Stay Safe: 10 Windows Settings Worth Changing Today
If you’ve just set up a new Windows PC (or never dug into the settings before), there’s a good chance your system is running with defaults that put your privacy, performance, or security at risk. Over the years, I’ve learned that tweaking just a handful of options can make Windows faster, safer, and a lot less annoying.
Here are the 10 Windows settings I never leave on default — and why you shouldn’t either.
1. Telemetry & Data Collection
Windows telemetry tracks how you use your system. Microsoft says it helps improve the experience, but I don’t like my computer constantly sending data about my apps, hardware, and performance.
How to fix it:
- Go to Settings → Privacy & security → Diagnostics & feedback
- Turn off Send optional diagnostic data
- Hit Delete under Delete diagnostic data to clear stored logs
Cutting back telemetry reduces background resource use and keeps more of your data private.
2. Advertising ID
Windows creates an ad ID to follow you across apps, just like browser cookies. I prefer not being tracked for “personalized ads.”
How to turn it off:
- Go to Settings → Privacy & security → Recommendations & offers
- Disable Advertising ID and the other toggles (except Show notifications in settings)
- Visit Microsoft’s Privacy Dashboard to turn off interest-based ads globally
Cleaner, less tracking, fewer targeted ads.
3. Location Services
This feature shares your location with apps and Microsoft. Unless you need it, I recommend disabling it.
Steps:
- Go to Settings → Privacy & security → Location
- Toggle Location services off
Disabling this improves privacy, though you’ll lose auto time-zone updates and Find My Device.
4. File & Printer Sharing on Public Networks
This one is risky — it can expose your files and devices to strangers if you connect to a public network.
Steps:
- Go to Settings → Network & internet → Advanced network settings
- Select Advanced sharing settings
- Under Public networks, turn Network discovery and File and printer sharing off
Essential for staying safe on public Wi-Fi.
5. Auto-Connect to Open Wi-Fi Hotspots
Windows sometimes connects to random open Wi-Fi hotspots. Not great for privacy.
Steps:
- Go to Settings → Network & internet → Wi-Fi
- Enable Random hardware addresses
Stops your device from being easily tracked across networks.
6. Windows Update Active Hours
Windows loves to reboot at the worst time. Default active hours (8 AM–5 PM) don’t work for everyone.
Steps:
- Go to Settings → Windows Update → Advanced options
- Adjust Active hours to match your actual schedule
Saves you from sudden mid-task restarts.
7. Automatic App Updates in Microsoft Store
I like updates, but I prefer controlling when they happen.
Steps:
- Open Microsoft Store → Profile → Settings
- Toggle off App updates
Updates are good for security, but managing them yourself avoids random slowdowns.
8. OneDrive Backup
By default, Windows syncs your Desktop, Documents, Pictures, and more to OneDrive — but 5GB fills up fast.
Steps:
- Click the OneDrive tray icon → Settings
- Under Account, choose Unlink this PC
Saves storage space and removes unnecessary syncing. I personally uninstall OneDrive with the Windows 11 Debloater tool for a cleaner system.
9. Dynamic Lock
Cool idea, not great in practice. It locks your PC if your phone’s Bluetooth moves away — but it drains battery and doesn’t always work reliably.
Steps:
- Go to Settings → Accounts → Sign-in options → Dynamic Lock
- Uncheck the box to disable it
Prevents random lockouts and saves battery.
10. Untrusted Font Installation
This one’s more technical, but fonts can be used for attacks. By default, Windows allows fonts from anywhere.
Steps (Pro/Enterprise): Use Group Policy
Steps (Home): Use Registry Editor to add/change the MitigationOptions value
Improves system security by blocking untrusted fonts. Be warned — some apps may break.
Final Thoughts
Windows is powerful, but it’s not set up with your best interests in mind. A few tweaks to privacy, security, and usability settings can make your PC faster, safer, and less intrusive. These are the 10 changes I make right after setup — and I recommend you do the same.
