Windows 11: four settings worth switching on to secure your laptop

We usually switch on a new Windows 11 laptop, finish setup and go straight to installing programs or playing games. According to the Polish site Antyweb (article of 21 October 2026), that means skipping settings that matter especially on portable devices, which connect to many different Wi-Fi networks. Here are the four changes the author considers worthwhile.

1. Controlled folder access

The feature is meant to protect against ransomware, malicious software that can be used to steal data and blackmail users. Once it is on, no unknown app can modify, overwrite or delete files in protected folders without the user's explicit permission.

Where to find it: Settings → Privacy & security → Windows Security → Virus & threat protection. At the bottom of the page, switch on the ransomware protection management option.

2. Dynamic Lock

It locks the laptop when you walk away with your phone. First, pair your phone with the laptop over Bluetooth. Then, in Settings → Accounts → Sign-in options, expand the Dynamic Lock section and tick the option allowing Windows to lock the device automatically when you are away. The system monitors signal strength between the devices and locks the computer when you move away.

3. Drive encryption

The author points out that if a laptop is stolen, a Windows password alone does little, because the drive can be removed and its data copied. With full-disk encryption, the data is unreadable without the recovery key. According to Antyweb, the performance drop on SSDs is unnoticeable.

You can check the status in Settings → Privacy & security → Device encryption. If your system supports BitLocker, protection should be active and the backup key synchronised with your Microsoft account.

4. Tamper protection

This switch stops programs and scripts from interfering with the security mechanisms. As a result, for example, a trojan cannot disable Windows Defender or turn off scanning. The option is under: Settings → Privacy & security → Windows Security → Virus & threat protection → Manage settings. The "Tamper protection" switch should be on.

The author estimates that making all the changes takes a few minutes.

What this means for Poles in the UK

The advice applies to any Windows 11 user, including in the UK. It is particularly useful for people who often use a laptop away from home, for example at work, while travelling or on public Wi-Fi. Option names may differ slightly depending on the Windows version and interface language.