Windows 7 Security Checklist

Using a Windows 7 security checklist is a great way to ensure the maximum amount of protection while operating Windows 7. Windows firewall, Windows defender, and Windows updates are just a few of the useful features provided by Microsoft for Windows 7 users. Take advantage of this free protection by going through a checklist of vital Windows 7 security features.

Manually protecting a computer from threats can be a large hassle. Most users do not know how to change firewall settings manually and optimize the Windows 7 Security Center for a specific computer. Luckily, Microsoft created the Action Center. The Action Center is a window that displays the main features protecting the computer. It shows the status of each feature and gives important information such as possible updates.

Access the Action Center settings:

1. Click “Start”
2. Navigate to the control panel
3. Click on “System and Security”
4. Click on “Review your computer’s status”
5. Click on “Change Action Center settings”
6. There are check boxes for items listed in this window. Mark the corresponding boxes for the items you want to be checked. Microsoft recommends marking all the boxes.
7. After selecting the desired options click on “Ok”

Windows 7 security includes Windows Defender in its arsenal as well. Windows Defender is free antispyware included with all Windows 7 versions. Spyware can install itself on a computer and stay dormant indefinitely. It can run at any specified time and change vital Windows settings or perform other malicious attacks. Fortunately, Windows 7 Defender has the ability to scan for potential threats and remove them automatically.
Open Windows Defender:

1. Click “Start”
2. Type “Defender” in the search box.
3. Select “Windows Defender” from the search results.

Keeping a computer up to date can be a difficult task when there are many applications. Users should take advantage of Windows Update to do the tedious task of updating important software. Instead of searching for updates for every important piece of software just let Windows Update do the work. Windows Update is essentially free computer maintenance performed by the computer itself.
Turn on Windows Update:

1. Click “Start”
2. Type “Update” in the search box.
3. Select “Windows Update” from the search results
4. Located on the left side of the window select the option “Change settings”
5. In “Important updates” choose the desired options.
6. In “Recommended updates,” choose “Give me recommended updates the same way I receive important updates.”
7. Click “Ok”

Windows Firewall is crucial in preventing malware and hackers from compromising the security on a computer. Windows Firewall can be configured to allow only user specified programs network privileges.
Turn on Windows Firewall:

1. Click “Start”
2. Navigate to the control panel.
3. Type “Firewall” in the search box.
4. Select “Windows Firewall” from the search results.
5. Located on the left side of the window will be an option named “Turn Windows Firewall on or off.” Click on this option.
6. Select “Turn on Windows Firewall” for each network location desired.
7. Select “Ok”

Windows 7 has many great features that can help boost the security of any computer. Updates are extremely important because without them the other security software is useless against new threats. Be sure to keep networks secure by adding a security encryption to them. Go through the Windows 7 security checklist and make sure all security features are working properly and have the confidence that your computer is safe at last.