Securing a Windows system is crucial to protect sensitive data, ensure system integrity, and maintain overall system performance. This article will guide you through various methods to enhance the security of your Windows environment using built-in tools and commands.

1. Enabling Windows Firewall

The Windows Firewall is a critical component for protecting your system from unauthorized access. To ensure it is enabled, follow these steps:

Via Command Prompt:

netsh advfirewall set allprofiles state on

Via PowerShell:

Set-NetFirewallProfile -Profile Domain,Public,Private -Enabled True

2. Configuring User Account Control (UAC)

User Account Control helps prevent unauthorized changes to your system. You can adjust UAC settings through the Control Panel or via the registry.

Via Command Prompt:

C:\Windows\System32\UserAccountControlSettings.exe

Via PowerShell:

Set-ItemProperty -Path 'HKLM:\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System' -Name 'EnableLUA' -Value 1

3. Implementing Strong Password Policies

Strong passwords are essential for user account security. You can enforce strong password policies using the Local Group Policy Editor or via command line.

Via Command Prompt:

net accounts /minpwlen:12 /maxpwage:30 /minpwage:1 /uniquepw:5

Via PowerShell:

Set-LocalUser -Name "username" -Password (ConvertTo-SecureString "P@ssw0rd123!" -AsPlainText -Force)

4. Enabling BitLocker Drive Encryption

BitLocker encrypts your drives to protect data from unauthorized access. You can enable BitLocker through the Control Panel or via PowerShell.

Via Command Prompt:

manage-bde -on C: -RecoveryPassword

Via PowerShell:

Enable-BitLocker -MountPoint "C:" -RecoveryPasswordProtector

5. Regularly Updating the System

Keeping your system up-to-date is vital for security. Ensure automatic updates are enabled.

Via Command Prompt:

wuauclt /detectnow

Via PowerShell:

Install-WindowsUpdate -AcceptAll -AutoReboot

6. Using Windows Defender Antivirus

Windows Defender provides real-time protection against threats. Ensure it is active and updated.

Via Command Prompt:

MpCmdRun.exe -Scan -ScanType 2

Via PowerShell:

Start-MpScan -ScanType FullScan

7. Configuring Advanced Security Settings

Advanced security settings can be configured using the Local Security Policy or via command line.

Via Command Prompt:

secpol.msc

Via PowerShell:

Set-SecurityPolicy -Name "AuditPolicy" -Value "Success,Failure"

Conclusion

By following these steps, you can significantly enhance the security of your Windows system. Regularly review and update your security settings to adapt to new threats and ensure the ongoing protection of your data and resources.