Windows laptop: Security and privacy
This short guide is a reference tool to help refresh your knowledge or practise what you have learned in the Windows laptop: Security and privacy online video course, including how to:
- sign in and lock your computer
- manage notifications and install updates
- protect against viruses and secure your webcam.
Before you begin
Make sure your computer is:
- switched on and showing the desktop
- connected to your home Wi-Fi
- running the latest version of its operating software. If your computer is not running Windows 11, some of the steps may look different but you can still follow along.
The examples this course use a laptop and a connected mouse, but you can use your computer’s built-in trackpad instead.
How to sign in to your computer
You need to sign into your Windows computer before you can use it:
- Use the account and PIN or password you created when you first set it up.
- Your account name and a profile image appear in the middle of the Sign-in screen.
- Type your PIN or password in the box below and press Enter.
How to secure your computer
It’s important to keep your computer secure and there several options to help you do that.
Shutdown
Shutting down the computer when you’ve finished using it stops others from being able to access your files.
- Save files and close applications before you shut down.
- To Shutdown, click the Start button at the bottom of screen to open the Start menu panel.
- Click the Power icon at the bottom right to see the Power menu, then click Shutdown.
Sleep
Sleep mode turns off the screen to save power and lets you pick up from where you left off when you wake your computer up. Your computer will go to sleep automatically if you don’t use it for a period.
- To manually put your computer to sleep, click Sleep in the Power menu.
- To wake the computer, press any key on the keyboard to display the Lock screen.
- Press any key again to display the Sign-in screen, then log in with your PIN or password.
Lock
If you’re stepping away from your computer briefly, you can lock it to keep it secure. Your computer may also lock automatically after a period of inactivity.
- To manually lock your computer, click Lock in the Power menu to lock the computer and display the Lock screen.
- Press any key to display the Sign-in screen, then log in with your PIN or password.
- Your open apps and files will be as you left them.
Exploring computer notifications
Your computer, other applications, and some websites, will occasionally send you a notification:
- Notifications appear at the bottom right corner of your screen.
- Most notifications disappear after a few seconds.
- Put your mouse over a notification to see the options.
- Only click on notifications that you trust.
- If you ignore a notification, it can’t hurt your computer.
Your computer will send notifications about when a system update needs to be installed. These will stay on the screen until you respond, and you may need to restart your computer to install the update.
In the notification, you can click Install now or postpone the restart by clicking Pick a time or Restart tonight.
How to protect against viruses
It’s important to protect your files, passwords and computer from viruses and other online threats:
- Your computer comes with built-in Windows Security to help keep your information and files safe.
- To open Windows Security, look for a small shield icon near the bottom right of the screen. If you don’t see it, click the small arrow to reveal the icon and click on it.
- Antivirus software can provide extra security and protect some of your other devices.
- You can trial most antivirus software for free, but check about ongoing costs before signing up.
How to secure your webcam
If your computer has a webcam, you’ll see a small circle in the top centre of the screen.
- A small light turns on next to the webcam when the camera is active.
- It’s unlikely, but someone could access the camera remotely.
- To protect against this, place masking tape across the camera when not in use.