For most home PCs, keep Microsoft Defender Antivirus real-time protection, security intelligence updates, tamper protection, and Microsoft Defender Firewall on. Also review reputation-based protection and potentially unwanted app blocking. Controlled folder access, Secure Boot, memory integrity, and Smart App Control can add protection where available, but compatibility and app interruptions matter. No single Windows switch replaces a separate backup.
Start with the core protections
Open the Windows Security app from Start and review the protection areas below. Labels and available options vary by Windows version, device, and whether another antivirus product or a work policy is managing the PC.
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Virus & threat protection
In Virus & threat protection, keep real-time protection and tamper protection enabled, and allow security intelligence updates. Microsoft says Windows obtains security intelligence through Windows Update and offers a manual check as well. Tamper protection helps prevent apps from silently changing important security settings; an administrator can still change settings through Windows Security. See Microsoft’s Virus and Threat Protection guidance.
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If another antivirus is installed, first check which product is active: Windows Security may display or defer to that product. Avoid adding broad exclusions for routine use, because exclusions reduce what gets scanned.
#1 Best Overall
- POWERFUL SECURITY KEY: The Security Key C NFC is the essential physical passkey for protecting your digital life from phishing attacks. It ensures only you can access your accounts.
- WORKS WITH 1000+ ACCOUNTS: Compatible with Google, Microsoft, and Apple. A single Security Key C NFC secures 100 of your favorite accounts, including email, password managers, and more.
- FAST & CONVENIENT LOGIN: Plug in your Security Key C NFC via USB-C and tap it, or tap it against your phone (NFC) to authenticate. No batteries, no internet connection, and no extra fees required.
- TRUSTED PASSKEY TECHNOLOGY: Uses the latest passkey standards (FIDO2/WebAuthn & FIDO U2F) but does not support One-Time Passwords. For complex needs, check out the YubiKey 5 Series.
- BUILT TO LAST: Made from tough, waterproof, and crush-resistant materials. Manufactured in Sweden and programmed in the USA with the highest security standards.
Firewall & network protection
Open Firewall & network protection and confirm Microsoft Defender Firewall is on for the network profiles you use. Treat public networks as untrusted; use the private profile only for networks you trust. The firewall filters network traffic, and Microsoft warns that turning it off can expose the device to unauthorized access. If a needed app is blocked, review its rule or use a narrowly scoped exception rather than disabling the firewall. A managed work PC may prevent you from changing these settings. See Microsoft’s Firewall and network protection guidance.
Screen apps and downloads
Under App & browser control, review Reputation-based protection. Turn on potentially unwanted app blocking for apps and downloads where those controls are available. Microsoft describes SmartScreen as protection against phishing, malware, and potentially unwanted apps. Options and defaults differ across Windows versions, so use the controls shown on your PC. Microsoft’s guidance covers potentially unwanted applications and App & browser control.
Rank #2
- POWERFUL SECURITY KEY: The Security Key NFC is the essential physical passkey for protecting your digital life from phishing attacks. It ensures only you can access your accounts.
- WORKS WITH 1000+ ACCOUNTS: Compatible with Google, Microsoft, and Apple. A single Security Key NFC secures 100 of your favorite accounts, including email, password managers, and more.
- FAST & CONVENIENT LOGIN: Plug in your Security Key NFC via USB-A and tap it, or tap it against your phone (NFC) to authenticate. No batteries, no internet connection, and no extra fees required.
- TRUSTED PASSKEY TECHNOLOGY: Uses the latest passkey standards (FIDO2/WebAuthn & FIDO U2F) but does not support One-Time Passwords. For complex needs, check out the YubiKey 5 Series.
- BUILT TO LAST: Made from tough, waterproof, and crush-resistant materials. Manufactured in Sweden and programmed in the USA with the highest security standards.
Smart App Control is not a universal toggle
Smart App Control adds an app execution check on eligible Windows 11 devices; it is not a Windows 10 feature. Whether it can be enabled depends on the device’s displayed state and eligibility, so check what Windows Security offers rather than assuming it can be switched on at any time. Microsoft explains the feature in its Smart App Control FAQ and feature overview.
Consider ransomware protection, with care
Controlled folder access
Controlled folder access can block apps that Windows does not trust from changing files in protected folders. It is an optional extra barrier, not a substitute for backups. Some legitimate apps may be blocked. If that happens, verify the app is genuine before allowing it; an allowed app can access protected files, so adding exceptions indiscriminately weakens the safeguard. See Microsoft’s Controlled folder access documentation.
Rank #3
- POWERFUL SECURITY KEY: The YubiKey 5 NFC is the most versatile physical passkey, protecting your digital life from phishing attacks. It ensures only you can access your accounts
- WORKS WITH 1000+ ACCOUNTS: Compatible with popular accounts like Google, Microsoft, and Apple. A single YubiKey 5 NFC secures 100+ of your favorite accounts, including email, password managers, and more
- FAST & CONVENIENT LOGIN: Plug in your YubiKey 5 NFC via USB and tap it, or tap it against your phone (NFC), to authenticate. No batteries, no internet connection, and no extra fees required
- MOST SECURE PASSKEY: Supports FIDO2/WebAuthn, FIDO U2F, Yubico OTP, OATH-TOTP/HOTP, Smart card (PIV), and OpenPGP. That means it’s versatile, working almost anywhere you need it
- PRIMARY & SPARE KEYS: Just like having a spare house key, we recommend buying two YubiKeys - one for daily use and one as a spare. That way you’ll never get locked out of your accounts
Keep a recoverable backup
Preventive controls cannot guarantee that files will never be lost or encrypted. Microsoft documents OneDrive as one option for setting up recovery of important files after ransomware; choose a backup approach that you can actually restore from. Its virus and threat protection guidance discusses this recovery option.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Check device security features before changing firmware
Open Device security and check the status of Secure Boot and Core isolation, including Memory integrity where shown. These features depend on the PC’s hardware and firmware; memory integrity may also be affected by driver compatibility. If Windows reports a feature is unsupported or unavailable, do not assume a setting is missing because you overlooked it. Microsoft says some supported hardware features may need to be enabled in firmware. Follow your PC maker’s instructions before changing BIOS or UEFI settings. See Microsoft’s Device security guidance.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- POWERFUL SECURITY KEY: The YubiKey 5C NFC is the most versatile physical passkey, protecting your digital life from phishing attacks. It ensures only you can access your accounts
- WORKS WITH 1000+ ACCOUNTS: Compatible with popular accounts like Google, Microsoft, and Apple. A single YubiKey 5C NFC secures 100+ of your favorite accounts, including email, password managers, and more
- FAST & CONVENIENT LOGIN: Plug in your YubiKey 5C NFC via USB and tap it, or tap it against your phone (NFC), to authenticate. No batteries, no internet connection, and no extra fees required
- MOST SECURE PASSKEY: Supports FIDO2/WebAuthn, FIDO U2F, Yubico OTP, OATH-TOTP/HOTP, Smart card (PIV), and OpenPGP. That means it’s versatile, working almost anywhere you need it
- PRIMARY & SPARE KEYS: Just like having a spare house key, we recommend buying two YubiKeys - one for daily use and one as a spare. That way you’ll never get locked out of your accounts
Rank #4
- Security Key : Protect your online accounts against unauthorized access by using FIDO2 and U2F authentication with T120. It's the world's most protective security key that works with windows, Mac OS, Linux as well as Chrome, Firefox, Edge and many other major browsers.
- Certified with the new FIDO2 standard, T120 provides the benefit of fast login and strong protection against phishing, account takeover as well as many other online attactks.
- Works with : Bank of America, Github, Google, Microsoft, DUO, Twitter, Facebook, Dropbox, Apple, ebay, BINANCE, mor and more.
- Fits USB-C port : Insert the T120 security key into the USB-C port of each service and log in conveniently with one touch
- For the driver download and user guide, please visit TrustKey Solutions Home support page.
Quick checklist
- Keep real-time antivirus protection, security intelligence updates, and tamper protection on.
- Leave the firewall enabled for the profiles you use; investigate an app rule instead of turning it off.
- Review reputation-based protection and enable available potentially unwanted app blocking.
- Consider Controlled folder access if you are prepared to review legitimate apps that may be blocked.
- Check Device security for Secure Boot and memory integrity, following the PC maker’s guidance for firmware changes.
- Check whether Smart App Control is available on your Windows 11 device.
- Maintain a backup you can restore from.
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