How to Check New Computer Security Settings
Setting up a new computer is not complete until its security settings are verified.
This guide explains how to check new computer security settings across the operating system, browser, account, and network layers so you can catch weak defaults before they become a problem.
Modern devices ship with useful protections, but many are not configured for your needs by default.
A quick, structured review can improve privacy, reduce malware risk, and confirm that essential defenses such as updates, encryption, and multi-factor authentication are active.
Start with the most important security controls
When learning how to check new computer security settings, begin with the controls that protect the entire system.
These settings have the biggest impact on whether your device stays secure after initial setup.
- Automatic updates: Confirm the operating system and apps can install security patches automatically.
- Firewall: Ensure the built-in firewall is enabled on public and private networks.
- Disk encryption: Verify full-disk encryption is turned on to protect data if the device is lost or stolen.
- Malware protection: Check that the built-in antivirus or endpoint protection is active and up to date.
- Account protection: Use a strong password or passphrase and enable multi-factor authentication where possible.
How to check security settings on Windows 11
Windows 11 includes Microsoft Defender, Windows Firewall, and device encryption tools that should be reviewed immediately after setup.
Open Settings and use the search box to find the relevant security pages quickly.
Check update and protection status
Go to Settings > Windows Update and confirm updates are set to install automatically.
Then open Windows Security and review Virus & threat protection, Firewall & network protection, and Account protection.
Look for green status indicators or messages stating that no action is needed.
If Windows Security reports a problem, resolve it before installing sensitive software or moving files to the machine.
Check BitLocker or device encryption
Search for Device encryption or BitLocker in Settings.
If encryption is available, make sure it is on and that the recovery key is backed up to a secure account or printed and stored safely.
Review privacy and app permissions
Open Settings > Privacy & security and review permissions for location, camera, microphone, contacts, and clipboard history.
Disable anything that is not needed for your daily work.
How to check security settings on macOS
Apple’s macOS offers strong native protections through Gatekeeper, FileVault, and system privacy controls.
These settings are worth checking on every new MacBook, iMac, or Mac mini.
Verify software update settings
Open System Settings > General > Software Update and turn on automatic updates if they are not already enabled.
This helps keep Safari, system components, and security patches current.
Confirm FileVault encryption
Go to System Settings > Privacy & Security and check whether FileVault is enabled.
FileVault protects the contents of the internal drive if the Mac is lost, stolen, or accessed without authorization.
Review firewall and app security
In Privacy & Security, verify that the built-in firewall is active if you use the device on shared or public networks.
Also check that Allow applications downloaded from is set to the App Store and identified developers when appropriate for your workflow.
Open Security & Privacy related prompts carefully when installing software.
A new Mac should not be allowed to bypass Gatekeeper warnings without a clear reason.
How to check browser security settings
Browsers are a common entry point for phishing, malicious extensions, and tracking.
A new computer often includes default browser settings that should be tightened before regular use.
- Update channel: Confirm the browser updates automatically.
- Safe browsing: Turn on enhanced protection or phishing and malware protection.
- Extensions: Remove any extension you did not install yourself.
- Passwords: Check whether the browser is offering to save passwords securely or whether you prefer a dedicated password manager.
- Site permissions: Review camera, microphone, notifications, and pop-up permissions.
In Chrome, Edge, Firefox, and Safari, use the settings menu to inspect privacy and security sections.
Disable notification prompts from unknown sites, because attackers often abuse browser notifications to mimic antivirus alerts or login pages.
Check your user account and login settings
Strong device security depends on account hygiene as much as on software defenses.
On a new computer, confirm that the everyday user account is not an administrator unless it truly needs elevated access.
Use the right account type
For daily work, a standard user account is safer than an admin account.
Keep one separate administrator account for installs, system changes, and recovery tasks.
Enable multi-factor authentication
Turn on MFA for your Microsoft, Apple, Google, and work accounts.
If the computer stores email, cloud files, or password vault data, MFA provides a major barrier against account takeover.
Check screen lock and sign-in rules
Set the screen to lock after a short period of inactivity and require a password or biometric sign-in to wake the device.
Fingerprint readers and facial recognition tools are useful, but they should supplement, not replace, a strong fallback password.
How to check network and Wi-Fi security settings
New computers often connect to multiple networks during setup, including home Wi-Fi, office Wi-Fi, hotspot connections, and public networks.
Each one should be reviewed for safe defaults.
- Public network profile: Make sure unknown Wi-Fi networks are treated as public, not private.
- Auto-connect: Disable automatic joining for open or unfamiliar hotspots.
- Sharing options: Turn off file and printer sharing unless you actually need it.
- VPN: Consider a trusted VPN when working on public Wi-Fi.
- Router security: Use WPA2 or WPA3 encryption and a strong Wi-Fi password on your home network.
If the new computer will be used for work, check whether your organization requires a managed VPN, device certificate, or mobile device management profile.
Corporate policies often override local settings, and those controls should be confirmed during setup.
Check for preinstalled software and risky defaults
Many PCs and Macs ship with trial software, promotional utilities, or vendor apps that can affect performance and privacy.
Review installed applications and remove anything unnecessary.
Pay close attention to remote support tools, browser add-ons, cloud sync clients, and system tray utilities.
If you do not recognize an application, research the publisher before keeping it installed.
Also inspect startup items and login items.
A new computer should not launch unknown programs automatically each time it starts.
Use a simple security verification checklist
If you want a repeatable process for how to check new computer security settings, use the same order every time.
That reduces the chance of missing a critical control during setup.
- Install all operating system updates.
- Verify built-in firewall and antivirus protection.
- Turn on disk encryption and save recovery information.
- Enable MFA on key accounts.
- Review browser privacy, extensions, and notifications.
- Set a short screen-lock timeout.
- Confirm network profiles and sharing settings.
- Remove unnecessary preinstalled software.
When to revisit security settings
Security verification should not end on day one.
Recheck settings after major operating system updates, when installing new software, after connecting to new networks, and whenever you change account credentials.
It is also wise to review security settings if the computer begins showing unusual behavior, such as unexpected pop-ups, slower performance, unknown browser extensions, or login prompts you did not request.
Those signs can indicate a misconfiguration or an active compromise.