One Windows check people skip: make sure Controlled folder access is actually on in Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Ransomware protection. If ransomware ever gets a foot in the door, this can stop it from trashing your Documents and Desktop. Handy little gatekeeper, assuming it’s been left awake.
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One Windows setting worth checking after a scare: Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Protection history. If something was blocked or removed, it often tells you whether the problem was a real threat or just a noisy browser tantrum. Saves a lot of guesswork, which is nice for a change.
One Windows habit that still catches people out: check Windows Update after a scammy pop-up or a suspicious download, even if nothing obvious happened. A lot of malware tries to ride on old vulnerabilities. If updates are paused for weeks, that’s basically leaving the back door unlocked and hoping for the best.
