privacyguides.org/docs/os/windows-overview.md

---
title: Windows Overview
icon: simple/windows
description: Windows is a traditonal operating system developed by Microsoft that provides a platform for running software applications and managing computer hardware.
---

## Hardware and Firmware Security

### Choosing a Secure Hardware

- Choose a secured-core PC that has long-term lifetime support. The Microsoft Surface for Business series is the best option in this regard.
- Choose a PC with Microsoft Pluton.

<details class="note" markdown>
<summary>Secure Launch and Secure Boot</summary>

TBC

</details>

### Firmware Settings

- Enable Secure Boot and, if applicable, disable the third-party Microsoft UEFI CA. 
- Enable Virtualization settings.
- Enable Dynamic Root of Trust for Measurement (DRTM).
- If available, set Thunderbolt Security Settings to the highest level.
- Be sure to set a firmware password.
- Configure Boot Sequence to exclusively boot from your hard drive while disabling all other items, if accessible.
- Enable Trusted Platform Module (TPM) and designate Microsoft Pluton as default if applicable.

## Operating System Security

### Choose the Correct Version and Edition

Use Windows 11 Enterprise, version 23H2 as your operating system. 

### Out-of-Box-Experience (OOBE)

- Select your region to European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland and allow optional diagnostic data.
- Use a local account instead of a Microsoft account.
- After OOBE, enable Smart App Control in Start → Windows Security → App & Browser Control → Smart App Control.

<details class="note" markdown>
<summary>Activate Windows Enterprise</summary>

For Key Management Service (KMS) activation, execute the following command from an elevated command prompt:

```
cd "c:\windows\system32"
cscript slmgr.vbs /skms input.your.kms.server.here
cscript slmgr.vbs /ato
```

For Multiple Activation Key (MAK) activation, execute the following command from an elevated command prompt:

```
cd "c:\windows\system32"
cscript slmgr.vbs /ipk input-your-mak-key-here
cscript slmgr.vbs /ato
```

</details>

<details class="note" markdown>
<summary>Upgrade Windows</summary>

To upgrade from Windows Home to Windows Pro, enter your product key in Sttings → System → Activation → Change product key.

To upgrade from Windows Pro to Windows Enterprise, execute the following command from an elevated command prompt:

```
cd "c:\windows\system32"
cscript slmgr.vbs /ipk NPPR9-FWDCX-D2C8J-H872K-2YT43
cscript slmgr.vbs /ato
```

Please note that the above command will not activate Windows Enterprise.
</details>

<details class="info" markdown>
<summary>Command Prompt and Group Policy</summary>

TBC

</details>

### Security Baselines

A security baseline is a group of Microsoft-recommended configuration settings that explains their security implication.

- [Download](https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=55319) the following files: `Windows 11 v23H2 Security Baseline.zip` and `LGPO.zip`.
- Unzip both files. In `LGPO\LGPO_30`, copy `LGPO.exe` to `Windows 11 v23H2 Security Baseline\Scripts\Tools`.
- In `Windows 11 v23H2 Security Baseline\Scripts`, execute the following command from an elevated command prompt:
  ```
  Set-ExecutionPolicy -Scope Process Unrestricted
  .\Baseline-LocalInstall.ps1 -Win11NonDomainJoined
  ```
- Respond with `R` to run the script once you receive a security warning.

You can track security baseline updates using [this](https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/gxcuf89792/rss/board?board.id=Microsoft-Security-Baselines) RSS feed.

### Application Security

Smart App Control can check the security of apps while they are running. You should enable Smart App Control in Start → Windows Security → App & Browser Control → Smart App Control.

Most applications on Windows are not sandboxed. 

### Device Encryption

BitLocker is a disk encryption feature. Before enabling Bitlocker, you should configure it to use stronger encryption methods as well as allow for more secure unlocking methods:

- Enable the Group Policy `Computer Configuration\Administrative Templates\Windows Components\BitLocker Drive Encryption\Choose drive encryption method and cipher strength (Windows 10 [Version 1511] and later)` and set the options to `XTS-AES 256-bit`, `XTS-AES 256-bit`, `AES-CBC 256-bit` respectively.
- Enable the Group Policy `Computer Configuration\Administrative Templates\Windows Components\BitLocker Drive Encryption\Operating System Drives\Require additional authentication at startup` and set the options to unchecked, `Allow TPM`, `Allow startup PIN with TPM`, `Allow startup key with TPM` and `Allow startup key and PIN with TPM` respectively.
- Enable the Group Policy `Computer Configuration\Administrative Templates\Windows Components\BitLocker Drive Encryption\Operating System Drives\Allow enhanced PINs for startup`.

You should enable Bitlocker in Start → Windows Security → Device Security → Data Encryption. You should set a strong PIN for BitLocker and encrypt the entire disk space.

### Antivirus Protection

Windows include Windows Security, which provides the latest antivirus protection.

- Enable all options in Start → Windows Security → App & Browser Control → Reputation Based Protection.
- Enable all options in Start → Windows Security → App & Browser Control → Exploit Protection → System Settings.
- Enable all options in Start → Windows Security → Virus & Threat Protection.
- Enable `Block all inbound connections` options in Start → Windows Security → Firewall and Network Protection → Public Network/Private Network/Domain Network.
- Check if `Memory access protection` is displayed in Start → Windows Security → Device Security → Core Isolation. If not, enable the Group Policy `Computer Configuration\Administrative Templates\Windows Components\BitLocker Drive Encryption\Disable new DMA devices when this computer is locked`.
- Enable the Group Policy `Computer Configuration\Administrative Templates\Windows Components\Microsoft Defender Antivirus\Scan\Turn on e-mail scanning`.
- Enable the Group Policy `Computer Configuration\Administrative Templates\Windows Components\Microsoft Defender Antivirus\Scan\Scan removable drives`.
- Enable the Group Policy `Computer Configuration\Administrative Templates\Windows Components\Microsoft Defender Antivirus\Scan\Scan network files`.
- Enable the Group Policy `Computer Configuration\Administrative Templates\Windows Components\Microsoft Defender Antivirus\Scan\Run full scan on mapped network drives`.
- Execute `setx /M MP_FORCE_USE_SANDBOX 1` from an elevated command prompt.

### Account Security

You should use a standard account for daily tasks.

You can also use Windows Sandbox to run untrusted apps. Enable Windows Sandbox in Start → Settings → System → Optional Fetures → More Windows Features. Open Windows Sandbox in Start → Windows Sandbox. You can transfer files and apps into Windows Sandbox by copying them.

You can hide your account info when logging in by enabling the Group Policy `Computer Configuration\Windows Settings\Security Settings\Local Policies\Security Options\Interactive logon: Don’t display last signed-in` and `Computer Configuration\Windows Settings\Security Settings\Local Policies\Security Options\Interactive logon: Don’t display username at sign-in`. You can also find the related option in Start → Settings → Accounts → Sign-in Options.

### Network & Bluetooth Security

- Disable all options in Start → Settings → Network & Internet → Advanced Network Setings → Private Networks/Public Networks. Set options in Start → Settings → Network & Internet → Advanced Network Setings → All Networks to disable public folder sharing, use 128-bit encryption and enable password protected sharing.
- Enable MAC Address Randomization in Start → Settings → Network & Internet → WLAN → Random Hardware Addresses and set the option in Start → Settings → Network & Internet → WLAN → Your Network Display Name → Random Hardware Addresses to `Change every day`.
- Turn off Bluetooth when not in use. Disable device discovery in Start → Settings → Devices → Bluetooth & Other devices → More Bluetooth Options.
- Set your encrypted DNS in Start → Settings → Network & Internet → WLAN → Your Network Display Name → DNS Server Assignment → Edit → Manual.

### Developer Mode

- Disable Developer Mode in Start → Settings → System → Developer Options → Developer Mode.
- Disable Remote Desktop in Start → Settings → System → Developer Options → Remote Desktop.
- Enable all options in Start → Settings → System → Developer Options → File Explorer Settings.

### Additional Attack Surface Reduction Measures

In addition to the security baselines, there are some additional attack surface reduction measures.

- Disable Remote Assistance. In the search box on the taskbar, type `remote assistance`, and then select `Allow Remote Assistance invitations to be sent from this computer` from the list of results. Then, on the `Remote` tab, unselect the Allow Remote Assistance connections to this computer check box, and then select OK.
- - Uninstall features you won't use like Internet Explorer mode in Start → Settings → System → Optional Fetures and Start → Settings → System → Optional Fetures → More Windows Features.
- Add additional attack surface reduction rules and set them to warn mode. Enable the Group Policy `Computer Configuration\Administrative Templates\Windows Components\Microsoft Defender Antivirus\Microsoft Defender Exploit Guard\Attack surface reduction\Configure Attack Surface Reduction rules`. Select `Show...` and add the following [rule IDs](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/security/defender-endpoint/attack-surface-reduction-rules-reference?view=o365-worldwide#asr-rule-to-guid-matrix) in the Value Name column. Then change the status of all rules to 6 in the Value column.
  ```
  56a863a9-875e-4185-98a7-b882c64b5ce5
  d1e49aac-8f56-4280-b9ba-993a6d77406c
  01443614-cd74-433a-b99e-2ecdc07bfc25
  ```
- Execute the following command from an elevated command prompt:
  ```
  reg add "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System" /v LocalAccountTokenFilterPolicy /t REG_DWORD /d 0 /f
  reg add "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Control\Lsa" /v DisableRestrictedAdmin /t REG_DWORD /d 0 /f
  reg add "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Cryptography\Wintrust\Config" /v EnableCertPaddingCheck /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /f
  reg add "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Cryptography\Wintrust\Config" /v EnableCertPaddingCheck /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /f
  reg add "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Ole\AppCompat\OLELinkConversionFromOLESTREAMToIStorage" /v Disabled /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /f
  ```
- Enable [additional mitigations](https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/topic/kb4073119-windows-client-guidance-for-it-pros-to-protect-against-silicon-based-microarchitectural-and-speculative-execution-side-channel-vulnerabilities-35820a8a-ae13-1299-88cc-357f104f5b11) against silicon-based microarchitectural and speculative execution side-channel vulnerabilities without disabling Hyper-Threading (also known as Simultaneous Multi Threading (SMT)) by executing the following command from an elevated command prompt.
  ```
  reg add "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session Manager\Memory Management" /v FeatureSettingsOverride /t REG_DWORD /d 72 /f 
  reg add "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session Manager\Memory Management" /v FeatureSettingsOverrideMask /t REG_DWORD /d 3 /f
  reg add "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Virtualization" /v MinVmVersionForCpuBasedMitigations /t REG_SZ /d "1.0" /f
  reg add "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Virtualization" /v RetsPredictedFromRsbOnly /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /f
  ```
  Enable additional mitigations against silicon-based microarchitectural and speculative execution side-channel vulnerabilities with Hyper-Threading disabled by executing the following command from an elevated command prompt.
  ```
  reg add "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session Manager\Memory Management" /v FeatureSettingsOverride /t REG_DWORD /d 8264 /f 
  reg add "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session Manager\Memory Management" /v FeatureSettingsOverrideMask /t REG_DWORD /d 3 /f
  reg add "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Virtualization" /v MinVmVersionForCpuBasedMitigations /t REG_SZ /d "1.0" /f
  reg add "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Virtualization" /v RetsPredictedFromRsbOnly /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /f
  ```
  
## Privacy Settings

Windows collects [three categories](https://query.prod.cms.rt.microsoft.com/cms/api/am/binary/RW1iLkl) of personal data to send to Microsoft: Windows Diagnostic Data, Account Data, and Windows Required Service Data. 

### Windows Diagnostic Data

Enable the Group Policy `Computer Configuration\Administrative Templates\Windows Components\Data Collection And Preview Builds\Allow Diagnostic Data` and set it to `Diagnostic data off (not recommended)`.

### Account Data

Use local accounts instead of online accounts like Microsoft accounts to sign in to your devices and enable the Group Policy `Computer Configuration\Windows Settings\Security Settings\Local Policies\Security Options\Accounts: Block Microsoft accounts` and set it to `Users can’t add Microsoft accounts`. You can still log on apps likw Microsoft Store with Microsoft accounts. If you have logged on apps using a Microsoft account, you can limit its use in Start → Settings → Accounts → Email & accounts → Your Microsoft Account and select the option to `Apps need to ask me to use this account`. You can also enable the Group Policy `Computer Configuration\Administrative Templates\Windows Components\Microsoft account\Only allow device authentication for the Microsoft Account Sign-In Assistant`.

<details class="warning" markdown>
<summary>Warning</summary>

If the Group Policy `Accounts: Block Microsoft accounts` is set to `Users can’t add or log on with Microsoft accounts`, attempting to restore the System in Windows Recovery Environment (Windows RE) will [fail](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-hardware/manufacture/desktop/windows-recovery-environment--windows-re--technical-reference?view=windows-11#known-issue) with the error message "You need to sign in as an administrator to continue, but there aren't any administrator accounts on this PC."

</details>

### Windows Required Service Data

Some Required Service Data is necessary for Windows security and should be retained.

- Uninstall pre-installed apps you won't use in Start → Settings → Apps → Installed Apps and Start → Settings → System → System Components.
- Disable all options in Start → Settings → Privacy & Security → Windows Permissions.
- Do not join the Windows Insider Program in Start → Settings → Update & Security → Windows Insider Program.
- Disable suggestions and recommendations in Start → Settings → Personalization → Start.
- Disable the Group Policy `Computer Configuration\Administrative Templates\Windows Components\Search\Allow Cortana`.
- Disable the Group Policy `Computer Configuration\Administrative Templates\Windows Components\Search\Allow Cloud Search`.
- Disable the Group Policy `Computer Configuration\Administrative Templates\Windows Components\Search\Allow search and Cortana to use location`.
- Enable the Group Policy `Computer Configuration\Administrative Templates\Windows Components\Search\Do not allow web search`.
- Enable the Group Policy `Computer Configuration\Administrative Templates\Windows Components\Search\Don't search the web or display web results in Search`.
- Enable all Group Policy objects under `Computer Configuration\Administrative Templates\Windows Components\Cloud Content`.
- Enable the Group Policy `User Configuration\Administrative Templates\Windows Components\Cloud Content\Do not use diagnostic data for tailored experiences`.
- Enable the Group Policy `User Configuration\Administrative Templates\Windows Components\Cloud Content\Turn off all Windows spotlight features`.
- Enable the Group Policy `User Configuration\Administrative Templates\Windows Components\Cloud Content\Turn off cloud optimized content`.
- Enable the Group Policy `Computer Configuration\Administrative Templates\Windows Components\Windows Error Reporting\Disable Windows Error Reporting`.
- Enable the Group Policy `Computer Configuration\Administrative Templates\Windows Components\Software Protection Platform\Turn off KMS Client Online AVS Validation`.
- Disable the Group Policy `Computer Configuration\Administrative Templates\Windows Components\Messaging\Allow Message Service Cloud Sync`.
- Execute `reg add "HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Messaging" /v CloudServiceSyncEnabled /t REG_DWORD /d 0 /f` from an elevated command prompt.
- Execute `reg add "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Policies\Microsoft\MRT" /v DontReportInfectionInformation /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /f` from an elevated command prompt.
- Disable the Group Policy `Computer Configuration\Administrative Templates\Windows Components\Windows Defender Antivirus\Reporting\Configure Watson events`.
- In Start → Settings → Apps → Advanced app settings, set `Choose where to get apps` to `Anywhere`.
- Enable the Group Policy `Computer Configuration\Administrative Templates\Windows Components\Delivery Optimization\Download Mode` and set it to `Simple (99)`.
- Execute `reg add "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Windows Feeds" /v "EnableFeeds" /t REG_DWORD /d 0 /f` from an elevated command prompt.
- Execute `setx /M DOTNET_CLI_TELEMETRY_OPTOUT 1` from an elevated command prompt.
- Execute `setx /M POWERSHELL_TELEMETRY_OPTOUT 1` from an elevated command prompt.
- Execute `setx /M MSEDGEDRIVER_TELEMETRY_OPTOUT 1` from an elevated command prompt.
- Disable the Group Policy `Computer Configuration\Administrative Templates\Windows Components\Widgets\Allow Widgets`.

## Microsoft Edge

- [Download]([https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=55319](https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/edge/business/download)) the Microsoft Edge policy and unzip the file.
- Copy `MicrosoftEdgePolicyTemplates.cab\MicrosoftEdgePolicyTemplates.zip\windows\admx\msedge.admx` to `C:\Windows\PolicyDefinitions`. Copy `MicrosoftEdgePolicyTemplates.cab\MicrosoftEdgePolicyTemplates.zip\windows\admx\msedge.admx\Your locale ID\msedge.adml` to `C:\Windows\PolicyDefinitions\Your locale ID`.
- You can track security baseline updates using [this](https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/gxcuf89792/rss/board?board.id=Microsoft-Security-Baselines) RSS feed.

### Microsoft Edge Security

- Enable the option(s) `Microsoft Defender SmartScreen` in `edge://settings/privacy`.
- Enable the option(s) `Block potentially unwanted apps` in `edge://settings/privacy`.
- Enable the option(s) `Website typo protection` in `edge://settings/privacy`.
- Enable the option(s) `Enhance your security on the web` in `edge://settings/privacy` and set it to `Strict`.

### Microsoft Edge Privacy

For diagnostic data, enable the Group Policy `Computer Configuration\Administrative Templates\Microsoft Edge\Send required and optional diagnostic data about browser usage` and set the option to `off`.

For account data, use local profiles instead of online accounts like Microsoft accounts to sign in to Microsoft Edge. Enable the Group Policy `Computer Configuration\Administrative Templates\Microsoft Edge\Browser sign-in settings` and set the option to `Disable browser sign-in`. Then disable the Group Policy `Computer Configuration\Administrative Templates\Microsoft Edge\Configure whether a user always has a default profile automatically signed in with their work or school account`.

For required service data:

- Disable the option(s) in `edge://settings/profiles/rewards`.
- Disable the option(s) in `edge://settings/profiles/multiProfileSettings`.
- Disable the option(s) in `edge://settings/profiles/localBrowserDataShare`.
- Disable the option(s) in `edge://wallet/settings`.
- Enable the option(s) `Tracking Prevention` in `edge://settings/privacy` and set the option to `Strict`.
- Enable the option(s) in `edge://settings/clearBrowsingDataOnClose`.
- Enable the option(s) `Send "Do Not Track" requests` in `edge://settings/privacy`.
- Disable the option(s) `Allow sites to check if you have payment methods saved` in `edge://settings/privacy`.
- Disable the option(s) `Allow sites to check if you have payment methods saved` in `edge://settings/privacy`.
- Disable the option(s) `Help improve Microsoft products by sending the results from searches on the web` in `edge://settings/privacy`.
- Disable the option(s) `Allow Microsoft to save your browsing activity including history, usage, favorites, web content, and other browsing data to personalize Microsoft Edge and Microsoft services like ads, search, shopping and news.` in `edge://settings/privacy`.
- Disable all option(s) under the `Services` section in `edge://settings/privacy`.
- Disable the option(s) `Show me search and site suggestions using my typed characters` in `edge://settings/searchFilters`.
- Disable the option(s) `Show me suggestions from history, favorites and other data on this device using my typed characters` in `edge://settings/searchFilters`.