How to Manage Windows 11 Security and Privacy Settings

Scan Your PC and Stop Threats

Check your computer for harmful files and use advanced isolation tools to browse the web safely. You will use these steps when you suspect a virus or want an extra layer of protection against risky websites.

1 How to Scan for Malware in Windows 11 with Defender This article outlines how to identify and remove malware and viruses in Windows 11. Symptoms like slow performance and pop-ups may indicate infection. Users are advised to utilize Microsoft Defender for regular scans, keep updates current, and consider scheduling scans for consistent protection against threats. Vigilance is crucial for maintaining PC security. 6 min read · ↻ Updated Sep 2026

2 How to Install Microsoft Defender Application Guard on Windows 11 The article provides detailed instructions on how to install or uninstall Microsoft Defender Application Guard for Microsoft Edge in Windows 11. This feature isolates untrusted sites and documents in a Hyper-V environment, protecting the user's device from malware and viruses. There are two methods explained: using Windows Security features, or PowerShell/Command Prompt console. It also indicates functionalities under different keyboard shortcuts. 3 min read · ↻ Updated Sep 2026

Control Windows AI and Privacy Settings

Manage new AI tracking features like Recall and control what diagnostic data your computer sends to Microsoft. Use these steps if you want to stop your PC from taking screenshots of your activity or sharing usage data.

1 How to Enable or Disable Recall in Windows 11 Recall is a new feature in Windows 11 that captures snapshots of your screen, enabling users to later search for previously viewed content. Available on Copilot+ PCs and newer builds, it requires enabling snapshot saving. Users can manage Recall settings via the Local Group Policy Editor or the Windows Registry. 3 min read · ↻ Updated Sep 2026

2 How to Improve Recall Snapshots Filtering on Windows 11 This guide explains how to enable or disable the "Help improve Recall snapshots filtering" feature in Windows 11, which allows anonymous sharing of excluded apps and websites to enhance the Recall function. All snapshots are encrypted and kept private on your device. Regularly check your settings to manage preferences effectively. 3 min read · ↻ Updated Jun 2026

3 How to Enable or Disable Diagnostics Access in Windows 11 This guide details how to enable or disable App diagnostics access on Windows 11, a feature that allows apps to share operational data for improvement. Users can adjust settings through the Settings menu, Group Policy Editor, or Registry Editor. Disabling it enhances privacy and control over shared information. 3 min read · ↻ Updated Jul 2026

Manage User Accounts and Sign-In Rules

Set up administrator permissions, change password expiration rules, and control what standard users can do. These settings are important when multiple people share the same computer or when you want stricter account security.

1 How to Turn On Administrator Protection Using Windows Security in Windows 11 Windows 11 introduces Administrator Protection, enhancing security by replacing older User Account Control prompts with clearer, color-coded warnings when admin permissions are needed. Users can easily enable or disable this feature through the Windows Security app. It provides better protection, clear warnings, and simplifies managing permissions for software installations and system changes. 3 min read · ↻ Updated Sep 2026

2 How to Turn On or off PIN Expiration in Windows 11 Windows 11 allows users to manage the expiration of their sign-in PINs, which default to never expiring. Users can set PIN expiration periods between 1 and 730 days or choose to disable expiration entirely. This can be adjusted through the Group Policy Editor or the Registry Editor, with precautions advised before making changes. Regular reviews of PIN settings enhance security. 4 min read · ↻ Updated Sep 2026

3 How to Disable UAC in Windows 11 for Standard Users This article discusses disabling User Account Control (UAC) in Windows 11. UAC is a security feature that prevents unauthorized system changes by prompting for administrator consent. It is advisable to keep UAC enabled. The recommended method to disable it is via the Control Panel, though alternative methods exist for advanced users. 8 min read · ↻ Updated Sep 2026

Clean Up the Windows Security App

Hide specific security sections, family options, or notifications from view inside the Windows Security app. You might use these steps on a work computer or if you prefer a simpler security screen without clutter.

1 How to Hide or Show Family Options in Windows Security The article outlines steps to hide or show the Family options section in the Windows Security app for Windows 11. The Family options section offers settings to manage a family's digital life, protect children online, set screen time, and manage what kids see and purchase online. Users can choose to hide or unhide this section based on their preference using the Local Group Policy Editor or Windows Registry. 2 min read · ↻ Updated Sep 2026

2 How to Hide the Device Security Section in the Windows Security App on Windows 11 The article guides users on how to hide or show the Device Security section within the Windows Security app in Windows 11. This segment can be managed through the Local Group Policy Editor and the Windows Registry. These modifications permit users to control access to critical security settings and ensure their device's protection against malicious software. 4 min read · ↻ Updated Sep 2026

3 How to Hide the App &Amp; Browser Control Section in Windows 11 Security The article provides a guide for managing the App & browser control section of the Windows Security app in Windows 11. Users can hide or show this section, which offers settings for Microsoft Defender SmartScreen, to protect against unsafe apps, files, and sites. Instructions are provided for using Local Group Policy Editor and Windows Registry for this purpose. 3 min read · ↻ Updated Sep 2026

4 How to Hide the Account Protection Section in the Windows Security Apps on Windows 11 The article provides a guide on how to hide or show the Account Protection section in the Windows Security app on Windows 11. It details methods of doing this using two different tools: Local Group Policy Editor and Windows Registry. This feature allows users to secure their device's settings according to their preferences. 2 min read · ↻ Updated Jul 2026

5 How to Hide the Firewall &Amp; Network Protection Section in Windows 11 Security App The article provides a guide on how to hide or show the Firewall & Network Protection section in the Windows Security app on Windows 11 using two methods: Local Group Policy Editor and Windows Registry. The Windows Security app, a built-in application in Windows 11, allows controlling network access and managing security settings. 2 min read · ↻ Updated Jul 2026

6 How to Hide the Virus &Amp; Threat Protection Section in Windows 11 Security App The article provides steps to hide or display the Virus & Threat Protection section in the Windows Security app of Windows 11. Users can use either the Local Group Policy Editor or Windows Registry to make these changes. Configuring the highlighted settings will determine if the section appears or not, depending on users' preferred device security settings. 3 min read · ↻ Updated Sep 2026

7 How to Disable Lock Screen Notifications in Windows 11 The article explains how to disable notifications on the lock screen of Windows 11 for privacy. Users can access System Settings and uncheck the option to show notifications on the lock screen. This process enhances privacy in public spaces, allowing for a cleaner interface without distractions. Settings can be easily reverted if needed. 7 min read · ↻ Updated Sep 2026

Common questions

How do I run a virus scan in 🪟 Windows 11?

Open the Windows Security app from your system tray (the small icons near the clock) or the Start menu, select Virus & threat protection, and click Quick scan. You can also choose Full scan if you want to check every file on your hard drive for threats.

What is Windows Recall and how do I turn it off?

Recall takes periodic screenshots of your screen so you can search through past activity, but it raises privacy concerns for many users. You can disable this feature entirely through the Windows features menu or privacy settings.

How do I stop lock screen notifications on 🪟 Windows 11?

Hide sensitive alerts from appearing on your locked screen by adjusting the notification settings in the Windows Personalization menu. This prevents people nearby from reading your private messages when you are away.

Should I turn off User Account Control in 🪟 Windows 11?

Turning off User Account Control (UAC) is risky. Leaving it enabled preserves the pop-up warnings that demand permission whenever apps try to change your system.

Can I hide parts of the Windows Security app?

Administrators can hide specific tabs like Device Security or App & Browser Control using the Local Group Policy Editor or the Windows Registry. This is helpful if you manage multiple computers and want to hide settings your family or employees should not change.