security app.

To check your device's hardware security:

1. Open the Windows Security app by starting.
2. Select Device Security from the left menu.
3. In this section, you can examine Core Isolation, virtualization-based security that protects the core.
4. You can also use this menu to check your processor's Trusted Platform Management ( TPM ) functionality, which is required for Windows 11.
5. You can also check Secure Boot, which prevents malware from loading when you boot your PC.
6. Finally, manage Data Encryption to encrypt your drive to prevent unauthorized access to your drive while offline.

How to check device performance and health

You can check the performance and health of your device in Windows Security Center.

Do this:

1. Open the Windows Security app and click the Device Performance and Health tab on the left.
2. This section will show you a health report that includes Windows Time Service, Storage Capacity, Battery Life, and Applications and Software.
3. If you have no questions, a green check mark will appear next to each item. If there's a problem, you'll see a yellow or red icon next to it. In this case, you need to start troubleshooting.

Manage your PC security on Windows 11

Using the Windows Security app in Windows 11 will help keep your PC secure. It has a lot more capabilities than you may not know. Ensuring that Windows Security Center features and settings are active and enabled will provide the best protection against a variety of threats.

While it provides excellent protection against malware, you can still turn off Windows security if you want (although we don't recommend this). Maybe you're trying to go through a file that's known to be safe, or maybe a firewall is blocking the connection you need.

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