Top Windows 11 Security Tips: Disabling Default Settings for Better Protection

Taking control of your Windows 11 PC’s security isn’t just for tech experts—it’s essential for everyone navigating today’s digital landscape. Every click, copy, and connection opens a tiny door to your system, and while Windows 11 has made strides in security, certain default options could still make your device more vulnerable than you might expect. By understanding what these settings do and, more importantly, how to disable them, users can meaningfully cut down on the risk of unauthorized access, data leakage, and other cyber threats.

The Case for Proactive Windows 11 Security​

Just as you know where your home’s circuit breakers and water shutoff valves are—and what to do in an emergency—it’s vital to treat Windows settings with similar respect. Ignorance isn’t bliss online; it’s a liability. Windows 11 balances convenience and security, but those two aren’t always aligned. Manufacturers sometimes enable features for the sake of user-friendliness, not ironclad safety.
Let’s break down five crucial Windows settings you should consider disabling right now to tighten your system’s defenses. Each change is simple enough for everyday users but yields serious benefits for privacy and protection.

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1. Disable Network Discovery and File & Printer Sharing​

What is Network Discovery?​

Network Discovery lets your PC find—and be found by—other devices on the same local network, making file and device sharing straightforward. This is handy when you’re at home or a small office, but a serious risk on public Wi-Fi or any untrusted network.

Why Disable It?​

When enabled, your PC essentially announces its presence to anyone on the network. This increases the risk of unauthorized access, data snooping, or even direct cyber attacks from compromised devices sharing the same Wi-Fi.
Network Discovery is paired with File and Printer Sharing. Both are convenient for collaborative environments, but on most laptops that regularly connect to coffee shop or airport Wi-Fi, these features are liabilities. Disabling them ensures strangers can neither see your system nor attempt to access shared folders or printers.

How To Disable​

• Right-click the Start button and open Settings.
• Navigate to Network & Internet > Advanced Network Settings > Advanced Sharing Settings.
• Toggle Network Discovery and File and Printer Sharing to “Off” for both Public and Private networks.

You can turn them back on for your trusted home network—just remember to revert before connecting elsewhere.

Supporting Evidence and Risks​

Independent security experts and Microsoft’s own guidance echo these concerns. Tests by security researchers have shown that unprotected network shares are a frequent foothold for ransomware and lateral movement inside compromised networks.
Potential Drawbacks: Some home and work users may lose convenient access to shared drives or printers. If you’re in a trusted environment, it’s safe to re-enable them temporarily, but always turn them off before returning to public networks.

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2. Turn Off Clipboard History​

What is Clipboard History?​

Clipboard History in Windows 11 saves everything you copy—text, images, and files—to a running history. While this can save time by enabling you to paste older clippings, it also means that sensitive data (passwords, credit card numbers, confidential info) can linger far longer than you realize.

Why Disable It?​

If malware or a rogue user gains access to your profile, they could potentially retrieve past clipboard contents. In 2023, security incidents highlighted malware specifically designed to scrape clipboard histories and steal credentials.

How To Disable​

• Right-click Start > Settings.
• Go to System > Clipboard.
• Toggle Clipboard history to “Off.”

Sensitive data is no longer kept in memory, though you lose a little convenience.
Pro Tip: If you do use Clipboard History, make a habit of regularly clearing it, especially after handling sensitive information.

Supporting Evidence and Risks​

Most modern clipboard managers have become malware targets. Security advisories from CERT and Microsoft stress limiting clipboard exposure, especially for shared or public PCs.
Potential Drawbacks: Disable this only if you don’t rely on the multi-item copy-paste workflow.

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3. Limit Background Apps​

What’s Running in the Background?​

A surprising number of apps, especially those installed via the Microsoft Store, are allowed to run in the background by default. This allows them to fetch updates, send notifications, or collect telemetry and usage reports.

Why Disable It?​

• Privacy: Background apps can collect and transmit telemetry, even when not actively in use.
• Security: Dormant or rarely-used background apps increase your attack surface. Outdated software is a favorite malware target.
• Performance: Background processes often sap RAM and battery.

How To Disable Unwanted Background Apps​

• Right-click Start > Settings > Apps > Installed Apps.
• For each app, click the three dots, open Advanced Options, and set Background Apps Permissions to “Never.”
• Repeat for unnecessary or little-used apps.

Supporting Evidence and Risks​

Consumer Reports and independent security consultants point to background app permissions as both a drain on resources and a quiet privacy risk. Windows telemetry, when combined with third-party background apps, can result in extensive data sharing.
Potential Drawbacks: Applications that rely on background sync (like mail clients or messaging apps) might not receive updates or push notifications when turned off. Selectively disable apps based on your needs.

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4. Disable Remote Assistance and Remote Desktop​

What Are Remote Assistance and Remote Desktop?​

• Remote Assistance: Lets someone else access your PC (with your permission) for troubleshooting.
• Remote Desktop: Allows you, or another party, to connect remotely and fully control your PC.

Why Disable Them?​

While useful for IT support or remote work, these features are a notorious target for scammers and malware. If enabled, hackers might gain access through unpatched vulnerabilities or social engineering. Numerous ransomware attacks have leveraged exposed remote desktop features, especially with weak passwords or no two-factor authentication.

How To Disable​

• Remote Assistance
• Right-click Start > Settings > System > About > Advanced System Settings.
• Select the Remote tab and uncheck “Allow Remote Assistance connections to this computer.”
• Remote Desktop
• Settings > System > Remote Desktop.
• Toggle off Remote Desktop and confirm.

You can easily reenable them in trusted settings if support is needed, but they must never remain on unnecessarily.

Supporting Evidence and Risks​

Microsoft and nearly every major cybersecurity firm rank remote access vulnerabilities among the most exploited sectors. FBI warnings and major breach investigations implicate open RDP (Remote Desktop Protocol) ports as initial attack vectors.
Potential Drawbacks: Users relying on remote support or workplace connectivity will need to turn these back on temporarily, but strong multi-factor authentication should be enforced.

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5. Stop Automatic Connections to Public Wi-Fi Networks​

How Does Windows Handle Wi-Fi Connections?​

By default, Windows remembers networks you connect to, and sometimes will reconnect automatically whenever you’re in range—even to public or semi-trusted hotspots.

Why Disable Automatic Connections?​

• Public Networks Get Compromised: That trusted coffee shop Wi-Fi might now be a honeypot for attackers.
• Evil Twin Attacks: Cybercriminals can spoof the SSID of a familiar network, causing your laptop to connect automatically. Once connected, they can eavesdrop on your traffic, intercept credentials, or inject malware.
• Persistent Exposure: Even walk-by connections in an airport can risk data leaks if the network is malicious.

How To Disable​

• Right-click Start > Settings > Network and Internet > Wi-Fi > Manage Known Networks.
• Click on networks you no longer trust or need.
• Uncheck Connect automatically when in range.

Repeat for all public or guest networks you no longer actively use.

Supporting Evidence and Risks​

The US Department of Homeland Security, Microsoft, and independent analysts all stress vigilance with Wi-Fi connections. Testing tools like Wireshark repeatedly demonstrate how easy it is to snoop on devices connecting automatically to rogue or tampered hotspots.
Potential Drawbacks: You might need to manually reselect trusted networks, but this only adds a few seconds and meaningfully reduces your risk profile.

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A Critical Look: Strengths and Limits of Disabling Vulnerable Windows 11 Features​

Major Strengths​

• Attack Surface Reduction: Fewer services running and broadcasting equate to fewer targets for malware and attackers.
• Data Privacy: Less information is cached or shared without awareness.
• User Awareness: These steps introduce users to critical parts of Windows settings, making people more resilient to common social engineering techniques.
• Resource Optimization: Disabling background apps frees up RAM, battery, and speeds up PC operations.

Real-world Risks and Caveats​

Disabling these settings isn’t a silver bullet. Some attacks target browser vulnerabilities, software supply chains, or social engineering—no local setting alone can provide immunity. Security depends on regular OS/software updates, strong passwords (ideally with MFA), safe browsing habits, and a working backup strategy.

• Loss of Convenience: Some network or remote features disabled here are genuinely useful for collaboration or support. Always weigh convenience against risk for your actual usage.
• User Error: Turning off a feature in haste could interfere with legitimate workflows, like accessing a shared printer or receiving push notifications.

Situational Adaptation: A Balanced Security Mindset​

It’s important to remember these are not “set and forget” changes. Security maturity means toggling access intelligently:

• At home? Network Discovery can be briefly enabled for file transfers.
• Need remote support? Temporarily enable Remote Assistance, then immediately disable when finished.
• Sensitive project? Purge clipboard history frequently or keep it off.

On shared or work devices, consult with IT admins before changing enterprise settings, since corporate security policies may dictate which features must remain enabled (with compensating controls in place). Microsoft’s enterprise security baseline for Windows echoes many of these recommendations, but always within a risk-managed framework.

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Conclusion: Take Action Now, Stay Vigilant Always​

Safeguarding your Windows 11 system doesn’t require IT expertise or expensive software. By proactively disabling the five settings detailed above—Network Discovery, Clipboard History, Background Apps, Remote Assistance/Desktop, and Auto-connect Wi-Fi—you’ll be plugging some of the most common and overlooked security gaps.
Most importantly, this process demystifies the Windows settings menus for average users. Security is not just a product, it’s a mindset: Know your tools, use them consciously, and stay ready to adapt as digital threats evolve. Whether you’re working remotely, keeping family photos safe, or just browsing, these simple actions make your PC a harder target and your personal data far less tempting to attackers.
Remember: The world of Windows is always changing, and so are the risks. Regularly review your system settings, audit app permissions, and stay informed through reputable sources. Small adjustments today can prevent major incidents tomorrow.
For more on advanced security tweaks, regular Windows maintenance tips, and the latest threat landscape updates, stay tuned to WindowsForum.com—a trusted hub for every level of user seeking to take control of their digital safety.

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Source: Tom's Guide 5 Windows settings you should disable right now to improve your PC's security