Privacy is essential in any operating system.

Android is a system that supports the secret folders function. However, it is not the only one. In fact, Microsoft has also integrated this feature. Although in this case, it is necessary to follow a series of steps. In that order of ideas, we have prepared this post to tell you how to create secret folders in Windows 11. In this way, we can keep the information protected from eavesdroppers. This is especially useful in these times with so many malicious threats on the web. On the other hand, let’s keep in mind that other features designed to take care of users’ privacy have not turned out to be so good. In fact, it turns out that incognito mode is not as secure as it appears to be, although we’ll talk about that in a future post.

Steps to create secret folders in Windows 11

Before we go any further, we want to make one thing clear. In Windows 11, you can not only create secret folders to protect your important data or those files you don’t want anyone else to see. In fact, you can go one step further. However, we will tell you about that later. Here, we will explain step by step what to do to create secret folders in Windows 11

• The first thing to do is to go to the Windows 11 desktop.
• Now, you must create your folder in the traditional way with right click and Create folder.
• Then, you should save in this folder all the files and information you want.
• After doing this, you should right-click on the folder.
• In the Windows 11 context menu, you must click on Show more options.
• Now, you go to the Properties tab.
• Next, click on the Customize tab.
• Then, you will see some options, but the one that interests you is Change Icon.
• After clicking on this option, it will open a floating menu with a series of icons from which you can choose to change it.
• You simply have to slide the icons until you find one that appears in white, as if it were transparent.
• Just apply it and click OK.

In this way, you will have already hidden the folder icon. However, this is not enough. Indeed, you will still be able to see the name of the folder. So, then, you must do the following.

• In this secret folder, you must right-click and click on Rename.
• In the name field, hold down the ALT key and enter the code 0160.
• With this command, you will make the name disappear in its entirety.

How can you hide folders in Windows 11 for better security?

Secret folders in Windows 11 are great for keeping other people away from your private files. However, there is another option if you want to go one step further. In fact, you can hide the folders directly. This will give you additional assurance and peace of mind.

It should be noted that the above method will help you to prevent other users from seeing your private files so easily. However, things can happen that can accidentally cause the invisible folder to be discovered. This is where the hide folder trick comes in, so that only you will be able to see the contents. Just follow these steps:

• The first thing to do is to access the File Explorer in Windows 11.
• To do this, you can press the Win+E combination or click on the folder icon in the taskbar.
• Now, you must click on the View option located on the top bar.
• This will display a series of options, but you must click on View.
• In the new context menu that opens, you must make sure that the Hidden Items option is not checked.

This is the first thing you should do. However, this is not all. In fact, you must now change the folder status to hidden with these steps.

• You have to go to the folder you want to hide and right-click on it.
• Then, you have to click on Show more options and then on Properties.
• This will take you to a series of tabs in a floating window, but you must position yourself in the General section and locate the Attributes section at the bottom.
• Now, just check the Hidden box.
• Finally, you must apply these changes and click on OK.

Why privacy is important in Windows 11

In today’s digital age, privacy is more important than ever. Fortunately, Windows 11 has taken major steps to ensure that user data is kept safe from malicious actors. By implementing cutting-edge security measures and tools, Microsoft has provided a secure environment where users can have confidence that their information is protected.

Controlled Folder Access is just one of the many features that make Windows 11 such a secure operating system. This tool prevents unauthorized access to important files and folders, giving users peace of mind that their sensitive data is being safeguarded.

Windows Hello is another innovative security feature that utilizes biometric authentication to log users into their accounts. This extra layer of security provides an additional level of protection against potential cyber threats.

But that’s not all. Windows 11 also includes additional layers of encryption for sensitive data, which ensures that information is kept private and secure. Additionally, features such as Activity History enable administrators to monitor user behavior on the system, giving them the ability to take necessary steps if any suspicious or malicious activity occurs.

With these robust security measures in place, users can rest easy knowing that their private information will remain just that private. Windows 11 provides a secure and trusted environment where users can confidently use their devices without fear of having their data exposed or exploited by bad actors online. All these measures combine with the secret folders in Windows 11 to increase user privacy. Bye!

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Keep your device safe from prying eyes.

It is always advisable to access the system with a password. However, someone in our environment may have seen us enter it. In case you have any doubts, we will see below how to perform the relevant check. In addition, there are several methods that we can use for these verification tasks, as we will see.

Check the Windows Event Viewer

Foremost, let’s take a look at a very fascinating feature of Microsoft’s system. We are referring to the event viewer. This is where all events that occur on Windows are stored, including logon, of course. Therefore, this is a good element that allows us to check if someone has accessed our computer without our permission. We can open this section by simply typing its name in the search box on the taskbar.

Next, in the left pane, we go to Windows/System Logs. At that moment, in the central panel of the tool will appear all the events happened in the operating system. Therefore, we just have to browse through them and look for the last logon. In this way we will check whether the time coincides, or not, with the last time we turned on the PC.

View browser history

We can also use some tricks that allow us to perform this check. Generally, if an unauthorized user is using our computer, it is very likely that he/she is using the installed Internet browser. Therefore, in this case, we can always take a look at the stored browsing history. Once there, we will check the last visited pages. If they are not the sites that we loaded in the last session, we will have to take the appropriate measures.

View PC USB device history

Another very effective method for these tasks is to take a look at the history of USB devices connected to our computer. This allows us to check first hand if any unfamiliar USB flash drives have recently been connected to our PC without our consent. To achieve this, we will use the system command line. First, we access it by typing CMD in the Windows search box. In the new window that opens now, we only have to type the following command:

reg query hklm\system\currentcontrolset\enum\usbstor /s

Take a look at recent archives

In this case, and as a preventive measure, we can activate a function that will help us to check if someone has accessed our computer. We refer to the recent files that have been used, which will serve as a test. For it, we opened the application of Windows Settings, and we located in Personalization.

Next, we click in the section of Start, and we locate Show recently opened items, something that we activate. This way we will see in Startup all the files that have been opened in the last sessions with the PC. Okay, so we have seen how to check if someone has used your computer without your permission. See you later!

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Why you need to hide or protect folders

If we are in a shared computer with more people, the most normal thing is to have several users configured in the Windows operating system. Generally, we will have only one administrator on the computer. The rest will be normal users without administrator permissions.

As mentioned, Windows tools allow you to configure user permissions. Therefore, we will be able to configure that only the owner user has full control. On the contrary, the rest of the users do not have any permissions: neither read, write, execute, modify, etc.

To access the security settings menu, just right-click on a folder in question. Once inside, click on the Security tab. If we want to edit the permissions, we must click on Edit. In consequence, a new menu will appear where we will be able to choose the permissions of the different groups or users that we have in the operating system. At the bottom, we will have the different options to allow or deny the different permissions to the users and groups. Depending on what we are interested in, we can remove different groups of users so that they do not have permissions.

On the other hand, all administrator users will still have access to the folder. So, you will have to find another way to restrict access. In addition, a program facilitates the execution of this task. Therefore, let’s look at a special software to do it.

Hide Folders

Hide Folders is a commercial tool. In other words, it is not free like other alternatives. The tool does not allow you to use it for free, as is the case with other alternatives. In addition, it protects them with a master password that only the user knows.

Some features of this program are that it supports NTFS, exFAT, FAT and FAT32 file systems. It also allows an unlimited number of protected folders. Therefore, it is ideal for not having problems and protecting as many folders as we want. It will also allow us to assign trusted processes that will be able to access the files. We can also protect the program against uninstallation, and it is available in several languages. Finally, the folders protected by this program will be protected even in fail-safe mode.

As we have explained above, this program is commercial, so it is not free. The license price is $39.95 for a single PC. However, there is a family version that protects 5 PCs that allows you to install it on up to 5 computers.

Download and installation

The download is available from the project page. We have already said that it is a commercial program, so it is not free. However, we have a 30-day trial version where we will be able to use it without any limit. At the end of this period, it is necessary to pay the license fee to continue using the program. On the other hand, the installation is like any other program for Windows.

The installation might return an error, this is because it is necessary to have .NET Framework installed in the PC. Consequently, a window will appear indicating that a specific version is required to run. Later, a window will appear where it will indicate us that it is needed a concrete version to be able to work.

Operation

The operation of this program is elementary. In the Dashboard we will be able to see the general status of the program. It also shows how many days are left before we need a license of the program. In the upper part we have the different sections of the configuration. In addition, we have the possibility of activating a remote control web server. We will also be able to configure a master password in the program to prevent any changes to be made in the program. In this way, we will have the security that nobody else will be able to use this program to unhide or unprotect a folder in question.

In the Edit List section is where we can add the different folders to hide or protect. What we have to do is to click on the Add button, and then we put the path of the folder to hide. Finally, we choose the protection mode. This program allows:

Unprotect: Does not impose any protection.
Hide: Hides the folder only.
Lock: Locks the access to the folder with a password.
Hide and Lock: Hides the folder and asks for a password to access it.
Read Only: Allows only the reading of the folder.

Depending on what we are interested in, we will have to choose one option or another. We must remember that we will be able to enter an unlimited number of folders in the list to be protected.

If an unauthorized user tries to access the folder, we will have different access errors due to lack of permissions. In fact, even if we are administrators, we will not see the menus to change permissions.

Other configurations

In the Settings section, we will be able to see all the general options of the program. Some of them are: activate the protections even if the program is closed, integrate the program into the context menu. Also clean up any possible traces of a hidden folder. In fact, you will be able to delete all recent data, in the recycle garbage can items. It is even possible to remove the Hide Folders program itself from the most used programs, etc.

In the Password section is where we can enter a new password to protect the program. In addition, it is recommended to enter an email to allow the password recovery. If we forget the password, we will not be able to recover it in any way. We will only be able to do it with the email. Finally, in the Tools’ section we will be able to see the trusted processes and configure them, modify the language and skin and other options related to the program.

As you can see, Hide Folders is a great option to hide and lock folders in Windows. See you soon!

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Enable Windows Update updates

Keeping your computer up to date is very important. Indeed, these updates not only bring new aspects to the operating system, but also bring many new features. Although they are not visible, these updates have an impact on the operation and security of the computer. For this reason, it is necessary to check the possible updates available in Windows Update. Since this improves the security of the equipment and can fix some problems. With this intention, follow the next path: Press the Win+I combination to enter Windows Settings. Next, go to Update and Security.

Then click on Check for updates

Finally, you just need to install the updates.

Performs a safety test.

It is well known that Windows has its own security suite. Indeed, Windows Defender has options to practice security checks. You can do them to verify that no files are infected with viruses. In this case, we will use a quick scan that will take no more than two minutes. Let’s see how to do it. Follow the same path as in the previous section. But click on Windows Security.

Then click on Virus and Threat Protection.

Finally, click on Quick Scan

Disable personalized advertising

Microsoft usually offers relevant advertising to its users. To do so, it relies on the collection of personal data. However, many users are uncomfortable with this situation. Consequently, Microsoft will no longer offer you advertising based on your searches. To do so, just follow the steps below: Once again, press Win+I to go to Windows Settings. Once there, just click on Privacy.

You will see several security variables. Please disable the first one regarding apps accessing your advertising ID.

Disables application access to diagnostic data

Microsoft collects diagnostic data about the device, its configuration and its operation. It also collects other data about the websites you browse, device activity and the error reports it generates. The company of Redmond affirms that it does it to protect and to update Windows. Well, to limit this access, we will do the following. Please repeat the above steps, but when you reach Privacy, please scroll down to Diagnostics & Feedback. Once there, please check the first option in the Diagnostic Data section.

Disable activity history

Microsoft keeps track of the user’s activity history. This in order to be able to retrieve the information of what you were doing. In addition, this information can be stored locally or in the cloud. In addition, the data is made up of the websites you browse, the way you use applications and other aspects of your activity. It is certainly not advisable for Microsoft to know this personal information. So let’s see how to disable it. Once again follow the path Windows Settings>Privacy. But now click on Activity History. Once there, uncheck the box corresponding to Store my activity on this device.

Control application permissions

Like Android and iOS, Windows also provides a permissions’ management system. Which controls which of these the applications you install on your computer have access to. Consequently, there are totally logical permission requests, such as when Skype asks for access to the microphone. However, some others may be suspicious. It is therefore advisable to manage the permissions granted to apps correctly.

Finally, we have seen 6 simple settings to enhance Windows 10 security and privacy. In this way, we increase control over what we share with Microsoft. See you soon!

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How to activate the remote desktop in Windows 10.

Before starting the process, clarification is necessary. This function is not available for Windows 10 Home Edition. In the first place, enter the Windows settings by pressing the Win+I combination. Once there, press System

Then scroll down to get the Remote Desktop option.

Then turn on the Remote Desktop switch. A warning window will immediately appear to confirm the action. Press Confirm to enable the remote desktop.

And that’s it. From this moment on, the device is ready to accept remote connections. To connect, please use the name of the device that is blurred in the screenshot.

Then within the advanced configuration, verify that the network-level authentication option is activated. If you’re remotely connecting to a PC on your home network from outside of that network, don’t select this option

How to authorize access to specific users.

Next, we’re going to tighten up the security measures. In this sense, we will specify which user can connect remotely to the equipment. With this intention, from the same section of Remote Desktop, please click on the section of User Accounts.

Then press Add to include new users. Then enter the user’s name and check to see if they exist. This way, you can add users individually.

Conclusion

Finally, we have seen how to enable the remote desktop in Windows 10. In addition, I have shown you the suitable security measures to protect unauthorized access. All right, that’s it for now. Before saying goodbye I invite you to see our post about premium themes in Windows 10.

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How the ZeroNet network works.

The navigation in this network is available for the most popular browsers like, Chrome, Firefox, Safari and Opera. In order to connect, you just need to install an App available for Windows, Linux and macOS. The purpose of this App is to create a local server from which to access and store the web pages you access. Consequently, it is possible to access without an internet connection since the sites are hosted on the local computer.

Difference between ZeroNet and Tor.

At this point, you might think that ZeroNet works just like Tor. However, the ZeroNet network is not browsed anonymously. Instead, the principle of Tor is to access web pages anonymously in order to browse privately without being tracked. Similarly, it is possible to use Tor to anonymously browse the ZeroNet. Consequently, both platforms share similar features.

Indeed, TOR focuses on encrypting the user’s connection with different layers and modifying the connection so that it is not direct with the server. On the other hand, ZeroNet focuses on offering web page hosting in a decentralized way through P2P connection. By using both technologies, a totally decentralized and anonymous network is accessed.

How to access ZeroNet.

As mentioned above, no special browser is required. Just run the app and open the usual web browser. The ZeroNet home page will be displayed immediately. From that moment on, you just need to browse any of the available pages. For some of them a username is required, but you can get it from ZeroID and it works for the whole network.

The operation of this network is really simple. Every time you access a website, a local version is downloaded into your browser. This allows you to access it without any problem, but also allows the computer to work as a server for others to connect. On the other hand, the content that can be found is one of the most varied. In fact, the home page offers mail services, messaging, forums, bitcoin purses and maps. All these services begin with the word Zero. However, there are a lot of sites available from ZeroSites.

On the other hand, being a network practically without censorship, it is possible to obtain other types of content. Such as, downloads of series and movies. Downloading of free and paid applications. Even porn content

Conclusion

|Finally, we have seen how ZeroNet, the alternative internet based on P2P, works. This is an alternative to censorship and normally inaccessible sites. As always, the recommendation is to use these sites with responsibility and prudence. All right, that’s it for now. Before we say goodbye, I’d like to invite you to see our post about package manager on Windows 10. Privacy on the Internet is a key issue. Censorship is a threat. That’s why I’m showing you how ZeroNet, the P2P-based alternative internet works.

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Create a restoration point.

The first thing to do with a new computer with Windows 10, is to create a restore point. In effect, this is a safe point to return to if something goes wrong. Suppose something goes wrong while you are setting up the system, then you can go back to this new installation and start from scratch. However, this option is disabled by default so you have to enable it manually. With this intention, follow these steps:

• Press the Win+Q combination and type restore system.

• Click on the System Protection tab. Then select the drive where Windows is installed. This is usually the C drive with a small Windows icon on it. Finally, click on configure.

• In the next window, select Turn on system protection. It is also possible to assign the size of the disk assigned to the function. Press OK to set the changes.

From this moment on, automatic restoration points will be created. It is also possible to create them manually. The most important thing is that you can always return to a secure version of the system.

Remove the bloatware

The really unpleasant thing about getting a new PC with Windows 10 is that it’s never completely new. That is, both Microsoft and the manufacturer include proprietary, unwanted, sometimes non-functional, or trial software. Worst of all, this software is almost never used. Consequently, it remains on the system taking up valuable memory space. In addition, it ends up becoming outdated by creating security holes. So let’s get to work:

• Press the Win+I combination to go to the Windows Settings. Once there, click on App.

• Once there, look at the installed applications and right-click on the mouse to uninstall it

Update Windows.

Once the bloatware system is stripped, it’s time to protect important software. Indeed, it is important to keep Windows 10 up to date. This way, the components are kept up to date and the risk of virus and malware infection is prevented. With this intention, enter the Windows settings by pressing the Win+I combination and then select Update and Security

Then click on Check Update. Then wait while the updates are downloaded and installed. You may need to restart your computer.

Use a local account instead of a Microsoft account

By default, when you log on to Windows 10 you use the same Microsoft e-mail account. Consequently, any changes made to that computer will synchronize with another Windows 10 device. At first glance, it seems an ideal feature. However, if a hacker were to affect the device, then all synchronized information would be affected. For that reason, we are going to use a local account instead of the Microsoft account.

• Once again, enter the Windows 10 settings by pressing the Win+I combination. Then select the Accounts option.

• Click on Family & other users. Then select Add someone to this PC.

• In the floating window select the option I don’t have the sign-in information for this person.

• Now click on Add a user without a Microsoft account

• Follow the instructions in the wizard to create a local user.

Turn off the stalkerware.

Microsoft automatically tracks location and monitors behavior to sell advertising. Let’s see how to disable these features:

• Enter the Windows settings by pressing the Win+I combination and then click Privacy.

• Under Change privacy options, turn off the first option to prevent apps from using your ID. This will prevent ad tracking.

• Then, click on Ubication. Now change the switch to turn off location tracking by Microsoft.

Finally, we have seen 5 essential security changes in Windows 10. With these simple steps, you can improve your privacy and security in the operating system. I hope this post is useful to you. Before I go I invite you to see our post about ransomware RobbinHood on Windows 10.

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