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In a fresh development, almost five years later, I can’t say the same. And that’s a problem. Microsoft launched Windows 11 as the most secure Windows ever built—and the marketing was almost convincing at the time.
Industry observers note that about a week ago, Microsoft confirmed users are mistakenly being alerted that Defender, Windows’ native antivirus protection, has been turned off. A recent bug in Windows was the final straw.
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In a fresh development, nor are they minor. (Not when you can’t boot your system at all. Or you have a momentary heart attack because BitLocker unexpectedly demands its recovery key.). On the back of earlier issues this summer with system startup and BitLocker recovery, and the messy process of Secure Boot certificate updates, Microsoft’s fumbles no longer feel like occasional one-offs.
According to the latest update, if they run into Defender’s most recent woes, I’ll have to explain Microsoft Defender Antivirus to them and field questions on why the error even happened. These conversations aren’t easy because they sit on top of a continual pile. Family members have asked me to explain Secure Boot certificates to them and why they weren’t revised automatically.
The report highlights that remember the TPM requirement? Then Microsoft walking back the TPM requirement? Then the restriction on unofficial installations? Then the threatened death of Windows 10? Heck, that stay of execution even got a surprise extension out of nowhere. And that heap of trouble started even before Windows 11’s drop.
According to the latest update, at a product arrival showcase in late July, several Microsoft representatives said that hackers and other bad actors are ahead of those protecting against attacks. The defenders are playing catch up. Microsoft has increased the frequency and number of security patches for this reason. I’m not surprised by this chaos—AI truly has changed the system update.
According to the latest update, in the absence of a reliable warning system, people will increasingly make decisions without thinking too deep about what Windows is or isn’t doing. Microsoft is training us to not believe the very systems we’re supposed to put our faith in. But Windows keeps changing and breaking.
Industry observers note that it’s a real pity. That goes directly against what Windows 11 aims to be.
In a fresh development, meanwhile, secretly malicious browser add-ons and security vulnerabilities continue to crop up. Analog identity verification is creating headaches in our digital lives—as evidenced by the apparent real-time, continual leaking of scanned driver’s licenses.
In a fresh development, academic researchers may have found a cheap way to scan for hidden creeper cams. The only bright spot?
Industry observers note that you can turn it on by opening the Windows Security app, heading to Virus & threat protection, and then choosing Manage ransomware protection. Did you know Windows has built-in ransomware protection?
As part of the ongoing story, you can also add other folders manually to the protected list. For a full walkthrough of how Windows’ ransomware safeguards work, check out our guide. Flipping on the protection restricts apps from going into your OneDrive, Documents, Pictures, Videos, Music, and Favorites folders—that way, you can’t be locked out of them.
According to the latest update, since joining the team in 2016, she’s written about CPUs, Windows, PC building, Chrome, Raspberry Pi, and much more—while also serving as PCWorld’s resident bargain hunter (#slickdeals). Currently her focus is on security, helping people understand how best to protect themselves online. Her work has previously appeared in PC Gamer, IGN, Maximum PC, and Official Xbox Magazine. A 15-year veteran of technology and video platform releases journalism, Alaina Yee covers a variety of topics for PCWorld.