This is also a good time to configure your machine to protect your privacy.
We all need toprotect our private data.
Rather than wait to care about your privacy later, its better to get started on the right foot.
Its also worth mentioning that Windows still allows you to install any app you want.
Once theyre installed, those apps can do pretty much anything.
Getting rid of this junk is a good idea from a performance standpoint.
However, occasionally even otherwise decent manufacturers can includesecurity and privacy-breaking junkware.
If you built your own machine, youre probably okay already.
A clean installis a good step to take regardless of whether youre concerned about privacy.
Since Windows 8, youve been able to jump in to Windows using your Microsoft account.
Of course, this comes with some trade-offs.
On the plus side, your Microsoft accounthas built-in two-factor authentication.
However, you may not want Microsoft to know every time you get in to your setup.
Microsofts also no stranger tocontroversy with user accounts.
There are two ways to use a local account on your Windows machine.
The first is to choose local account whilesetting up your machine for the first time.
If you chose this option when you first installed Windows, then youre good.
(Alternatively, fire up the controls app and choose Account.)
Click Sign in with a local account instead.
Create a new username and password.
exit and re-enter using your new credentials.
Once youre logged in to your local account, open up the same section of the parameters app.
To go along with it, Microsoft has added a newpermissions system.
To manage these permissions, open your Start menu, key in privacy and choose Privacy configs.
Like the location options, these sections only apply to Modern apps.
It also wont suspend the devices at the system level.
Also, keep in mind that any permissions you disable here only apply to the apps that are displayed.
you’re free to readour guide hereon the difference between these tools and which ones you need.
Setting up a VPN will ensure that your web app traffic is encrypted and stays away from prying eyes.
Fortunately, we have plenty of those.
Actually, theres still one more thing to take care of.
When it comes to protecting their data, most peopledont tend to consider physical access.
Mega corporations and governments arent the only ones you want to keep out of your data.
Of course, how important that physical security is to you may be subjective.
Still, its important to consider your physical machine when auditing your privacy.
