Answers to the Basic Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to the Basic Frequently Asked Questions

This document has answers to the most basic frequently asked questions about this repository.

From 1 to 10 How Difficult Is It to Use the Harden Windows Security Module?

1 - Very Easy

What Do I Need to Do to Use Harden Windows Security Module?

1. Install PowerShell from Microsoft Store
2. Follow the How To Use section of the Readme

How to Install PowerShell?

• Install PowerShell from Microsoft Store (easiest way)
• Installing PowerShell on Windows

But I Never Used PowerShell Before

Then let this be your initiation.

Do I Need to Use the Harden Windows Security Module Only on New Windows Installation?

No, you can use it any time.

Do I Need to Install a 3rd Party Antivirus or Security Software?

Absolutely not.

Every security feature needed is already available in Windows. After Installing the Harden Windows Security Module, run PowerShell as Admin and use the command Protect-WindowsSecurity to activate them.

Here is a more technical explanation

But I Already Have an Antivirus, What Should I Do?

Uninstall it by going to Windows Settings -> Apps -> Installed Apps -> Search for your Antivirus software's name and Uninstall it.

What’s the First Thing to Do After Reinstalling or Resetting Windows?

• Check and install any updates from Windows Update
• Check and install any updates in Microsoft Store
• Install and run the Harden Windows Security Module

I Have Windows Home Edition, How to Upgrade to Pro?

• Refer to this article

How to Backup My Files in Windows?

• Back up your Windows PC

• How to back up your files in Windows

What Categories Do You Recommend to Run?

In the Categories section on Readme, you will find all the categories available in the Harden Windows Security module with thorough explanation and links for each of them.

For example:

• BitLocker category is useful for providing physical security for your computer and data.

• Optional Windows Features category is useful for disabling unnecessary optional and rarely used features, also for enabling useful optional features in Windows.

• Country IP Blocking category is not necessary to run, unless you really want to block connections to and from those listed countries.

• Certificate Checking Commands category is useful for quickly gaining additional insights about the available certificates on your computer.

All other categories are very much recommended to run.

How Often Do I Need to Apply the Hardening Measures?

Only 1 time.

Should I Enable Smart App Control?

Yes, it's a very capable automated AI-driven security feature.

Does It Affect My Gaming Performance or FPS?

No. Because Modern hardware are built for Windows security features such as Virtualization Based Security, BitLocker etc. They expect these advanced security features to be turned on and running on a secure system.

Only very old and unsupported hardware might experience degraded performance when using modern security features.

What If I Want to Revert the Changes?

You can revert the changes by running the command Unprotect-WindowsSecurity in PowerShell.

Can You Alter The Requirements?

No. The requirements are very basic and minimum, they are even less than what's required by Windows 11 minimum hardware.

Have More Questions?

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