When you get a new Windows 11 PC, it's exciting to start personalizing the device with your favorite apps, wallpapers, and settings. However, the excitement should not overshadow one critical step: securing your device from the outset. Security is the foundation upon which all your digital activities rest, from browsing the web safely to protecting your sensitive data against theft or malware. Taking time right after setup to adjust key security settings can save you from future headaches and threats.
Let's explore six essential security settings every Windows 11 user should change immediately on a new PC, explaining why they matter and how to implement them effectively.
While Windows 11 includes Microsoft Defender—a capable built-in antivirus program that's improved significantly over the years—it may not always be enough for comprehensive protection. Premium third-party antivirus software like ESET, Bitdefender, Norton, or Kaspersky provides a more robust defense against evolving threats such as phishing, ransomware, zero-day exploits, and malicious websites.
These advanced antivirus solutions often come with extra features like secure banking environments, phishing protection, and network traffic monitoring, which can intervene before malware even reaches your system. The tradeoff is that premium antivirus tools sometimes produce false positives, flagging apps or sites you trust. However, this cautious approach is preferable to missing dangerous infections.
Free antivirus options like Avast or AVG provide baseline protection but often include limitations or ads. Investing in a reputable antivirus tool is a small price to pay for peace of mind and stronger security against modern cyberthreats.
If passwordless sign-in is enabled, anyone with physical access can potentially unlock your PC and access all your files. This vulnerability is especially critical for portable devices like laptops, which are frequently taken into public places or travel environments.
The better strategy is to create and use a strong, complex password as the primary line of defense. You can still enable biometric login for quick access as a convenient second factor, but never sacrifice the strength of your password. Password managers can assist in generating and safely storing complex passwords, making this process smoother.
Unchecked permissions pose privacy risks, as apps can collect and transmit data silently in the background. For example, it’s surprising but true that even a calculator app might request access to your location.
To protect your privacy, regularly audit app permissions:
For privacy-conscious users, this data collection can feel intrusive, especially as it extends beyond basic system data into more detailed activity logs.
To disable optional diagnostics:
Without BitLocker, a thief could physically remove your hard drive and connect it to another computer to access your files. With encryption enabled, your data becomes unreadable without the recovery key.
To enable BitLocker:
Windows 11 has made great strides in securing devices by default, with features like hardware-based TPM, Secure Boot, and integration of cloud-based protections. However, personalizing your security setup at the start ensures you aren’t relying entirely on factory defaults that may favor convenience over safety.
Invest a few focused minutes during initial setup to lock down these critical settings. The return is not just fewer disruptions later, but real protection of your privacy, data, and peace of mind.
In a landscape of evolving cyberthreats—from ransomware campaigns targeting small businesses to AI-enhanced phishing scams—building strong initial defenses is more vital than ever.
In summary, to protect your new Windows 11 PC, immediately install a trusted antivirus solution, disable passwordless sign-in by enforcing strong passwords, audit and restrict app permissions, disable optional telemetry data, and enable full drive encryption with BitLocker if available. These straightforward steps can dramatically reduce your vulnerability to common attacks and preserve your device’s integrity.
Security isn’t about paranoia—it’s about thoughtful control over your digital life. Taking control from the start means your new Windows experience is safe, private, and truly yours.
References:
Source: 6 security settings I always change on a new Windows PC
Let's explore six essential security settings every Windows 11 user should change immediately on a new PC, explaining why they matter and how to implement them effectively.
Install a Trusted Antivirus Program
While Windows 11 includes Microsoft Defender—a capable built-in antivirus program that's improved significantly over the years—it may not always be enough for comprehensive protection. Premium third-party antivirus software like ESET, Bitdefender, Norton, or Kaspersky provides a more robust defense against evolving threats such as phishing, ransomware, zero-day exploits, and malicious websites.These advanced antivirus solutions often come with extra features like secure banking environments, phishing protection, and network traffic monitoring, which can intervene before malware even reaches your system. The tradeoff is that premium antivirus tools sometimes produce false positives, flagging apps or sites you trust. However, this cautious approach is preferable to missing dangerous infections.
Free antivirus options like Avast or AVG provide baseline protection but often include limitations or ads. Investing in a reputable antivirus tool is a small price to pay for peace of mind and stronger security against modern cyberthreats.
Disable Passwordless Sign-In to Strengthen Access Control
Windows 11 encourages users to adopt passwordless sign-in options, such as Windows Hello. These convenient methods include facial recognition, fingerprint scans, or PINs. While biometric logins add speed and usability, relying solely on them (without a strong password) poses a serious security risk—particularly if your device gets lost or stolen.If passwordless sign-in is enabled, anyone with physical access can potentially unlock your PC and access all your files. This vulnerability is especially critical for portable devices like laptops, which are frequently taken into public places or travel environments.
The better strategy is to create and use a strong, complex password as the primary line of defense. You can still enable biometric login for quick access as a convenient second factor, but never sacrifice the strength of your password. Password managers can assist in generating and safely storing complex passwords, making this process smoother.
Review and Manage App Permissions Carefully
Windows 11 allows apps to request access to sensitive device features such as your location, microphone, camera, contacts, and others. However, many apps request permissions beyond what they really need—sometimes out of convenience or for potential future features, but often without clear justification.Unchecked permissions pose privacy risks, as apps can collect and transmit data silently in the background. For example, it’s surprising but true that even a calculator app might request access to your location.
To protect your privacy, regularly audit app permissions:
- Open Settings > Privacy & security > App permissions.
- Review permissions for key categories like Location, Microphone, Camera, Contacts, and others.
- Revoke access for apps that don’t have a legitimate need or that you’re unsure about.
Turn Off Optional Diagnostic Data and Feedback
Windows 11 sends diagnostic and usage data to Microsoft by default to help improve the operating system via bug fixes and feature enhancements. This includes information about your device activity, app usage, browser habits in Edge, and more.For privacy-conscious users, this data collection can feel intrusive, especially as it extends beyond basic system data into more detailed activity logs.
To disable optional diagnostics:
- Navigate to Settings > Privacy & security > Diagnostics & Feedback.
- Turn off the option to send optional diagnostic data.
Enable BitLocker Drive Encryption
If you're using Windows 11 Pro or higher editions, enabling BitLocker is one of the smartest security moves you can make. BitLocker encrypts your entire drive, protecting your data from unauthorized access if your laptop is lost or stolen.Without BitLocker, a thief could physically remove your hard drive and connect it to another computer to access your files. With encryption enabled, your data becomes unreadable without the recovery key.
To enable BitLocker:
- Go to Settings > Privacy & security > Related settings > BitLocker Drive Encryption.
- Follow prompts to turn it on and create a recovery key.
Additional Security Practices and the Bigger Picture
The above five settings form a strong baseline for securing any new Windows 11 PC. Beyond these, other recommended security practices include:- Regularly updating Windows and installed software for the latest security patches.
- Securing your web browser settings to block trackers, malicious scripts, and phishing attempts.
- Strengthening your Wi-Fi network by changing default router passwords, using WPA3 encryption, and keeping firmware up to date.
- Using Windows security tools like the firewall, SmartScreen filter, and User Account Control (UAC).
- Cultivating good cyber hygiene habits: avoiding suspicious downloads, being cautious with email attachments, and avoiding clicking “Yes” to unexpected prompts.
Windows 11 has made great strides in securing devices by default, with features like hardware-based TPM, Secure Boot, and integration of cloud-based protections. However, personalizing your security setup at the start ensures you aren’t relying entirely on factory defaults that may favor convenience over safety.
Psychological Shift: Security as a Routine, Not a Chore
Users often skip security configuration because it feels inconvenient or intrusive. Prompts for passwords, permission reviews, and toggling off features can seem to “get in the way” of productivity or entertainment. But like locking your front door or buckling a seatbelt, day-one PC security hardening should become a standard routine.Invest a few focused minutes during initial setup to lock down these critical settings. The return is not just fewer disruptions later, but real protection of your privacy, data, and peace of mind.
In a landscape of evolving cyberthreats—from ransomware campaigns targeting small businesses to AI-enhanced phishing scams—building strong initial defenses is more vital than ever.
In summary, to protect your new Windows 11 PC, immediately install a trusted antivirus solution, disable passwordless sign-in by enforcing strong passwords, audit and restrict app permissions, disable optional telemetry data, and enable full drive encryption with BitLocker if available. These straightforward steps can dramatically reduce your vulnerability to common attacks and preserve your device’s integrity.
Security isn’t about paranoia—it’s about thoughtful control over your digital life. Taking control from the start means your new Windows experience is safe, private, and truly yours.
References:
- Trusted antivirus essential for modern Windows protection; balance between vigilance and false positives; premium AV vs free options.
- Passwordless sign-in convenience versus physical access risk; time-tested value of strong passwords supplemented with biometrics.
- Importance of auditing app permissions to limit privacy risks and reduce exploit surface.
- Optional telemetry data collects detailed usage info; disabling enhances privacy with minimal feature loss.
- BitLocker encrypts drives to protect against physical theft; critical to back up recovery key.
- Layered security approach and user vigilance as ultimate defense.
Source: 6 security settings I always change on a new Windows PC