Windows PC Security Guide
This guide pulls the individual topics on this site into one order of operations for a home Windows PC.
Layer 1 — Accounts
Unique passwords in a manager, two-factor authentication on email first, and a recovery method you control. Most "hacking" incidents are credential reuse, not malware.
Layer 2 — The operating system
Automatic updates, a standard daily account, firewall on, encryption enabled where available. See how to improve Windows security.
Layer 3 — Malware protection
One resident engine, plus on-demand scanning. Details in Malwarebytes security layers and the free vs premium comparison.
Layer 4 — The browser
Keep it updated, minimize extensions, use a content blocker, and never install software from a pop-up that claims your PC is infected.
Layer 5 — Backups
Three copies, two media, one offsite is the classic rule; for a home PC, a cloud service with version history plus an occasional external drive is enough. Test the restore once.
Layer 6 — Knowing what to do when something happens
Keep the removal checklist somewhere you can find it from a phone, because a compromised PC is a bad place to research your next step.
Frequently asked questions
What is the single most important step?
Two-factor authentication on your primary email account. It limits the damage of nearly every other failure.
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