Top 5 Practical Tips to Keep Your Windows 10 Secure

The important phase of Windows 10 development was to eliminate the need of Control Panel. Instead there is a Settings (gear icon on the Start Menu) feature using which you can control different privacy policies.

Just like other Windows versions, the main motto of Microsoft is to improve security in each new version. Unlike XP which uses very less RAM and CPU power, it has loop holes in preventing virus attacks and vulnerabilities. Instead Windows 10 upgrades help to keep your computer secure with the following tips.

1. No Upgradation, New Installation

As you know when you try to upgrade Windows 8.1 to 10, it creates an Windows.old folder. This can be time consuming. Instead if you take a backup of the existing files on Windows 8.1 and do a fresh install of Windows 10 on that drive, it takes less time for installation.

The additional benefit of new installation is that, all your programs compatible with Windows 10 will work flawless. This should reduce the tension of worrying whether its an OS problem or application issue. This will also reduce any driver issues which can be caused due to migration.

2. No Windows Reporting

We have a Windows diagnostic, feedback and reporting etc tools to submit data to Microsoft servers. But we are not sure what it collects. Though it may collect non-private information, we may not have the technical knowledge to understand it.

Instead if we can turn off Windows Reporting in 10, it is much easier to be confident that no information has been passed to any third-party. Genuine users may still continue using Windows diagnostic tool which reports any errors and get relevant solutions.

3. Disable Edge to use Cortana

The Microsoft Edge is a new browser with fast compatibilities and secure configuration. But if you want your browsing habits to be secure, and make sure you are not bombared with ads kind of things, it’s better to turn of Cortana in Edge.

This option can be found on the top right hand corner of Edge browser. Click the the 3 dots and in the “Settings  > Advanced Settings” you turn off the following option.
“Have Cortana Assist me in Microsoft Edge“.

You can also turn off the following option.
1. Offer to Save passwords.
2. Show search history

But you can keep the option that says.
– 1. Send Do Not Track requests.

This makes sure that your website account passwords are not shared with anybody.

4. Use Windows Defender

Though you have lot of anti-virus software available with Windows 10, the most compatible with it is the Windows Defender. It has a Control Panel using which you can enable some security and privacy features to protect Windows 10. The Device Guard option blocks software programs from using installation of new services or upgrades.

Generally a ransomware kind of attack, makes your computer prone to new kind of viruses which can affect the security of your computer. Unless you pay some money to the virus attacker, you will not be able to use your computers.

You can also use App Locker which works in tandem with Device Guard to add another layer of security. This will make sure your computer is processing fast and also protecting from unwanted security vulnerabilities.

5. Don’t Link Microsoft Account.

As you know there are two ways of logging in to your Windows 10 computer. One is using the Local account and other the Microsoft account. Each has its own advantages. The Local account is more helpful in doing some fast operations and more secure. As you are not storing any data on Microsoft servers.

But if you want to take a back up or using some programs, Microsoft acccount is necessary . For example, Windows Store requires it. So at the cost of privacy, your applications work well.

But it depends on your choice. For example, if you are using localized programs that don’t require Microsoft account, you can safely use the Local account. But if your apps are dependent on the later, it is better leave it like that.

Even though you use a Microsoft account, create a new one for Windows 10. This helps stoppping Microsoft from analyzing your browsing habits and patterns of the old account and connect with your new account.