Windows 11 is the latest installment of the widely-used operating system that is making heads turn. Microsoft brought in some nice visual upgrades and added a ton of new features, among them some nice security additions. Let’s take a look at some of the neat and useful features here.
1. Vigilance: Windows 11 Initiative to Protect Passwords
Passwords are the keys to your accounts, whether online or offline, which makes them a top priority for cyber thieves. This is particularly dangerous for corporate environments, where one leaked password can compromise the integrity of the entire organization. Windows 11 aims to protect your passwords with a few precise measures.
Enhanced Phishing Protection
Some people may enter passwords in unsecured places where they can be easily stolen, such as in electronic documents. Enhanced phishing protection, part of Windows Defender SmartScreen, will warn users against entering passwords in places that don’t require it.
SmartScreen
Other places users may enter passwords are on websites and apps, but some of them may be operated by dark characters. Windows 11 SmartScreen, part of Windows Defender, will warn about entering passwords on websites that have been identified or suspected to be phishing sites or may be connected to them. Additionally, it will issue a warning about downloading potentially malicious files.
2. Work Faster With These Keyboard Shortcuts
Using the mouse to open menus and select options is perfectly fine, but it can become rather tedious if that’s what you’re doing all day. You can open up those same menus with a keyboard combination instead of going through a series of prompts.
Here are some basic commands to remember:
- Ctrl + A: Select everything in the immediate window
- Ctrl + C: Copy the text or image
- Ctrl + X: Cut the text or image
- Ctrl + V: Paste the text or image
- Ctrl + Y: Redo an action
- Ctrl + Z: Undo an action
- Alt + Tab: Swap between open apps or windows
- Alt + F4: Terminate a window or app
Here are some more advanced commands:
- Windows key + Esc: Open the Windows Start menu
- Windows key + X: Open Windows secret Start menu
- Windows key + A: Open Windows Action Center
- Windows key + S: Open Cortana in text mode, allowing you to input text
- Windows key + I: Open Settings
- Windows key + R: Open Run
- Windows key + M: Minimize open windows on the desktop
- Windows key + Shift + M: Restore minimized windows from the taskbar
- Windows key + PrtScn: Save a screenshot of your desktop
- Windows key + Shift + S: Open the Snipping Tool to save a section of the screen
There are plenty more commands to learn about and potentially use, but it will be up to you to determine which ones are the most useful.
3. Stay Safe Online With These Best Practices
It’s better to be safe than sorry, especially regarding the internet. Just a handful of habits can save you from the untold agony of unwanted access to your data. While you’re searching around on the web, make sure to follow these tips to surf as safely as possible:
- Browser privacy settings: Set to medium or low
- Use a VPN: Surf the internet anonymously and with encryption
- Update your antivirus: New viruses are created every day
- Secure your internet connection: Use https:// and lock your router with a password
- Visit only trusted websites: Visit websites that are known and trusted by others
- Beef up your passwords: Use strong passwords that are difficult to guess
- Don’t reveal personal information: Keep your address, bank account, and other information hidden
- Keep downloads to the minimum: Don’t download something you’re unfamiliar with
The internet is a big place with many shady characters, so always do your best to practice these habits to become safe online.
There are plenty of new bells and whistles in the latest edition of the Windows saga. Make sure to poke around the operating system to familiarize yourself with the new layouts, shortcuts, and abilities. Microsoft certainly has made working on the computer that much easier, and now is a great time to take advantage of all it has to offer.
DWD Technology Group understands that each organization has its own specific needs. We proudly help local businesses in the Indiana, Ohio, and Michigan metros implement IT solutions. To get a custom IT package for your business, contact us today to start considering the possibilities.
