GEEK FREE
By Joe Callison
14 October, 2024
Extra Windows Security Features
Microsoft’s Windows Security, built into the Windows 11 operating system, has evolved into a full-service security suite capable of competing with third-party antivirus/antimalware programs. Some of the advanced features of Windows Security can even be used to enhance the protection offered by alternative programs. Windows Security used to be called Windows Defender, which later became just the name of the antivirus protection component of Windows Security. Windows 11 no longer uses the Defender name in the Privacy & Security settings. Note that the antivirus scanning component of Windows Security will be automatically disabled if you are using an alternative program, and automatically re-enabled if you later uninstall the alternative program. This was done by Microsoft to always ensure there is some form of protection in place.
The following article linked below explains how to use Windows 11 settings to enable 5 of the advanced security features available in Windows that can also be used in conjunction with alternative antivirus programs. The 5 features are:
Core Isolation
Smart App Control
Controlled Folder Access
Dynamic Lock
Reputation-Based Protection
I Made These 5 Changes to Windows Security for Optimal Safety
Windows 10 security settings also have some of the above-advanced features:
Core Isolation
Dynamic Lock
Reputation-Based Protection
And some others with different names:
Isolated Browsing (Application Guard for Edge)
Exploit Protection
If you want to maximize your protection, turn on some or all of these additional features and try them out. You can always turn off any that you decide are too restrictive for your liking.
