Advanced Plus Security Dreams&Visions Security Config (Q3/2026)

PC Setup Configuration Help & Showcase
1 Replies 778 Views
Last updated
Aug 21, 2026
Main use of this computer
For home and private use
Operating system
Windows 11
On-device encryption
Not applicable
Device sign-in security
    • Windows Hello PIN or biometric sign-in (face / fingerprint / Touch ID)
Security updates
Allow security updates and latest features
Update channels
Allow stable updates only
User Account Control (UAC)
Always notify
Smart App Control
On
Network firewall
N/A
Router and network details
None, I use tethering via my mobile phone (Xiaomi Poco X7 Pro, my Google Pixel 8a has become a backup device).
Real-time protection
No login data is saved on the machine (for no software), everything is backupped on eHDD after creation, and is only plugged in on demand and after security check.

McAfee Total
It adds it's own Firewall to the one provided by Microsoft.
Device firewall
Other - Internet Security (3rd-party)
Custom security settings
McAfee Total does not have any customization options.
Periodic malware scanners
Emsisoft Emergency Kit (EEK) (free by default)
Microsoft Sysinternals TCPView (free by default)
Microsoft Sysinternals AutoRuns (free by default)
Mister Group SystemExplorer (free by default)
Malware sample testing
I do not participate in malware testing
Environment for malware testing
Windows Sandbox
Browsers and extensions
Microsoft Edge w/ following extensions: AdGuard, McAfee Web Advisor, Bitdefender TrafficLight, Bitwarden
Browser is set to clear history on closure. Strong tracking prevention; no saving of passwords or other personal data; "Do not track" activated, block PUPs YES, disable M$ Rewards.
Secure DNS
AdGuard
Desktop VPN
Windscribe (Pro subscription)
Password and passkey manager
Bitwarden (inside M$ Edge)
Maintenance tools
None, everything done by hand.
File and photo backups
Personal files are backupped to external HDDs, in case of infection / system failure, the system is freshly installed
Subscriptions
    • None
System recovery
See above.
Usage and exposure
    • Visiting familiar websites
    • Visiting unknown or untrusted websites
    • Opening email attachments
    • Online shopping and card payments
    • Logging into my bank account
    • Downloading software and files from reputable sites
    • Downloading files from unknown or untrusted sources
    • Gaming
    • Gaming with third-party mods
    • Streaming audio/video content from trusted sites or paid subscriptions
    • Streaming from untrusted sites
    • Downloading malware samples
Computer specs
Unchanged by hardware, changed noticable by software :p (actually, I added a tablet)
Main: Intel® Core™ i7-12700, Windows 11 Pro, NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 3070 LHR, 2 TB SSD, 16 GB RAM
Backup laptops:
Intel(R) Core(TM) i5-1035G1, Windows 11 Pro, 500 GB SSD, 8 GB RAM
Intel(R) Core(TM) i5-7200U, Windows 11 Pro, 1 TB HDD + 128 GB SSD, 8 GB RAM
Tablet:
Lenovo Tab Plus (MediaTek™ G99 Octa Core, 8 GB RAM)
Notable changes
I no longer use my personal devices for working purposes. My employer provided me with a high-security laptop, to be used exclusively both in homeoffice and at the workplace. Before that, homeoffice had to be done via remote connection on personal devices (yes, I'm fully aware of the potential risks, so I kept the machine perfectly healthy).
Feedback preference

Detailed suggestions and alternatives welcome

Dreams&Visions

Dreams&Visions

Level 2
I thought it was time to completely revamp Advanced Security - Dreams&Visions Security Config (Q4/2024), as quite some changes in software have happened.
Therefore, I decided to open up a new thread.

Antivirus has changed from K7 Ultimate Security Infiniti to McAfee Total more than half a year ago.

Recently added:
  • SoftMaker Office Professional 2026
  • AdGuard (Desktop application) - it also runs on the tablet
  • finally upgraded the i5-1035G1 laptop from Win11 Home to Win11 Pro and activated Windows Sandbox
 
KEEP EXPLORING

Similar threads

Another perspective. Your next conversation.

Community
Security tip
Avoid broad sandbox sharing. When using Windows Sandbox, limit shared folders and prefer read-only access where it fits the task. Anything you expose to the sandbox expands what it can reach.
Back
Top