Beginner’s Guide to Windows Security on Windows 10 In 2025

The Built-In Bodyguard: Windows Defender Antivirus

Windows Defender works quietly in the background. It checks all your files and programs. If it sees anything suspicious, it stops it. It is just like having a bodyguard that is protecting you. Here’s how to make sure Windows Defender is turned on:

• Type “Windows Security” into the search box.
• Click on the Windows Security app.
• Click on “Virus & threat protection.”
• Under settings, make sure “Real-time protection” is turned on.
• To change when scans happen, click “Scan options.”

Windows Defender gets updates too. These updates teach it new ways to fight bad programs. It’s like giving your bodyguard new fighting moves. To get Defender updates:

• Open the Windows Security app again.
• Click “Virus & threat protection.”
• Click “Check for updates.”

That’s it! Now the Defender is on guard. This Windows security app will protect your computer like a tough bodyguard. You can rest easy knowing it’s working hard.

Imagine having a friend who knows everything. They can instantly tell you if a website or file is safe or not. That is exactly what Windows Defender SmartScreen does!

This Windows security app checks the reputation of websites, downloads, and apps. It looks them up in Microsoft’s huge database of known threats. If something seems fishy or dangerous, SmartScreen will warn you. It might even block the bad thing completely.

SmartScreen is like having a very wise pal. This pal has seen all the bad stuff before. So they can protect you from opening anything unsafe. To check your SmartScreen settings:

• Open the Windows Security app by searching for it.
• Click on “App & browser control.”
• Under “Reputation settings,” you can change protection levels.

But it is best to leave SmartScreen on default settings. That way, SmartScreen always works quietly in the background. It is like a trusty friend watching over you. They will only pop up if something really seems off or dangerous.

So let SmartScreen do its job! It knows what websites and files are safe or sketchy. Having this website-checking pal makes things way more secure.

The Biometric Bouncer: Windows Hello

Get ready for something really cool. Windows Hello lets you sign into your computer like a spy! You can use your face, fingerprint, or even your eyes. Mind-blowing, right?

This is called biometric authentication. That’s a fancy way of saying your body is the password. Only you and maybe an identical twin can access your stuff this way. It adds an extra layer of security. Setting up this spy feature is easy:

• Search for “Set up Windows Hello.”
• Choose if you want to use your face, fingerprint, or iris (eyeball!) scan.
• Follow the instructions to register your biometrics.

Once set up, you can log into your computer and support apps like super spy! Just look at the camera to scan your face. Or let it read your fingerprint. The iris eye scan is the coolest – just look into the scanner!

It is like having a personal vault entrance. Retina scanners and all! Only your eyes, face, or fingerprints can open it up. No bad guys allowed.

This biometric login is seriously futuristic and fun. But it also keeps your computer and information totally secure. Only you can access everything thanks to this Windows security app!

The Whole Disk Lockdown: BitLocker Drive Encryption

For those who really want to be super Windows security, BitLocker Drive Encryption is available. This is like a mega lock on your entire computer drive. It scrambles up all your data into a huge mess. Nobody can read it without your permission!

Even if a thief steals your laptop, your files are still totally locked down. Nobody can snoop or access anything thanks to BitLocker encryption. It is maximum paranoid security! Here’s how to turn on this heavy-duty protection:

• Search for “BitLocker” and click “Manage BitLocker.”
• Pick the drive you want encrypted and click “Turn on BitLocker.”
• Follow the steps to choose the encryption type.
• Create a recovery key – this is the master unlock code!

Don’t lose that recovery key! It’s like the only way to open the vault. Without it, your encrypted drive stays scrambled forever. Now just wait while BitLocker does its thing. It will encrypt and lock down that entire drive.

A couple quick notes – BitLocker is only on Windows 10 Pro, Enterprise, etc. And your computer needs a special security chip called a TPM. But most newer laptops have that built-in.

With BitLocker activated, no sneaky thieves can access your data. Your paranoid lockdown is complete! Sleep easy knowing your data is 100% secure with this Windows security app.

Cloud Safety Net: Microsoft Account and OneDrive

Using a Microsoft account and OneDrive is a smart way to back up your stuff. This Windows security app also keeps things more secure. With a Microsoft account, you can sync all your computer settings across different devices.

OneDrive is like a safe storage locker for your files – but it lives in the cloud! The cloud means it’s online, not just on your computer. Here’s how to set up your cloud backup locker:

• When first setting up Windows, create or log into a Microsoft account.
• Once logged in, search for and open the OneDrive app.
• Pick which folders you want to sync and back to the cloud.

Boom! Now you can access your files from any device on the internet. And they are safely backed up online in case your computer breaks.

This Windows security app is like having a digital safety deposit box. Except this box goes everywhere with you! Your important files are backed up and ready from any place. With OneDrive, you never have to worry about losing documents or photos. They live securely in the cloud just in case. Access them anytime, anywhere.

The cloud locker is way more than just backup. It makes accessing your files super easy across all devices. And Microsoft keeps that cloud storage nice and secure.

The Mandatory Updates: Windows Update

Do you know when Windows security apps nag you about updates? Those aren’t just for new features. A big part is closing security holes. Hackers look for holes to break in and cause trouble.

That’s why keeping Windows 10 updated is super important. New updates patch those security holes. They block off ways for hackers to sneak in. Here’s how to get those crucial updates:

• Search for “Windows Update settings” and open it.
• Click the “Check for updates” button.
• If new updates are available, they’ll be listed.
• Click “Install now” to download and install the updates.

The updates will then fix any security holes like patching cracks in your computer’s defenses. Your system stays secure and safe from hackers. Do yourself a big favor – turn on automatic updates. Then you’ll get security updates as soon as they come out. No more falling behind on critical fixes.

Those pesky update notifications are annoying but important! Don’t ignore them. Install all updates right away to keep the bad guys locked out. Let Windows stay updated and you have got one less thing to worry about. Your computer will be protected by the latest and greatest windows security measures!

The Neighborhood Watch: User Account Control (UAC)

You know those annoying popups that ask “Are you sure?” They show up when you try to make big changes on your computer. That’s called the User Account Control or UAC.

UAC is like a neighborhood watch program for your operating system. This Windows security app keeps an eye out for any sketchy apps or bad malware. Those nasty programs try to change important settings without you knowing.

But UAC stops them! It asks for your approval first like a neighbor checking if a stranger should really be making changes on your street. To adjust how watchful UAC is:

• Search for “Change User Account Control settings.”
• Open that window and use the slider.
• A higher slider means more pop-ups asking permission.
• Lower means fewer security checks.

The popups can be annoying, we know. But it is worth a small inconvenience to stay safe! UAC is looking out for you. Think of it as your local neighborhood patrol. They make sure no shady characters try to cause trouble where they don’t belong.

With UAC on duty, your computer settings stay locked down and secure. Unless you explicitly allow changes, that is! Pretty handy digital bodyguard.

The Secure Boot Check: Secure Boot

There’s a behind-the-scenes security feature you might not know about. It is called Secure Boot. Don’t worry, most people haven’t heard of it either!

Secure Boot is like a bouncer at a nightclub door. But instead of checking IDs, it checks what software is allowed to start up on your computer.

When you first turn on your machine, Secure Boot makes sure only safe, legit programs from proper sources can load up and run. It keeps any sketchy software from getting in during start-up. On most newer computers, Secure Boot is already enabled and working by default. But you can double-check to be sure:

• Search for and open the “System Information” app.
• Scroll down and look for “Secure Boot State.”
• If it says “On” then you are all set!

If, for some reason, Secure Boot is off, don’t panic. You may need to look up specific instructions to enable it on your machine’s model and brand.

Just be careful, as you don’t want to turn on Secure Boot improperly and cause issues. Get step-by-step guidance for your specific computer. With Secure Boot Active, you can rest easy knowing your start-up process is secure and malware-free. That bouncer isn’t letting any shady programs crash the party!

Third-Party Backup: Extra Security Software

For some people, Windows 10 security features might not feel like enough protection. If you want more muscle, you can get third-party security software. These are extra guard programs made by other companies. Third-party security can add advanced features like:

• Closer monitoring for threats
• Web filters to block bad sites
• Parental controls to keep kids safe

Some of the most popular paid Windows security suites are:

• Kaspersky
• Norton
• McAfee
• Bitdefender
• ESET

But do your research first! Find one that fits your needs and works nicely with Windows 10. However, remember this important point: Extra third-party security is great additional protection. But it shouldn’t replace using Windows’ built-in defenses. And you still need smart security habits!

Don’t just install third-party software and think you’re invincible. Use it along with Windows 10 security features. And practice safe computing like:

• Not opening sketchy links/downloads
• Using strong passwords
• Keeping software updated

Third-party security can definitely help fortify your defenses. But it works best teamed up with Windows security and your own safe practices!

FAQs

Do I really need to use Windows security features?

Yes, you really do! The internet is full of bad people trying to steal your personal information. Windows 10 security features help protect you. They block viruses and hackers from getting your private data. Using these security tools is super important.

What is the best free security feature in Windows 10?

The best free security tool is Windows Defender Antivirus. It guards your computer 24/7. It stops viruses, malware, and other threats. Windows Defender scans for sketchy files and stops them. It’s like having a bodyguard for your computer.

How do I turn on the Windows firewall?

Open the search bar and type “Windows Defender Firewall.” Click on “Allow an app through Firewall.” In that window, make sure the firewall is on for public and private networks. The firewall blocks bad stuff from getting in or out.

Is Windows Hello really secure?

Yes! Windows Hello is very secure for signing into your computer. You use your face, fingerprint, or iris (eye) scan. Only your biometrics can log you in. No bad guys allowed! It’s like a spy-movie security system.

Should I get extra third-party Windows security software?

Windows security is great, but extra protection can help. Popular options like Norton and McAfee add more advanced features. But don’t rely only on third-party software. Use it along with Windows security for best results.

The Bottom Line

We talked about keeping Windows 10 itself updated. But you must also update all your other apps and programs. Developers are always fixing windows security holes. If you don’t update, hackers can sneak through those holes. Most programs have an option to auto-update. Turn this on so you don’t have to update manually. Easy peasy!

Every now and then, do a cleaning. Uninstall any apps you don’t use anymore. Old, unused apps can be security risks. Get rid of them! So there you have it – all the awesome Windows security apps. The antivirus bodyguard. The firewall bouncer. The biometric lock. The full drive encryption vault. Microsoft gave you lots of ways to secure your digital life.

But no security is 100% perfect. You still need to be careful. Think twice before opening sketchy links or downloads. Use common sense online. Keep everything updated – Windows, apps, everything. Maybe get extra third-party protection if you want. Use all the tools together for maximum safety.

Stay alert, but don’t panic! Follow these tips for a safe and secure digital world. Kick hackers out of your life and just enjoy computing. Stay safe out there!