I’ve always been paranoid about PC security. But over the years, Windows has genuinely stepped up its game with some powerful protection features that most people overlook.
These security settings are sitting right there, unused. More importantly, cybercriminals are counting on you not to find them.
4Windows Sandbox
Keeps Suspicious Files Away From Your System
Windows Sandbox creates a completely isolated virtual environment where you can test suspicious files without risking your main system.
When you download something sketchy, you may run it in the sandbox first. If it’s malware, the damage stays contained and everything gets wiped clean when you’re done.
This feature only works on Windows 10 Pro or Windows 11 Pro, though. If you’re running the Home edition, you’ll need to rely onfree online sandboxing toolsinstead. Here’s how to enable Windows Sandbox:
Besides that, there are otherways to enable and set up Windows Sandbox in Windows 11. Once enabled, you can launch Sandbox from the Start menu.
It boots up a clean version of Windows in seconds each time you open it. you may then download that email attachment, test a software, or click a suspicious link—if something goes wrong, just close the Sandbox and the threat disappears.
How to Fix Windows Sandbox Not Working in Windows 11
Windows Sandbox is a useful tool in any PC user’s toolbox, but sometimes it needs some help getting started.
3Core Isolation
Stops Advanced Malware in Its Tracks
Core Isolation uses your computer’s hardware to create a secure barrier around Windows' most critical processes. The main component, Memory Integrity, prevents hackers from injecting malicious code into system memory, which is a favorite trick of advanced malware.
This feature utilizesvirtualization-based security (VBS)to isolate sensitive operations from the rest of your system. Even if malware manages to infiltrate your computer, it can’t tamper with protected kernel processes. Here’s how to enable Memory Integrity:
The biggest advantage of Core Isolation is its ability to block kernel-level attacks that traditional antivirus software might miss. It works alongside your existing security software as part of Windows' built-in defense system.
However, there are some downsides to consider. Older drivers might cause compatibility issues, and you could see slight performance drops in gaming or CPU-intensive applications. The feature also requires modern hardware with virtualization support, so older computers won’t be able to use it.
If the Memory Integrity toggle appears grayed out, your system might need driver updates or BIOS changes. With Windows security getting better with such features,you don’t need to install an antivirus on Windows 11, though that’s debatable depending on your browsing habits.
7 Ways to Fix the Memory Integrity Feature Grayed Out on Windows 11
Sometimes Windows 11 will complain that the memory integrity feature is disabled, despite not giving you a way to actually turn it on.
The performance impact is usually minimal on modern systems, but you might notice slight slowdowns in CPU-intensive tasks.
2App and Browser Control
Prevents Dangerous Downloads
App and Browser Control is Windows' built-in web protection system that stops malicious downloads before they reach your PC. SmartScreen analyzes files, websites, and apps against Microsoft’s threat database in real-time.
This feature works across multiple layers—your browser, file downloads, and even Microsoft Store apps. When you attempt to download something suspicious, SmartScreen throws up a warning or blocks it entirely.
Most people encounter SmartScreen when it blocks legitimate software with that “Windows protected your PC” message. The temptation is to disable it, but that’s exactly what hackers hope you’ll do. Here’s how to configure App and Browser Control properly:
The “Potentially unwanted app blocking” setting is handy as it catches those sneaky toolbar installations and system optimizers that piggyback on legitimate downloads.
SmartScreen isn’t perfect, but it catches a surprising amount of malware that traditional antivirus programs miss. The cloud-based approach means protection updates happen instantly, not during scheduled definition updates.
You can temporarily bypass SmartScreen warnings for trusted software, but avoid making it a habit.
1Controlled Folder Access
Blocks Ransomware
This security feature is Windows' answer to ransomware attacks. Controlled folder access creates a protective shield around your most important folders, such as documents, pictures, desktop, and others, preventing unauthorized apps from making changes.
This feature works on a whitelist principle. Only trusted applications can modify protected folders, while everything else gets blocked. When ransomware tries to encrypt your files, it hits a wall.
Ransomware typically targets user folders first because that’s where your valuable data lives, but Controlled Folder Access stops this behavior cold. Here’s how to enable it in Windows settings:
You’ll need to manually approve legitimate applications that want to access protected folders. This might seem annoying at first, butalways enable ransomware protection on Windowsas it’s one of the most effective defenses against file-encrypting malware.
The feature monitors file system activity in real-time; hence, this approach doesn’t rely on malware signatures. Some productivity apps might trigger false positives initially, but you can easily add them to the allowed list.
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These security strategies can keep your data safe without requiring technical expertise.
These security features have been sitting in Windows all along. Taking just ten minutes to enable these protections could save you from a costly ransomware attack or malware infection. Your future self will definitely thank you later.
