13 important Windows settings to change immediately

After putting in Windows 11, you must examine some settings and adapt them to your wants and streamline its use. Here, we’ll present you the 13 most essential Windows 11 settings to regulate that maximize safety and enhance the working system with only a few clicks.

This article is predicated on Windows 11 model 23H2, the latest main model of the working system. Most of the settings may also be applied in Windows 10 and older Windows 11 variations and work in the identical method in Windows 11 model 24H2, this 12 months’s upcoming replace.

Further studying: Microsoft’s latest Windows update breaks VPNs, and there’s no fix

Customize Explorer – present file extensions and drives

Windows has been hiding identified file extensions for years by default. This is initially annoying as a result of it signifies that the proper file identify shouldn’t be displayed in full. There can also be the safety threat. For instance, the file “important-document.doc.exe” is displayed as “important-document.doc”, on this case as a result of Windows merely hides the file extension “exe”.

This turns an executable file, similar to malware/ransomware, into an unsuspicious Word doc at first look. You can rapidly work round the issue by activating View > Show > File identify extensions in Explorer.

You may discover the setting in different Windows variations within the Folder Options > View underneath “Hide extensions for known file types.” In this case, you have to deactivate the choice.

In the folder choices, it’s also possible to choose the choice “This PC” inside the “General” tab underneath “Open File Explorer for.” In this case, Explorer begins with the view of the drives, not with the not often desired “Start view.” You may open the Start view with a single click on on “Start” within the prime left-hand nook.

Further studying: Windows includes built-in ransomware protections. Here’s how to turn it on

Customize Windows replace: Get updates sooner

After updating to Windows 11 or putting in the working system, you must first go to “Windows Update” within the settings. You ought to first be sure that the message “You are up to date” seems within the higher space. Click on “Check for updates” and be sure that all updates are put in. Windows additionally updates the malware safety definition information on this method.

It may also be helpful to activate the choice “Get the latest updates as soon as they are available.” This ensures that your Windows system receives updates sooner than different customers. Microsoft distributes many updates in waves. If you activate this selection, you will get forward of the waves, however be warned that using the bleeding-edge of updates leaves you extra open to potential bugs.

In addition, click on on “Advanced options” and activate “Receive updates for other Microsoft products.” This will be sure that the opposite Microsoft software program in your PC (like Office, Edge, and the Xbox app) are at all times updated.

At this level, it could even be helpful to specify while you work on the PC underneath “Active hours.” This ensures that Windows doesn’t begin inside this time after putting in updates.

Important: Optimize malware safety settings for drivers

After putting in Windows 11, open the Windows Security app from the Start menu. You ought to see a inexperienced icon with a tick subsequent to all settings. If this isn’t the case, examine the world by clicking on the related icon.

For “Device security,” you must be sure that the “Memory integrity” choice is activated in Core isolation > Core isolation particulars. This prevents profitable assaults by malware. If this selection can’t be deactivated, this is because of an outdated and due to this fact insecure driver.

You must also be sure that “Microsoft blacklist of vulnerable drivers” is activated. This lets you block insecure drivers that attackers can use to introduce malware onto the system.

Important: Adjust virus and risk safety

In the Windows Security app, you must change to “Virus and threat protection” after set up. Click on “Manage settings” underneath “Virus and threat protection settings” and be sure that all choices are switched on right here, primarily “Real-time protection,” “Cloud-based protection,” and “Automatic transmission of samples.”

Download safety updates for the malware scanner

It can also be essential that you make sure that the safety data for “Virus and threat protection updates” is up-to-date. Use “Protection updates” after which “Check for updates” to replace them instantly.

If you might be utilizing exterior virus safety, these changes should not vital as this deactivates the inner virus safety in Windows.

Check Windows activation

In the settings, you will see the choice to examine whether or not Windows is activated by way of System > Activation. Without activation, the working system will cease working after some time and plenty of settings won’t be accessible. Here you may see whether or not the activation is working and, if vital, you should use “Change” to re-enter your product key for Windows 10 or Windows 11.

Are all drivers put in?

Use the command “devmgmt.msc”, which you enter within the search discipline of the taskbar, to see whether or not all drivers are put in for all present units on the PC. If unknown or different units are nonetheless displayed right here, you must get hold of the newest driver from the producer and set up it.

Professionals nonetheless activate drive encryption

On notebooks specifically, you must be sure that you utilize Bitlocker for drive encryption. To do that, enter “bitlocker” within the search discipline of the taskbar and activate the safety.

Bitlocker is obtainable in Windows 11 Pro and Enterprise. Bitlocker isn’t available in Windows 11 Home, alas, however you should use system encryption as an alternative. This might be discovered within the Windows 11 settings.

This article was translated from German to English and initially appeared on pcwelt.de.