How to Secure Windows 11 Privacy & Security Settings

Getting Started with PC Security Basics

Before diving into advanced features, establishing your current security status and setting up fundamental protections matters. Checking security providers and configuring basic privacy settings lays the groundwork here.

1 How to See Your Security Providers in Windows 11 Windows 11 provides built-in security through software like Microsoft Defender, which protects against viruses, malware, and unauthorized access. Users can check their security providers via the Windows Security app by navigating to Settings and managing providers. This ensures that they understand the safeguards protecting their PC from threats. 2 min read · ↻ Updated Aug 2026

2 How to Enable Core Isolation Memory Integrity in Windows 11 The article explains how to use the Core Isolation Memory Integrity feature in Windows 11 to protect the system against malware such as ransomware. Steps to enable or disable the feature are provided. If the feature fails to activate, users may need to check for incompatible device drivers. 2 min read · ↻ Updated Jul 2026

3 Enhance Windows 11 Security with System Guard The article outlines the setup of System Guard Secure Launch and System Management Mode (SMM) protection for enhancing Windows 11 device startup security. It highlights the significance of firmware protection in combating malware and establishing a hardware root of trust, essential for Secured-core PCs. Steps for enabling firmware protection via Windows Security and registry are also provided. 2 min read · ↻ Updated Aug 2026

Managing App and Feature Access

Windows 11 grants control over how apps and features interact with your system. Managing notifications, filtering app recommendations, and adjusting privacy settings for utilities like Photos keeps data leakage in check.

1 How to turn on or off Notifications for Reminders and VoIP calls on Lock Screen in Windows 11 Lock screen notifications for reminders and VoIP calls in Windows 11 show alerts from apps like Skype or Teams right on your… 2 min read · ↻ Updated Aug 2026

2 How to Change your app recommendation settings in Windows 11 App recommendation settings in Windows 11 control where your PC suggests and allows you to download new software. These rules keep your… 5 min read · ↻ Updated Aug 2026

3 How to Change Location Services in Windows 11 Photos App The article provides a guide on enabling or disabling location-based features in the Windows 11 Photos app. It explains that enabling this feature allows automatic tagging of photos with location data for better organization and search. To enable or disable this feature, users can access the Settings in the Photos app and toggle the "Enable Location Based Services" option. 2 min read · ↻ Updated Jul 2026

4 How to Turn Smart App Control On/Off in Windows 11 Smart App Control in Windows 11 blocks untrusted programs from opening on your PC by checking every app before it runs. This… 6 min read · ↻ Updated Aug 2026

Protecting Your Data with Encryption and Accounts

Sensitive data demands robust encryption. Deploying BitLocker, managing passkeys for secure logins, and handling user accounts (including guest access) locks down the operating system.

1 How to Set BitLocker to Unlock Your Windows 11 PC Automatically BitLocker in Windows 11 protects files by encrypting the drive, allowing only trusted users access. It typically utilizes a TPM chip for automatic unlocking. Users can disable USB and PIN requirements for easier access by adjusting settings in the Control Panel. Auto unlock enhances security while speeding up startup. 2 min read · ↻ Updated Aug 2026

2 How to Turn On or Off BitLocker Auto-Unlock in Windows 11 BitLocker auto-unlock in Windows 11 lets your computer open encrypted second drives by itself when you turn on your PC. Instead of… 2 min read · ↻ Updated Aug 2026

3 How to Suspend and Resume BitLocker in Windows 11 This article explains how to suspend or resume BitLocker protection for various drives in Windows 11. BitLocker protects data on computers, and users can protect external, fixed, and operating system drives. Suspend protection for specific system operations, but ensure to resume it promptly for ongoing security. Different methods, including using Control Panel and PowerShell, are provided. 3 min read · ↻ Updated Aug 2026

4 How to Change BitLocker Encryption in Windows 11 This article explains changing the BitLocker drive encryption method and cipher strength in Windows 11. BitLocker protects computer data and can be applied to external, fixed, and operating system drives. The encryption method can be customized using the Local Group Policy Editor or Windows Registry Editor. These steps allow users to enhance data protection. 3 min read · ↻ Updated Aug 2026

5 How to Set Up a Microsoft Passkey with a Security Key This article explains how to set up a Microsoft account Passkey using a FIDO security key. A passkey restricts access to Microsoft apps and websites, adding an extra layer of security. To set up the passkey, connect the FIDO key to your PC, go to Advanced Security Options, choose "Add a new way to sign in or verify," and follow the prompts. 2 min read · ↻ Updated Jul 2026

6 How to Remove a Passkey from Your Microsoft Account This article provides a guide on removing a Passkey from a Security Key on your Microsoft account. Passkeys are crucial for securing access to electronic devices. To remove a passkey, access the Advanced Security Options page, select the Passkey to be removed, and click "Remove." This ensures protection in case of theft or compromise. 1 min read · ↻ Updated Aug 2026

7 How to Delete Guest Accounts in Windows 11 The post provides a guide on deleting a guest account in Windows 11. Unlike older versions, Windows 11 doesn't possess a well-defined guest account, instead a local user account with limited rights can serve as one. To remove the account, users can navigate to the 'Family & Other users' setting, select the account and delete it. Alternatively, the account can be deleted using Windows Command Prompt. 3 min read · ↻ Updated Aug 2026

8 How to Create a Guest Account on Windows 11 The post instructs students and new users on creating a local account on Windows 11 to serve as a guest account, given the absence of a default guest account in the OS. This local account, which permits basic changes while restricting overall system modifications, can be set up through Windows Settings or Command Prompt. 3 min read · ↻ Updated Aug 2026

Advanced Security and Privacy Features

Tackling deeper defenses comes next. These steps cover system updates, background scans, and controversial features like Recall.

1 How to Safely Delete Your Old Windows Version Deleting your old Windows version clears out 20 GB or more of wasted storage space left behind after a system upgrade. This… 2 min read · ↻ Updated Aug 2026

2 Windows 11 Recall Feature: How to Uninstall or Reinstall for Enhanced Privacy This article provides a guide on uninstalling or reinstalling the Recall feature in Windows 11. Recall captures screen snapshots at intervals like a photographic memory and can be customized by users. With the latest update, Recall is now a Windows Feature that can be added or removed using Windows Features or the DISM command in the Windows Terminal. 2 min read · ↻ Updated Aug 2026

3 How to Enable Microsoft Defender Periodic Scanning in Windows 11 The post instructs users on how to toggle Microsoft Defender Antivirus' Periodic Scanning feature on/off in Windows 11. Windows offers a built-in antivirus program, Microsoft Defender Antivirus, which gets disabled when another antivirus solution is installed. However, it can be configured to continuously scan for threats overlooked by the primary solution, enhancing system security. 3 min read · ↻ Updated Jul 2026

4 How to Enable or Disable Profanity Filter in Windows 11 Captions This article explains how to enable or disable profanity filtering in Live Captions on Windows 11. Live Captions, a feature for the deaf and hard of hearing, can be activated with a shortcut or through Quick Settings. Profanity filtering can be adjusted through the Settings or Windows Registry Editor. 2 min read · ↻ Updated Jul 2026

Common questions

How do I know if my 🪟 Windows 11 PC is protected?

Checking security providers happens inside Windows Security under 'Virus & threat protection' > 'Manage providers'. This screen highlights active antivirus utilities and active safeguards.

What is BitLocker and why should I use it?

BitLocker scrambles your entire hard drive (turning your files into unreadable code) to protect data if the laptop goes missing. Unlocking the drive automatically on trusted devices remains an option alongside standard configuration controls.

How can I control what apps can do on my PC?

Windows 11 allows permissions management for location access and notifications. Disabling Smart App Control (which blocks potentially harmful software from running) sits alongside these options.

What is the Recall feature and how does it affect privacy?

Recall takes continuous screenshots of your workflow to help track down past activity. Privacy advocates flag this tool often, but removing or tweaking settings takes only a moment.

How do I make sure Windows is scanning for threats?

Enabling Microsoft Defender Periodic Scanning provides an extra safety net. Even with a third-party antivirus installed, Defender executes background checks to catch stray threats.