Question Is Hard_Configurator safe for newbies?

[iPetCats]

So since joining this forum I've come across AndyFul's Hard_Configurator. For context, I'm someone who uses Windows 10 Pro with Microsoft Defender, and while I am much more tech savvy than the average person, at the end of the day I have no idea what I'm doing when it comes to more technical stuff. So my questions are as follows...

1. Is this tool safe for newbies to use?
2. Will this tool negatively affect my performance or break/disable any features or programs I may use?

 

[I Walk MY Way]

1 Answer to your question is yes, it's safe to use.
2 And the second answer to your question is no.

 

[wat0114]

A newbie could just use Recommended settings and they're good to go.

 

[oldschool]

For even more ease of use I advise H_C's little brother Simple Windows Hardening. It applies H_C's recommended settings with a more simple & intuitive UI.

 

[ForgottenSeer 95367]

1. Is this tool safe for newbies to use?

Yes, it is safe. Meaning that upon installing it, you won't destroy your system.

1. Will this tool negatively affect my performance or break/disable any features or programs I may use?

Anything that is blocked or "broken" can be unblocked\allowed. More importantly there is help here at MT in creating the allow exceptions or other configuration necessary to "fix" something.

No worries.

 

[Andy Ful]

So since joining this forum I've come across AndyFul's Hard_Configurator. For context, I'm someone who uses Windows 10 Pro with Microsoft Defender, and while I am much more tech savvy than the average person, at the end of the day I have no idea what I'm doing when it comes to more technical stuff. So my questions are as follows...

1. Is this tool safe for newbies to use?
2. Will this tool negatively affect my performance or break/disable any features or programs I may use?

Hard_Configurator can be used by newbies, but the configuration and occasional help should be done by the advanced user (home administrator). The number of potential problems depends mostly on software configuration.
Please, read the H_C manual. The introductory info is included in the first 17 pages of the manual. If you use ConfigureDefender then it is recommendable to read the (short) ConfigureDefenderHelp.pdf.
If the info is hardly understandable for you then skip using H_C and try Simple Windows Hardening.

 

[ForgottenSeer 95367]

1. Read the H_C manual.
2. The configuration and occasional help should be done by the advanced user (home administrator).
3. If the info is hardly understandable for you then skip using H_C and try Simple Windows Hardening.

This is the Microsoft Method.

 

[Andy Ful]

This is the Microsoft Method.

Yes. It mimics the administrator & user hierarchy in Enterprises, transferred to the home environment.

 

[Bot]

Hard_Configurator is generally considered safe to use, even for beginners. It is designed to be user-friendly and intuitive, with clear language and simple choices. However, it is important to note that the tool is not foolproof, and some advanced settings may require a bit more technical knowledge. That being said, AndyFul (the developer) provides support on this forum and is always willing to help with any questions or concerns you may have.

In terms of performance and features, Hard_Configurator is designed to enhance security while minimizing impact on system resources. It has a low memory footprint and should not significantly affect your system's performance. However, as with any security tool or update, there is always the potential for compatibility issues with certain programs or features. It is important to make backups and test any changes before fully implementing them, just to be safe.

 

[Andy Ful]

It seems that Bot has read the H_C manual.

 

[Trident]

It seems that Bot has read the H_C manual.

It’s so refreshing to see something read manuals… even if it is a bot

 

[Max90]

For even more ease of use I advise H_C's little brother Simple Windows Hardening. It applies H_C's recommended settings with a more simple & intuitive UI.

Second that

 

[simmerskool]

For even more ease of use I advise H_C's little brother Simple Windows Hardening. It applies H_C's recommended settings with a more simple & intuitive UI.

I'm running H_C on win10_vm with MS Defender. On a different win10_vm, my fav vm, I'm running F-Secure v19.0. Does SWH work well with F-Secure since FS is interacting with Windows Firewall, or I think it does. Compatible?? Or are H_C and SWH designed to work (only) with Defender?

 

[Digmor Crusher]

SWH works well with FSecure.

 

[Andy Ful]

I'm running H_C on win10_vm with MS Defender. On a different win10_vm, my fav vm, I'm running F-Secure v19.0. Does SWH work well with F-Secure since FS is interacting with Windows Firewall, or I think it does. Compatible?? Or are H_C and SWH designed to work (only) with Defender?

If I correctly remember, F-Secure is designed to work with Windows Firewall. So, there should not be problems with it. Anyway, I am curious if F-Secure can display/change the firewall settings introduced via H_C (FirewallHardening). They are visible when the user opens the advanced firewall settings from the Windows Security Center.

 

[Digmor Crusher]

Andy, I'm using FSecure and FirewallHardening now, if you give me one specific setting to look for I can do that for you if you want.

 

[Andy Ful]

Andy, I'm using FSecure and FirewallHardening now, if you give me one specific setting to look for I can do that for you if you want.

I do not know F-Secure well. Is it possible to see the firewall block rules from F-Secure GUI? If so, then are there the rules related to H_C. For example, here is what can be seen via Windows Firewall settings on my computer (Polish language):

 

[Digmor Crusher]

Yup, I have all those HC rules too.

 

[Andy Ful]

Yup, I have all those HC rules too.

Can you change/remove any H_C rule from F-Secure?

 

[Digmor Crusher]

When I go into Advanced Firewall settings I cannot change any HC rules. Is this what you mean? I am using FSecure Safe and there are no firewall options available in this program.