Windows · Updated June 2026
Windows 11 Security
Checklist 2026
12 recommendations, ~4 hours total. 5 critical items every Windows user should have.
The essentials
In rough priority order. Click any item for the full guide.
Critical
Enable real 2FA on important accounts Passwords & Authentication
30 min Critical Turn on BitLocker disk encryption Device hardening
15 min Critical Lock down your email account recovery Account Hygiene
15 min Critical Install a password manager Passwords & Authentication
20 min Critical Set up an encrypted, offsite backup Backups & Recovery
60 min High Check if your accounts have been breached Account Hygiene
10 min High Enable Find My Device on Windows Device hardening
3 min High Confirm Microsoft Defender + SmartScreen are on Device hardening
5 min High Install uBlock Origin in your browser Browser & web
5 min High Set a carrier PIN to prevent SIM swapping Account Hygiene
15 min High Set up Windows Hello (biometric or PIN sign-in) Device hardening
10 min Medium Add a hardware security key to your most critical accounts Passwords & Authentication
45 min Get this list personalized to you
Gaming PC? Banking? Home or Pro edition? Helping a parent? We'll adapt the order and skip what doesn't apply to you.
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