A VPN allows you to hide your IP address behind one of the VPN company’s servers. This defeats a lot of the tracking There are some free VPN’s, but their performance generally stinks. However, a good VPN only costs about $5–6 per month. Google “VPN reviews” to find a good list.
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| How to Protect Your Data on Windows 11 |
A privacy aware browser such as “Brave” has tracking features turned off by default, including a sneaky little thing called WebRTC (web-based Real Time Communications) which, if not turned off, will reveal your actual IP address even if you use a VPN. All that and more is off by default in a proper browser. Google “Opera Browser” or “Brave Browser” (both are free).
Password protection is like locking something in a safe, like a highly sensitive document. Encryption is like rearranging all the letters in a document so that they can only be placed back in the correct order if you have a special decoder key.
What is virus and threat protection in Windows Security?
Virus and Threat Protection in Windows Security offers several features, and you can learn more about it on the Windows help site. I recommend making sure the Ransomware protection is enabled.
- Virus and Threat Protection helps you scan for threats on your device.
- Run different types of scans.
- See the results of your previous virus and threat scans.
- Get the latest protection offered by Microsoft Defender Antivirus.
Windows 11 best security settings to change in 2025
These are the best security settings to enable, configure, or disable on Windows 11. (You don’t have to configure every one of them. You should only use the ones you consider the best for your situation.)
Disabling Telemetry in Windows 11
Microsoft’s telemetry system collects extensive system data. Disabling this provides significant privacy benefits. Windows 11 makes complete telemetry removal difficult but not impossible.
First, use built-in controls:
- Open Settings > Privacy & Security > Diagnostics & feedback
- Set “Diagnostic data” to “Required”
- Disable “Improve inking and typing”
- Turn off “Tailored experiences”
This minimises telemetry but doesn’t eliminate it. For thorough Windows 11 telemetry opt out, continue with advanced methods.
Windows keeps a record of the apps you use and can sync that information to your Microsoft account. If you don’t need this, turn it off.
Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Activity history.
Uncheck Store my activity history on this device and Send my activity history to Microsoft.