Windows is the most widely used operating system, making it a prime target for cyber threats. Securing Windows systems requires implementing best practices to protect against malware, unauthorized access, and cyberattacks. This guide outlines key Windows security best practices for individuals and organizations to ensure system integrity, data protection, and compliance.
1. Keep Windows Updated
🔹 Regularly update Windows to patch vulnerabilities.
🔹 Enable automatic updates in Windows Update settings.
🔹 Ensure security updates, driver updates, and software patches are installed.
How to Enable Auto Updates:
- Go to: Settings > Windows Update
- Enable: Get updates automatically
- Restart the system to apply patches
✔ Best Practice: Use WSUS (Windows Server Update Services) for enterprise patch management.
2. Use Strong Passwords and Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
🔹 Enforce complex passwords with uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and special characters.
🔹 Use MFA (Multi-Factor Authentication) for extra security.
🔹 Avoid reusing passwords across different accounts.
How to Enable MFA in Windows:
- Go to: Settings > Accounts > Sign-in Options
- Enable Windows Hello (PIN, Fingerprint, or Face ID)
- Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) for Microsoft accounts
✔ Best Practice: Use password managers to store complex passwords securely.
3. Enable Windows Defender and Antivirus Protection
🔹 Windows Defender provides real-time protection against malware.
🔹 Enable Tamper Protection to prevent attackers from disabling security settings.
🔹 Use third-party antivirus solutions for added protection.
How to Enable Windows Defender:
- Go to: Settings > Privacy & Security > Windows Security
- Select Virus & Threat Protection
- Turn on Real-time Protection and Cloud-delivered Protection
✔ Best Practice: Schedule regular antivirus scans and update threat definitions.
4. Use Windows Firewall
🔹 Blocks unauthorized network traffic and prevents cyberattacks.
🔹 Set up Inbound and Outbound Rules for network security.
🔹 Use Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security for granular control.
How to Enable Windows Firewall:
- Go to: Control Panel > Windows Defender Firewall
- Turn on Firewall for all network profiles (Domain, Private, Public)
- Create custom rules for applications and ports
✔ Best Practice: Configure Firewall Logging to monitor suspicious activity.
5. Enable BitLocker for Disk Encryption
🔹 Protects data by encrypting the entire disk.
🔹 Prevents data theft if a laptop or drive is stolen.
🔹 Requires TPM (Trusted Platform Module) for secure encryption.
How to Enable BitLocker:
- Go to: Control Panel > BitLocker Drive Encryption
- Click Turn On BitLocker and follow the setup
- Store the recovery key securely (USB, Microsoft account, or printed copy)
✔ Best Practice: Use BitLocker To Go for encrypting USB drives.
6. Restrict User Privileges (Least Privilege Principle)
🔹 Do not use Administrator accounts for daily tasks.
🔹 Use Standard User Accounts to prevent malware execution.
🔹 Enable User Account Control (UAC) for privilege elevation prompts.
How to Create a Standard User Account:
- Go to: Settings > Accounts > Family & other users
- Click Add Account → Set as Standard User
- Use Admin account only for system changes
✔ Best Practice: Enable Local Administrator Password Solution (LAPS) for managing admin credentials in enterprises.
7. Secure Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP)
🔹 Disable RDP (Remote Desktop Protocol) if not needed.
🔹 Use RDP over VPN instead of exposing it to the internet.
🔹 Restrict RDP access by IP address and use Network Level Authentication (NLA).
How to Disable RDP (If Not Needed):
- Go to: Settings > System > Remote Desktop
- Turn off Enable Remote Desktop
✔ Best Practice: Use RDP Brute Force Protection in Windows Defender Firewall.
8. Enable Secure Boot and UEFI Protection
🔹 Prevents malware from loading during system startup.
🔹 Ensures only trusted OS components are booted.
🔹 Works with TPM (Trusted Platform Module) for enhanced security.
How to Enable Secure Boot:
- Restart PC and Enter BIOS/UEFI Settings
- Navigate to Boot Security Options
- Enable Secure Boot
✔ Best Practice: Combine with Windows Defender Credential Guard for enterprise security.
9. Implement Software Restriction Policies
🔹 Prevents unauthorized applications from executing.
🔹 Use Windows AppLocker to define whitelisted software.
🔹 Block untrusted scripts, macros, and PowerShell commands.
How to Enable AppLocker:
- Go to: Local Group Policy Editor (gpedit.msc)
- Navigate to Computer Configuration > Windows Settings > Security Settings > Application Control Policies > AppLocker
- Configure rules to allow only trusted applications
✔ Best Practice: Use Controlled Folder Access to block ransomware.
10. Backup Data Regularly
🔹 Prevents data loss from ransomware attacks.
🔹 Use Windows Backup & Restore or OneDrive Cloud Backup.
🔹 Keep offline backups on external drives.
How to Enable Windows Backup:
- Go to: Settings > Update & Security > Backup
- Click Add a drive and select backup location
- Enable File History for continuous data protection
✔ Best Practice: Follow the 3-2-1 backup rule (3 copies, 2 media types, 1 offsite).
11. Monitor and Audit Security Logs
🔹 Track login attempts, failed authentications, and suspicious activities.
🔹 Use Windows Event Viewer to review logs.
🔹 Implement SIEM (Security Information & Event Management) for enterprise monitoring.
How to Access Event Viewer Logs:
- Press Win + X → Select Event Viewer
- Navigate to Windows Logs > Security
- Analyze failed login attempts and unauthorized access
✔ Best Practice: Enable Account Lockout Policies for brute-force protection.
12. Secure USB and External Devices
🔹 Disable AutoRun to prevent malware execution.
🔹 Use BitLocker To Go for encrypting USB drives.
🔹 Restrict USB device usage using Group Policy Editor.
How to Disable AutoRun:
- Go to: gpedit.msc > Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > AutoPlay Policies
- Set Turn off AutoPlay to Enabled
✔ Best Practice: Use Endpoint Security Solutions for USB monitoring.