Should You Try These Overlooked Windows 11 Security Tools for Safer PC Use?

Why Are These Important Windows 11 Security Features Disabled?

Windows 11 has strong built-in security to keep your computer and your information safe. Some helpful protections, though, do not turn on until you enable them by hand. These features can keep your files, passwords, and personal data out of harm’s way. Let’s look at settings you can easily try today.

Dynamic Lock

What it does

• Locks your PC when you (and your Bluetooth phone) walk away.
• Helps keep your PC safe from others when you step away.

How to turn it on

1. Bluetooth must be working on both your PC and your phone.
2. Open “Settings.”
3. Go to “Accounts.”
4. Pick “Sign-in options.”
5. Look for “Dynamic Lock.”
6. Check “Allow Windows to automatically lock your device when you’re away.”
7. Make sure your phone is listed as the connected Bluetooth device.

After setup, when your device moves out of range, your PC locks itself soon after.

Windows Sandbox

What it does

• Creates a safe, separate mini-PC window for testing risky files or programs so nothing bad can reach your real computer.
• When you close it, everything inside is erased.

Who can use it

Windows 11 Pro and Enterprise computers.

How to turn it on

1. Open “Control Panel” or the Start menu.
2. Search for “Turn Windows features on or off.”
3. Tick the box for “Windows Sandbox.”
4. Click OK and restart when asked.
5. Find and open the “Windows Sandbox” app.

Now, you have a clean, safe place for testing, with nothing left behind when shut.

User Account Control (UAC) – Strict Mode

What it does

• Always asks before any change to your computer, not just big ones.
• Blocks unwanted or sneaky changes.

How to turn it on

1. Search for “UAC.”
2. Open “Change User Account Control settings.”
3. Slide the bar to “Always notify.”
4. Click OK.

You will now get a pop-up for every change, helping stop mistakes or harmful programs.

Controlled Folder Access

What it does

• Stops unknown apps from changing your important files (like in Documents and Pictures).
• Protects your data from ransomware.

How to turn it on

1. Search your Start menu for “Windows Security.”
2. Go to “Virus & threat protection.”
3. Click “Manage ransomware protection.”
4. Turn on “Controlled folder access.”
5. Add more folders to protect, if needed.

This keeps your files safe from programs you don’t trust.

Password Reuse and Unsafe Storage Warnings

What it does

• Warns you if you try using your Windows password in risky places—like a notes app or insecure site—so nobody can steal it.
• Reminds you to use strong, original passwords.

How to turn it on

1. Open “Windows Security.”
2. Go to “App & browser control.”
3. Click “Reputation-based protection settings.”
4. Find “Phishing protection.”
5. Check “Warn me about password reuse” and “Warn me about unsafe password storage.”

Now, your PC can catch unsafe password habits early.

Smart App Control

What it does

• Only lets trusted, safe programs run on your PC.
• Stops sneaky or harmful apps before they open.

Note: Requires a clean install of Windows 11 to work. This means setting up your PC from scratch, with no past software or files. Not something easy to turn on later.

Tips for Easier Use

• Some features, like Controlled Folder Access or UAC strict mode, might need you to click “Allow” more often.
• You can add friendly apps to your safe list.
• For best results, update Windows Security and keep your device up to date.

Simple steps like these can make your PC life happier and safer every day.