Get ESET antivirus today! The good news is that the operating system brought some improvements in terms of security that should help users stay safe. In today’s guide, we’re going to answer all your security-related questions and show you all the security settings that you need to change to maximize your protection. To learn how Windows 11 security compares to its predecessor, read our Windows 11 vs Windows 10 guide.

Does Windows 11 have better security?

The short answer is yes, Windows 11 has better security than its predecessors. To understand the differences, you need to know what security features Windows 11 offers. Trusted Platform Module (TPM) Windows 11 comes with a new requirement called TPM, and we wrote about Windows 11 and TPM in a separate guide. TPM is a feature that verifies the integrity of your firmware, so it prevents unauthorized users from accessing your encryption keys or from installing rootkits that will run before your operating system boots. Virtualization-Based Security (VBS) Next on our list is Virtualization-Based Security, and this feature creates a secure and isolated section in your memory. By doing so, Windows can use this virtual secure mode to run various security solutions thus providing better protection for your operating system. Hypervisor-Protected Code Integrity (HVCI) This feature is related to the VBS, and it secures the Windows kernel from malware. Many exploits tend to attack your kernel to access the operating system, and this feature prevents that. UEFI Secure Boot This isn’t a new feature, and it’s closely associated with TPM. By using the secure boot, you ensure that your firmware isn’t tempered, thus preventing malware from running as soon as you boot your PC. Now that you know about Windows 11 features, let’s answer the most important question.

Is Windows 10 or 11 more secure?

Both operating systems support all of the aforementioned features, however, these features aren’t enabled on Windows 10 by default, plus Windows 10 doesn’t enforce you to use them. On the other hand, TPM is a requirement for Windows 11, and features such as HVCI can negatively affect performance on older CPUs, so this is why Windows 11 has higher requirements. Overall, Windows 11 is more secure, especially if you’re a less experienced user that doesn’t know how to enable these security features manually. If you want to avoid Windows 11 security issues, then you need to make a couple of adjustments to your settings.

How can I improve security in Windows 11?

1. Keep your system up to date

If any updates are available, they’ll start downloading. In most cases, Windows automatically checks for updates, so you won’t have to do this manually. To keep your PC safe, it’s crucial to download Windows 11 security updates regularly.

2. Protect your account with a password

By adding an account password, you’ll have basic protection from unauthorized access. This can be helpful if you’re sharing your PC with others, or if somebody tries to access your device without your knowledge.

3. Add fingerprint or facial recognition

This is a more convenient method of protection, since only you will be able to unlock your device, so you don’t have to worry about someone knowing your password.

4. Make sure Windows Defender is running

Windows 11 comes with Windows Defender pre-installed, but sometimes Windows Defender is turned off, and that can make your PC vulnerable. A few users reported that Windows Defender isn’t installed on their PC, and this can be a major security concern. You should never turn off Windows 11 security because it’s the only line of defense against malware, therefore it’s important to check if the application is enabled and properly running on your PC.

5. Use third-party antivirus

While Windows Defender is a great security solution, it’s not as advanced as other malware protection software, and this is why many users are choosing third-party antivirus solutions instead. We already did a comparison between Windows Defender and Avast, so you should check it out for more information. If you’re having security concerns about Windows 11, be sure to visit our best antivirus for Windows 11 guide and pick the right protection for your PC. SPONSORED If you want to stay protected on all fronts and be able to run your antivirus in the background without it affecting your PC’s performance, we suggest you use ESET Internet Security.

6. Use a Standard account

By using the Standard account instead of Administrator, you’ll have to enter your administrator password every time you want to make a system change. This is incredibly helpful if you’re sharing your PC with someone or if you’re using a business computer and you don’t want users to have unrestricted access to the PC.

7. Make sure User Account Control is running

This feature works great if you have a Standard and Administrator account since it will ensure that users won’t be able to change system settings on their own.

8. Use Dynamic Lock

After enabling this feature, as soon as you step away from your PC for more than 30 seconds, it will automatically become locked.

9. Check if your firewall is enabled

Modifying the firewall settings is an advanced procedure, so be sure to double-check the suspicious application before you prevent it from accessing the Internet.

10. Encrypt your drives

After your device is encrypted, nobody will be able to see your data without a password, which is great protection if your device gets stolen for example.

11. Make sure TPM and Secure Boot are enabled

For more information, we have a separate guide that focuses on how to enable TPM 2.0 in different versions of BIOS, so be sure to read it.

12. Scan your PC frequently

We suggest using a Full scan to scan all files on your PC, but this might take several hours to complete, so keep that in mind. In most cases, your security software will detect the threats automatically, but it’s not a bad idea to manually scan your PC once in a while.

13. Enable Find my device feature

After doing this, you can track your device if it gets stolen or lost via your Microsoft account.

14. Use a password manager

To ensure that you’re safe online, always use password manager software. By doing so, you’ll generate unique and strong passwords for every website that you log into. This will prevent hackers from accessing your online accounts, plus you won’t have to remember your passwords anymore since the software will do that for you.

15. Use a VPN

VPN is extremely useful if you’re concerned about your privacy, or if you tend to use a lot of open and insecure networks during the day. By using VPN software, all your traffic will be encrypted and hidden from third parties and your ISP, allowing you to browse the web privately. If you want a good VPN with access to thousands of servers worldwide and that’s equipped with all the security features you need, we recommend Private Internet Access. It’s compatible with all major platforms, including Windows 11, with an easy-to-use application. It’s able to circumvent geoblocks and has dedicated servers for streaming. ⇒ Get Private Internet Access

How do I protect my privacy on Windows 11?

Disable location tracking

Disable Ad tracking

Disable Diagnostics and Feedback

Disable app permissions

After adjusting these Windows 11 privacy settings, you’ll disable all features that are collecting personal information. Does Windows 11 Defender protect against malware? Yes, Windows Defender protects against malware, ransomware, and other types of malware. The software is effective in dealing with the latest malware types out of the box. However, some users prefer using third-party solutions since they offer more advanced features. Windows Defender lacks a reliable scheduling feature, and this is the main drawback for many. The firewall configuration is powerful, but it feels unintuitive to use. Defender also lacks features such as Game Mode, webcam and microphone protection, banking protection, and vulnerability evaluation. Does Windows 11 automatically encrypt? No, Windows 11 doesn’t automatically encrypt your drives, and to encrypt them, you need to set up BitLocker protection. Alternatively, you can use file encryption software to protect your data from unauthorized access. Windows 11 brought some changes, and while it’s similar to its predecessor, it still has improved security with the TPM requirement. Most security features are now enabled by default, thus providing additional protection to the users. Speaking of security, we also wrote a great guide on whether Windows 11 needs an antivirus, so be sure to check. What are your thoughts on Windows 11 security? Let us know in the comments section below.

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