La security in windows 11 It has become a major concern for anyone who uses a computer for work, study, or simply browsing the internet. The volume of malware, ransomware, and targeted attacks continues to grow, and relying solely on common sense is no longer enough, although it remains key to avoiding many problems. See also the essential security software.
Even so, maintaining a certain digital discipline The basics remain the same: don't open suspicious attachments, be wary of unexpected links, avoid installing programs from dubious websites, and don't disable security features for convenience. Building on that foundation, you can significantly strengthen your computer's protection with a good set of... Specific apps to improve security in Windows 11, which go beyond the typical antivirus.
Basic best practices before installing security apps
Before you rush to install tools everywhere, it's worth remembering that a significant part of security in Windows 11 comes from maintaining responsible usage habitsEven the best antivirus in the world won't save you if you open any attachments you receive or download executables from pirate websites.
It is best to avoid, above all, Open files, links, or content from unknown sendersor with alarmist messages like “you have a pending package” or “your account will be closed today.” These types of tactics are the entry point for many phishing and malware attacks designed to steal passwords or encrypt your files.
It also helps to review pre-installed applications you don't use, be wary of toolbars or extensions that install themselves in your browser, and keep Windows 11 and all updated appsThe tools we will see below serve precisely to reinforce this approach and fill gaps that Windows alone does not completely cover.
Microsoft Defender and the built-in protection in Windows 11
Windows 11 comes standard with Microsoft Defender AntivirusMicrosoft's integrated security solution. Specialized labs like AV-TEST have demonstrated that Defender's protection is now on par with many commercial products: in recent tests with almost 20.000 malware samples Despite these differences, Microsoft's solution has achieved the highest score in protection, performance, and usability.
In these tests, the tool had to face zero-day attacks (very recent malware, detected in real-world scenarios) and a broad reference set of viruses, Trojans, and other malware families. Most paid suites managed to detect 100% of the threats, and Defender ranked among the bestwithout excessively slowing down the system or generating a flood of false positives.
One clear advantage of Microsoft Defender is that it adds hardly any load to the systemBackground scans are highly optimized, and on most computers, you won't even notice it's running. Furthermore, it integrates with the Windows Firewall. app control, ransomware protection (folder control) and other native system functions.
Beyond the local antivirus, there is also the app Microsoft Defender for Microsoft 365Designed to protect multiple devices (Windows, Android, iOS, and macOS) under a single subscription, this tool adds web protection, real-time alerts, and a dashboard to view the security status of all your devices and those of your family.
On Android and iOS mobile devices, Microsoft Defender requests specific permissions such as run in the backgroundThis includes access to storage (on Android) or the creation of a local VPN (on iOS) to scan websites and files for malware. All analysis is performed on the device itself, without sending your files to Microsoft, focusing on detecting malicious apps or dangerous websites.
Recommended antivirus suites for Windows 11
Although Microsoft Defender offers a good basic protectionMany users prefer a complete suite with advanced features: VPN, password manager, parental controls, banking protection, antispam, and other extras. Based on comparative analyses and information from reference websites, these are some of the best options compatible with Windows 11.
Kaspersky Internet Security
The package Kaspersky Internet Security It stands out for its robust antivirus engine that updates daily and for covering both system protection and web browsing. It monitors your computer for viruses, ransomware, and spyware, and also tracks your online activities to block Unauthorized downloads and dangerous websites.
One of its most useful functions is the mode of safe moneyA secure environment for online banking and shopping that helps protect your bank details and cards. To do this, the program includes its own secure browser and controls to prevent other applications from capturing what you type or recording your screen while you make a transaction.
The suite also includes privacy protectionIt limits programs' access to your webcam and personal data, and alerts you if it detects suspicious attempts to track your activity. It's not the lightest antivirus on the market, but its combination of security features makes it a very comprehensive option for users who perform many sensitive online activities.
Avast One and Avast Antivirus
Avast offers several solutions, starting with the free version of avast Antivirus up to the complete suite Avast OneThe free edition already includes an effective antivirus engine, on-demand and real-time scanning, and a web defense layer that blocks malicious or disreputable websites.
The paid version expands with a advanced firewall It controls the connections of each program, provides a sandbox environment for running suspicious applications safely, and offers protection features for online shopping and banking. It also includes an integrated VPN, a software update manager, and tools for optimizing system performance.
The interface is quite simple, with clear sections for checking system status, running quick or full scans, and configuring additional modules. Although some advanced features are behind a paywall, the free version is a very good way to... Try the Avast ecosystem without taking risks..
McAfee Total Protection
McAfee Total Protection It's another veteran suite that has evolved towards a more comprehensive approach to security. One of its distinguishing features is... protection score, an indicator that measures how secure your PC, your network and your identity are, and suggests concrete actions to improve that score.
Its functions include the home WiFi network scanSecurity breach detection, installing web protection extensions in your browser, and a configurable firewall. The more of these layers you activate, the higher your "score" and the harder you make it for attackers.
The paid subscription also offers identity protectionIt monitors whether your data appears in massive data breaches, and includes additional tools to protect multiple family devices under a single account. Most of these modules can be tested during the trial period to assess whether the investment is worthwhile.
Norton 360
Norton 360 It's presented as a solution designed for families and users who want to centralize all aspects of their digital security in a single product. Depending on the plan chosen, it combines a powerful antivirus with anti-spyware protection, a two-way firewall, VPN, and cloud backups.
One of its strengths is the parental controls and screen timeThese features allow parents to limit what their children see online and the amount of time they spend connected. They also include functions to block websites with inappropriate content and to monitor searches.
Norton usually offers free trials for a few days and regular discounts on subscriptions, making it easy to see if the suite fits your needs. It's not the cheapest option, but it is one of the most comprehensive in terms of additional services. Furthermore, its cloud for backups It makes it easier to keep important files safe.
Total AV
Total AV It's an award-winning antivirus with a strong focus on safe browsing. Its module WebShield Protection It monitors web traffic, blocks dangerous downloads, and displays warnings when you are about to enter untrustworthy or malicious sites.
It also includes a powerful ad blocker that removes a large portion of the ads. banners, pop-ups and video adsThis improves both security and user experience. It also includes VPN protection to hide your IP address and encrypt your traffic, which is very useful when connecting to public Wi-Fi networks.
TotalAV doesn't usually have a full free version, but it does offer Promotional prices for the first year which allows you to try the product at a reduced cost. It's an interesting alternative if you're looking for a security package with an emphasis on privacy and clean browsing.
Panda Dome
Panda Dome This is Panda Security's offering for Windows 11 and other platforms. It's advertised as a managed solution under the WatchGuard umbrella and is geared towards both home users and businesses. It includes the classic cloud-based antivirus engine, a password manager and a cleaning module that helps remove malware and unnecessary files.
The free version offers essential features, while paid plans add external device analysis, online banking and shopping monitoring, VPN, and parental controls, among other extras. One advantage is that allows monthly or annual subscriptionSomething many users are looking for so they don't have to pay for a whole year in advance.
GlassWire: Network monitoring and advanced firewall
Glasswire It's an ideal tool if you want to keep track of everything that connects to the internet from your Windows 11 PC. Its main function is monitor network traffic in real time, showing which applications are consuming bandwidth, which addresses they are connecting to, and whether any unexpected connections are occurring.
The application includes a very intuitive integrated firewallThis feature lets you block network access for specific programs with just a couple of clicks. You can configure specific rules for each application and even create profiles depending on whether you're at home, at work, or on a public network.
GlassWire provides alerts when it detects anomalous behavior on the networksuch as sudden traffic spikes, connections to unusual countries, or activity from programs you don't normally use. This makes it a good complement to any antivirus, as it helps detect malicious or spyware attempting to communicate with the outside world.
Encryption and privacy: VeraCrypt and VPN
If you're particularly concerned about your personal data, beyond malware, it's worth strengthening your privacy with encryption and secure connectionsThis is where tools like VeraCrypt and VPN services like NordVPN or those included in some security suites come into play.
VeraCrypt: Secure disk and container encryption
VeraCrypt It is free and open-source software for Encrypt hard drives, partitions, and external drives (such as USB drives or portable hard drives), as well as to create encrypted container files that are mounted as if they were another drive in the system.
The idea is simple: you create an encrypted file or volume, assign it a strong password, and every time you mount it in Windows 11, you enter that password to access the data. From File Explorer, it behaves like a normal folder, but if someone copies that container file or takes the disk, You will not be able to read anything without the password.
VeraCrypt is especially useful for protect sensitive information (personal documents, copies of ID cards, client data, confidential work) and for traveling with external hard drives without fear of losing them. Its main drawback is that it requires a little learning curve, but once set up it's very convenient.
NordVPN and other VPNs integrated into suites
Using a VPN (red privacy virtual) It has become almost indispensable when connecting to public WiFi networks (cafes, airports, hotels). Tools like NordVPNVPNs, which include suites like TotalAV, Norton, or Avast, create an encrypted tunnel between your PC and the VPN server, so your data travels protected from prying eyes and attacks on the local network.
NordVPN, in particular, is characterized by having a large network of servers spread all over the world, a strict no logs policy (It does not store your activity history) and additional features such as ad and malicious website blocking. It also allows you to change your virtual location to access geographically restricted services.
In the case of Microsoft Defender on iOS, the app creates a Internal local VPN It doesn't leave the device itself, used only to analyze the URLs you visit and block malicious ones, without redirecting all your traffic to external servers. It's a different approach, more focused on URL inspection than anonymity.
Data backup and recovery: AOMEI Backupper and 4DDiG
A security strategy in Windows 11 is not complete without a good system of backup and recoveryRansomware, hardware failures, or human error can leave you without critical files, and that's where tools like AOMEI Backupper and 4DDiG Data Recovery come in.
AOMEI Backupper: Backups and cloning
AOMEI Backupper It's a very complete program for creating and managing backups in Windows 11. It allows you to make backups complete, incremental and differential of files, specific partitions or the entire system, and schedule them to run automatically without you having to remember.
It also integrates functions of disk cloning and partitionsThese are very useful if you're going to replace your SSD or hard drive with one of greater capacity. You can clone the entire disk, boot from the new one, and continue working as if nothing had changed. You'll also find comparative analyses and other resources. best backup apps that complement these functions.
Another strong point is the possibility of creating emergency starter units (for example, on a USB drive) to restore the system when Windows fails to start. This way, if an update goes wrong, you suffer a ransomware attack, or the system stops booting, you can restore the backup and return to a working state.
4DDiG Data Recovery: Recover deleted files or files from damaged disks
4DDiG Data Recovery It specializes in data recovery, not preventing it. In other words, it comes into play when you've already lost files due to mistakes, accidental formatting, deleted partitions, or disk failures.
The tool is capable of analyzing Internal hard drives, external hard drives, USB drives, SD cards, digital cameras and some mobile phones to locate deleted files in a wide variety of formats: photos, videos, documents, audio, emails, etc. It can also work with lost partitions, damaged disks, or drives that are seemingly inaccessible.
While it's ideal to have backups and not rely on this type of software, this tool It can save your life In those cases where you have emptied the recycle bin too quickly or an external disk has been left "raw" and Windows asks you to format it.
CCleaner and other tools for cleaning and maintaining Windows 11
Safety also has to do with privacy and the internal order of the systemA computer full of temporary files, endless histories, and software you no longer use is harder to control and often more vulnerable.
CCleaner It's a well-known tool for cleaning temporary files, cookies, browsing history, installation remnants, and other digital junk that accumulates in Windows 11. Besides freeing up space, this cleanup helps to reduce the amount of data about your activity which is stored on the computer.
The program also includes utilities for uninstall applications, manage automatic startupSecurely delete files and clean the Windows registry. Used judiciously (without obsessing over deleting everything in sight), it can help keep your system lighter and less vulnerable.
Privacy controls and disabling intrusive features
Windows 11 incorporates a good number of connected features, telemetry, advertising, and background services which users don't always like. For those who want a more discreet system, there are tools that allow you to adjust or disable many of these options in the simplest way possible.
winaero tweaker
winaero tweaker It's a utility packed with settings to customize and "tame" Windows 11 far beyond what the standard settings panel allows. Among its sections are options for Disable data collection, telemetry, suggested apps, and pre-installed games that appear without being asked.
It also includes delicate functions such as disable Windows Update or Microsoft DefenderThis is something that should only be done if you really know what you're doing. The idea is that the tool gives you easy access to the switch, but you decide what to turn off and what to leave on.
In terms of appearance, Winaero Tweaker allows you to modify colors, fonts, and various aspects of the Start menu, File Explorer, and windows in general. All of this is organized in a sidebar with categories and subcategories and an internal search engine that helps locate the exact setting you need.
O & O ShutUp10 ++
O & O ShutUp10 ++ It is defined as an “anti-spy” tool for Windows 10 and Windows 11. Its goal is to consolidate all the options into a single interface. privacy and security that are not always easy to find in the system, and allow them to be activated or deactivated with a button.
From the program, you can control location services, Microsoft Office telemetry, diagnostic data collection, Microsoft Copilot integrations, and other components considered intrusive by many users. Each setting comes with... recommendations in the form of a color code so you know what is "safe" to turn off and what might break something if you touch it.
Win11 Debloat
Win11 Debloat It is a PowerShell script designed for Clean Windows 11 of bloatware, pre-installed apps, telemetry, and advertisingUnlike tools with a graphical interface, here everything is done from the command line, but the script itself usually guides you with text menus and clear options.
It is especially interesting for system administrators and advanced users It is managed by multiple teams, as it allows for the automation of a cleaning profile and its serial application. Its features include disabling data collection and diagnostics, activity history, suggestions in the Start menu, taskbar items, and AI-related features such as Microsoft Copilot.
W10Privacy
W10Privacy It was created for Windows 10 but also works with Windows 11 and focuses on combating what the author considers Questionable privacy and data protection optionsOrganize settings into categories such as privacy, default apps, telemetry, search, networking, system services, Microsoft Edge, etc.
Many of their options require Administrator privilegesTherefore, it's usually necessary to run it in that mode. Like other similar tools, it's best not to touch parameters you don't understand, but W10Privacy allows you to save the applied settings to a file for easy reversion in case of problems.
The interface displays a color code to indicate which settings require more caution. It's an excellent option for those who want detailed control over Windows telemetry and behavior without having to delve into the registry or group policies.
Parental controls and security for the whole family
In family settings, security isn't limited to preventing viruses: it also involves what young children can see and do. Some security suites integrate advanced parental controls which are complemented by specific solutions from companies like Norton.
Service Norton parental controls It can be installed on children's Windows PCs, iOS and Android devices, while parents can manage everything from almost any platform (Windows, macOS, mobile devices, or simply through a web browser). It allows parents to review online activity, set time limits, block content categories, and receive alerts.
To get the most out of these types of services, you usually need to use a specific browser (in Norton's case, theirs is integrated into the app on iOS and Android) and keep in mind that not all features are available on all platforms. Even so, they offer a level of visibility and control which goes far beyond what Windows offers by default.
With all these applications and best practices, a fairly robust environment can be built in Windows 11, in which The combination of reliable antivirus, privacy controls, backups, encryption, VPN, and network monitoring It significantly reduces the chances of suffering a serious incident, provided that common sense is also maintained when using the computer.
