How to Secure Your Microsoft Account and Windows 11: Step-by-Step Guide

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Ultimate 2024 Security Checkup for Microsoft Accounts and Windows 11

The start of the year is a perfect time to review and update your Microsoft account and Windows 11 security settings. On Hands-On Windows, Paul Thurrott highlighted how simple tweaks and the right tools can protect your identity, personal data, and peace of mind all year.

Why Security Checkups Matter Right Now

Cyber threats are always evolving. Accounts and devices you rely on daily—like Windows 11 PCs, Microsoft, Google, or Amazon logins—are frequent targets. Updating and reviewing your security ensures you’re not leaving gaps from old passwords, lost recovery methods, or overlooked settings.

A Quick Summary: The 2024 Windows Security Checklist

• Update Microsoft account security (and non-Microsoft accounts)
• Use a password manager for online logins and passkeys
• Set up strong authentication options (avoid just SMS/texts)
• Backup data to the cloud (so device loss doesn’t mean losing files)
• Enable device encryption and review Windows security settings

Paul Thurrott recommends taking 20 minutes to complete these essential steps, whether you’re a casual user or a power user.

How to Strengthen Your Microsoft Account

1. Visit the Microsoft Account website
Go to your Microsoft account online and access the Security section. Here, you’ll re-authenticate and review your ways to verify identity—these are your recovery and authentication methods.

2. Use Multiple Methods

• Add at least two backup email addresses (not your primary account) for account recovery.
• Avoid relying solely on SMS/text message codes, as
  Paul Thurrott
  
  warns these are vulnerable to interception.
• Add authentication apps (like Microsoft Authenticator, Google Authenticator, or Proton Authenticator) for more secure sign-in prompts or rotating codes.

3. Try Passkeys (Coming Soon to More Accounts)
Passkeys are a secure, modern alternative to passwords—easier to use, resistant to phishing, and now becoming portable across devices. Plan to set these up as Microsoft expands support.

Securing All Your Online Accounts with a Password Manager

Why use a password manager?
A password (or identity) manager stores your logins, generates tough passwords, handles new passkeys, and can even protect IDs or sensitive docs.

• Best: Third-party options (ProtonPass, 1Password, Bitwarden, Dashlane), as they work across devices and aren’t tied to one platform like Microsoft, Google, or Apple.

Setup Tips:

• Install your chosen password manager on all devices (PC, phone, tablet).
• Disable your browser’s built-in password saver to avoid conflicts.
• Delete old passwords from your browsers so only your password manager is storing them.

Protecting Your Windows 11 Device: Essential Steps

1. Sign in with your Microsoft account (not a local account)

• Enables automatic backup, better security, and device recovery.
• Protects with Windows Hello (PIN, fingerprint, or face), and auto-encrypts your disk.

2. Check Device Encryption

• Signed-in Microsoft accounts encrypt your drive and back up your recovery key to OneDrive.

3. Run Windows Security
Open the Windows Security app to ensure all protections are enabled (look for green checkmarks). Microsoft sometimes turns features off by default for privacy reasons—review and enable what works for you.

4. Turn On Additional Protections

• Ransomware Protection (e.g., Controlled Folder Access for important files)
• Smart App Control (blocks unknown/malicious apps; expanding soon)
• Administrative Protection (coming in future Windows updates)
• Use Windows Sandbox if you want to safely test unfamiliar apps

Cloud Backup: Don’t Lose Your Data

• Sync files with cloud services such as OneDrive, Google Drive, Dropbox, or Synology Drive.
• Organize critical files in your cloud folders so a lost device doesn’t mean lost memories or work.

Key Takeaways

• Diversify sign-in options on your account and device—backup email, authenticator app, and passkeys.
• Use a single, trusted password manager across all platforms, and disable browser-based storage.
• Sign in to Windows 11 with a Microsoft account for seamless backup, recovery, and device-level security.
• Regularly review device security, stay updated on protection features, and use cloud backup to protect files.

The Bottom Line

A quick annual security review prevents lockouts, thwarts attackers, and keeps your data safe—no special expertise needed. Following Paul Thurrott's advice on Hands-On Windows keeps both your accounts and devices resilient for whatever 2024 brings.

Want more tips and deep-dives into features like passkeys and authenticator apps? Subscribe to Hands-On Windows for weekly guidance:
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