7] Enable Folder Protection to Prevent Ransomware Access
Ransomware is a type of malware that can encrypt your data and demand a ransom to restore it. Ransomware can attack your important files, such as documents, photos, videos, or music. To prevent this, you can enable Folder Protection, a security feature that helps protect your folders from ransomware access. To enable Folder Protection, follow these steps:
- Open the Settings app by pressing the Windows key + I on your keyboard.
- Select the Privacy & Security section in the left menu.
- Click the Windows Security optionin the right pane.
- Click the Open Windows Security buttonto open the Windows Security app.
- Select the Virus & Threat Protection menuon the left side.
- Click the Virus & Threat Protection settings optionon the right side.
- Scroll down until you find the Folder Protection section, then click the Manage Folder Protection button.
- Under the Protect your important folders from changes by unauthorized apps section, slide the switch to the On position.
Once you enable Folder Protection, your folders, such as Documents, Pictures, Videos, and Desktop will be protected from ransomware access. You can also add other folders that you want to protect by clicking the Add protected folder link.
8] Enable Privacy Settings to Control Data Shared with Microsoft and Other Apps
Windows 11 has several privacy settings that let you control what your data shares with Microsoft and other apps. This data can include location, camera, microphone, contacts, calendar, activity history, and more. To turn on privacy settings, follow these steps:
- Open the Settings app by pressing the Windows key + I on your keyboard.
- Select the Privacy & Security section in the left menu.
- Click the General Privacy option in the right pane.
- Under the General privacy settings section, slide the switches for each option according to your preference. For example, you can turn off Let Apps use advertising IDs to provide more relevant ads based on your activity if you don’t want to see ads tailored to your interests.
- Click the Advanced Privacy Settings link to access other privacy settings, such as location, camera, microphone, contacts, calendar, activity history, and more. Here, you can manage the permissions for each app that wants to access your data.
By enabling privacy settings, you can improve your data protection and privacy in Windows 11.
9] Enable Sandbox Mode to Test Unknown Apps or Websites
Sandbox mode is a security feature that allows you to run unknown or untrusted applications or websites in a virtual environment isolated from the main operating system. That way, you can prevent malware or hackers from infecting or damaging your computer. To enable Sandbox Mode, follow these steps:
- Open the Settings app by pressing the Windows key + I on your keyboard.
- Select the Apps section in the left menu.
- Click the Apps & features optionin the right pane.
- Under the Programs and Features section, click the Turn Windows features on or off link.
- In the window that appears, find and check the Windows Sandbox Mode box, then click the OK button.
- Wait for the installation process to complete, then restart your computer.
After you enable Sandbox Mode, you can run it by typing Windows Sandbox Mode in the search box on the taskbar and then selecting the appropriate result. You’ll see a new window showing a virtual Windows 11 desktop. Here, you can install or run the app or website you want to test. When you’re done, you can close the Sandbox Mode window, and all data and changes you made will be automatically deleted.