Welcome back, friends!
If you’re someone who still uses Windows 7, 10, or 11, you might often wonder whether third-party antivirus software is necessary for complete protection. Based on extensive personal experience and testing, my answer is no—Windows Security (formerly Windows Defender) is more than enough for most users when configured properly.

In this article, you’ll learn how to:

1. Optimize Windows Security for maximum protection
2. Use two powerful tools to elevate your system’s security to the next level
3. Avoid unnecessary software that consumes system resources

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Why I Don’t Use Third-Party Antivirus

Over time, I’ve run many potentially unwanted applications (PUAs) and malware samples on systems with Kaspersky as well as with Windows Security. In several cases:

• Neither software detected certain PUAs.
• Both detected some malware types.

This makes it clear that Windows Security can offer protection equal to popular third-party antivirus tools.

When the protection level is almost the same, why would you install a heavy third-party application that consumes more memory, affects performance, and often requires a paid license?

Instead, I recommend using built-in Windows Security, and I’ll also show you two tools that can supercharge its effectiveness.

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Step-by-Step Guide to Enhancing Windows Security

✅ Step 1: Create a System Restore Point (Important Safety Step)

Before making any changes, it’s a good idea to create a restore point in case something goes wrong.

Steps:

1. Click on the Windows Search bar and type: Create Restore Point
2. Click the matching result.
3. In the System Protection tab, click Create.
4. Name it something like Improving Security and click Create again.
5. Wait a few seconds—your restore point is now ready.

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✅ Step 2: Configure Windows Security Settings

1. Go to Windows Security by typing it in the search bar.
2. Click on Virus & Threat Protection > Manage Settings
3. Make sure the following are enabled:
   • Real-time protection
   • Cloud-delivered protection
   • Automatic sample submission
   • Tamper protection
   • Controlled folder access
4. Go to Account Protection:
   • Ensure passwords are enabled
   • Enable sign-in options like Windows Hello
5. Go to Firewall & Network Protection:
   • Ensure all firewalls (Domain, Private, Public) are ON
6. Under App & Browser Control > Reputation-based Protection:
   • Enable all listed protection settings
7. Go to Device Security > Core Isolation:
   • Enable Memory Integrity (Note: may require a system restart)

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Step 3: Use “ConfigureDefender” Tool for Advanced Protection

🔧 Download and Setup:

1. Open your browser and search: ConfigureDefender GitHub
2. Click on the link for AndyFul/ConfigureDefender
3. Click Code > Download ZIP
4. Extract the ZIP file
5. Open the folder and right-click on the ConfigureDefender.exe file
6. Click Run as administrator

Tip: This file is safe. You can also check it on VirusTotal if needed.

🔐 Set Maximum Protection:

1. The tool offers several preset levels: Default, High, Interactive, Maximum
2. Select Maximum for the best protection.
3. If using this on your child’s or parent’s PC, choose the option to Hide Windows Security Interface to prevent changes.
4. If it’s for yourself, click Keep Unhidden
5. That’s it! You’ve now configured advanced protection.

You’ll see many new protections enabled like:

• Behavior Monitoring
• Script Scanning
• PUA Protection
• Admin SmartScreen
• Exploit Guard settings

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Step 4: Use “Hard_Configurator” for Advanced Policy Control

🔧 Download and Setup:

1. Open your browser and search: Hard_Configurator GitHub
2. Click on the AndyFul/Hard_Configurator GitHub page
3. Click Code > Download ZIP
4. Extract the file just like before

📌 What Does Hard_Configurator Do?

This tool allows you to configure Windows in a more secure state using policies. Some features include:

• Blocking Win32 API calls from macros
• Preventing execution of unknown or unsigned applications
• Locking down PowerShell and script execution
• Enhancing user account control (UAC)

Once set up, your system will become significantly more resilient to unknown threats and suspicious scripts.

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Final Thoughts

By using built-in Windows Security with the combination of ConfigureDefender and Hard_Configurator, you can achieve top-tier protection without third-party antivirus.

These tools are lightweight, free, and don’t bog down your system. They are especially useful if you want:

• Better security for personal or office PCs
• Extra protection for your children’s or parents’ devices
• Granular control over what gets executed on your system

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If you want a separate article explaining what each protection feature does in Windows Security, feel free to leave a comment. I’ll be happy to break it down further for you.

Stay secure, stay smart! 💻🛡️

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Tags: windows security, configuredefender, hard configurator, antivirus alternative, windows defender, pc protection, windows tips, system restore, malware protection, windows 10, windows 11, cyber security, windows firewall

Hashtags: #WindowsSecurity #AntivirusAlternative #ConfigureDefender #HardConfigurator #PCProtection #WindowsTips #CyberSecurity #Windows11 #Windows10 #TechGuide #StaySafeOnline

Rakesh Bhardwaj

Rakesh Bhardwaj is a seasoned editor and designer with over 15 years of experience in the creative industry. He specializes in crafting visually compelling and professionally polished content, blending precision with creativity. Whether refining written work or designing impactful visuals, Rakesh brings a deep understanding of layout, typography, and narrative flow to every project he undertakes.

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