Advanced Plus Security Minimalist's PC Security Config

[Kongo]

How is Uckeck in comparison to Patch My PC Home Update? The latter does not detect most of my installed apps

Try UniGetUi

 

[Minimalist]

How is Uckeck in comparison to Patch My PC Home Update? The latter does not detect most of my installed apps

uCheck works great for me. It detects updates for almost all software I use as their community database is large and it updates quickly.

As @lokamoka820 said, you can even set locations to scan and it detects updates for portable programs with no problem.

 

[Minimalist]

Try UniGetUi

I've never tried WingetUI or UniGetUi. If I ever become unhappy with uCheck I will give it a try.

 

[Dave Russo]

Did you try any other windows firewall enhancers like tiny wall,wfc,glasswire or defender hardening consol,before choosing

Microsoft Defender Firewall with Advanced Security? And maybe how did you hear of it?

 

[lokamoka820]

I've never tried WingetUI or UniGetUi. If I ever become unhappy with uCheck I will give it a try.

I tried UniGetUI and found that UCheck surpasses it. UniGetUI is essentially a front end (or GUI) for WinGet, the Windows terminal tool used to install and update software. In contrast, UCheck has its own application database, a community-driven database, and WinGet integration. The only real benefit of using UniGetUI is if you need to manage software from sources other than WinGet, such as Scoop, Chocolatey, Pip, NPM, .NET Tool, and others, which is relatively uncommon.

And maybe how did you hear of it?

This is the built-in Windows Firewall with its settings. To access it, open the Start menu, search for "Windows Firewall with Advanced Security," and select the result.

 

[Dave Russo]

(officially Microsoft Defender Firewall) is a capable host-based firewall that excels at blocking unsolicited inbound connections. However, in its default state, it has a significant blind spot: it rarely monitors or blocks unauthorized outbound connections, leaving devices vulnerable to malware sending data out. Does the advance windows firewall address this?

 

[Minimalist]

(officially Microsoft Defender Firewall) is a capable host-based firewall that excels at blocking unsolicited inbound connections. However, in its default state, it has a significant blind spot: it rarely monitors or blocks unauthorized outbound connections, leaving devices vulnerable to malware sending data out. Does the advance windows firewall address this?

Out of the box Windows Firewall won't block outbound connections even if you set it up through Advance Security settings. You have to create your own rules for outbound connections if you want to control them.
I personally don't want to go with whitelisting type of firewall for outbound connections but I've made some rules for apps which I don't want to connect to internet.
For malware part of outbound connections, I leave it to McAfee. Their Advanced Firewall is included in their AV for this purpose.

 

[Minimalist]

Since I've bought and used licenses for different antiviruses during last years, I decided to check out how aggressive they are with emails, when they try to persuade you to renew your subscription.
Here are results for three AVs that I’ve used in last few years:

7 emails from Emsisoft (30, 14, 7, 3, 2, 1 and 0 days before license expiration)
6 emails from Eset (30, 14, 7, 3, 2 and 0 days before license expiration)
4 emails from McAfee (30, 15, 7 and 0 days before license expiration)

I did not use any of those licenses when they were about to expire, so I don’t know how frequently AVs would show additional desktop notifications.

 

[Minimalist]

Minimalist's PC Security Config · Setup v3
Updated Oct 9, 2026

What changed

• Real-time protection: • McAfee Antivirus → McAfee Antivirus
• Periodic malware scanners: • HitmanPro
  • SiriusLLM → HitmanPro
  SiriusLLM
• Browsers and extensions: • Firefox :
  - uBlock Origin → Firefox with uBlock Origin
• Desktop VPN: • using Tor browser for anonymous surfing → Using Tor browser for anonymous surfing
• Secure DNS: • My ISP's DNS. → My ISP's DNS.
• Password and passkey manager: • KeePass → KeePass
• Maintenance tools: • UCheck
  • ShutUp10
  • AppBuster → UCheck
  ShutUp10
  AppBuster
• System recovery: • Macrium Reflect
  • Daily system backup using Grandparent - Parent - Child backup scheme. → Macrium Reflect
  • Daily system backup using Grandparent - Parent - Child backup scheme.
• Router and network details: • Using wired connection → Using wired network
• Custom security settings: • Network set to Public. File sharing and RDP disabled. → Only some minor changes
• Computer specs: HP EliteDesk 800 G5 TWR
  • Intel Core i7-9700 CPU ＠ 3.00GHz
  • Intel UHD Graphics 630
  • DDR4 32 GB ＠ 2667 MHz
  • 2x 500 GB SSD + 4TB HDD → HP EliteDesk 800 G5 TWR
  • Intel Core i7-9700 CPU ＠ 3.00GHz
  • Intel UHD Graphics 630
  • DDR4 32 GB ＠ 2667 MHz
  • 2x 500 GB SSD + 4TB HDD
• Subscriptions: None → Apple iCloud+ 50GB
• On-device encryption: Older selection — review required → Encryption not enabled
• Device sign-in security: Older selection — review required → Windows Hello PIN or biometric sign-in (face / fingerprint / Touch ID)
• Two-factor authentication: Not specified → Microsoft Authenticator
• Usage and exposure: Older selection — review required → Visiting familiar websites, Visiting unknown or untrusted websites, Opening email attachments, Downloading software and files from reputable sites, Sharing and receiving files and torrents

Spoiler: Full setup snapshot

My current setup

• Operating system: Windows 11
• OS version and support details: N/A
• Real-time protection: McAfee Antivirus
• File and photo backups: Daily backup with Macrium Reflect + weekly manual backup to external HDD
• Device firewall: Microsoft Defender Firewall with Advanced Security
• Browsers and extensions: Firefox with uBlock Origin
• Main use of this computer: For home and private use
• On-device encryption: Encryption not enabled
• Device sign-in security: Windows Hello PIN or biometric sign-in (face / fingerprint / Touch ID)
• Security updates: Allow security updates
• Update channels: Allow stable updates only
• User Account Control (UAC): Always notify
• Smart App Control: Off
• Network firewall: Enabled
• Router and network details: Using wired network
• Custom security settings: Only some minor changes
• Periodic malware scanners: HitmanPro
  SiriusLLM
• Malware sample testing: I do not participate in malware testing
• Environment for malware testing: N/A
• Secure DNS: My ISP's DNS.
• Desktop VPN: Using Tor browser for anonymous surfing
• Password and passkey manager: KeePass
• Two-factor authentication: Microsoft Authenticator
• Maintenance tools: UCheck
  ShutUp10
  AppBuster
• Subscriptions: Apple iCloud+ 50GB
• System recovery: Macrium Reflect
  • Daily system backup using Grandparent - Parent - Child backup scheme.
• Usage and exposure: Visiting familiar websites, Visiting unknown or untrusted websites, Opening email attachments, Downloading software and files from reputable sites, Sharing and receiving files and torrents
• Computer specs: HP EliteDesk 800 G5 TWR
  • Intel Core i7-9700 CPU ＠ 3.00GHz
  • Intel UHD Graphics 630
  • DDR4 32 GB ＠ 2667 MHz
  • 2x 500 GB SSD + 4TB HDD
• Feedback preference: Only essential issues, please

Feedback on this setup is welcome.

 

[Minimalist]

Minimalist's PC Security Config · Setup v4
Updated Oct 23, 2026

What changed

• Real-time protection: McAfee Antivirus → Eset Antivirus
• OS version and support details: N/A → 26H2
• Subscriptions: Apple iCloud+ 50GB → Older selection — review required

Spoiler: Full setup snapshot

My current setup

• Operating system: Windows 11
• OS version and support details: 26H2
• Real-time protection: Eset Antivirus
• File and photo backups: Daily backup with Macrium Reflect + weekly manual backup to external HDD
• Device firewall: Microsoft Defender Firewall with Advanced Security
• Browsers and extensions: Firefox with uBlock Origin
• Main use of this computer: For home and private use
• On-device encryption: Encryption not enabled
• Device sign-in security: Windows Hello PIN or biometric sign-in (face / fingerprint / Touch ID)
• Security updates: Allow security updates
• Update channels: Allow stable updates only
• User Account Control (UAC): Always notify
• Smart App Control: Off
• Network firewall: Enabled
• Router and network details: Using wired network
• Custom security settings: Only some minor changes
• Periodic malware scanners: HitmanPro
  SiriusLLM
• Malware sample testing: I do not participate in malware testing
• Environment for malware testing: N/A
• Secure DNS: My ISP's DNS.
• Desktop VPN: Using Tor browser for anonymous surfing
• Password and passkey manager: KeePass
• Two-factor authentication: Microsoft Authenticator
• Maintenance tools: UCheck
  ShutUp10
  AppBuster
• System recovery: Macrium Reflect
  • Daily system backup using Grandparent - Parent - Child backup scheme.
• Usage and exposure: Visiting familiar websites, Visiting unknown or untrusted websites, Opening email attachments, Downloading software and files from reputable sites, Sharing and receiving files and torrents
• Computer specs: HP EliteDesk 800 G5 TWR
  • Intel Core i7-9700 CPU ＠ 3.00GHz
  • Intel UHD Graphics 630
  • DDR4 32 GB ＠ 2667 MHz
  • 2x 500 GB SSD + 4TB HDD
• Feedback preference: Only essential issues, please

Feedback on this setup is welcome.

 

[Minimalist]

Minimalist's PC Security Config · Setup v5
Updated Nov 5, 2026

What changed

• Real-time protection: Eset Antivirus → McAfee Antivirus
• Usage and exposure: Visiting familiar websites, Visiting unknown or untrusted websites, Opening email attachments, Downloading software and files from reputable sites, Sharing and receiving files and torrents → Visiting familiar websites, Visiting unknown or untrusted websites, Opening email attachments, Downloading software and files from reputable sites, Sharing and receiving files and torrents, Streaming audio/video content from trusted sites or paid subscriptions

Spoiler: Full setup snapshot

My current setup

• Operating system: Windows 11
• OS version and support details: 26H2
• Real-time protection: McAfee Antivirus
• File and photo backups: Daily backup with Macrium Reflect + weekly manual backup to external HDD
• Device firewall: Microsoft Defender Firewall with Advanced Security
• Browsers and extensions: Firefox with uBlock Origin
• Main use of this computer: For home and private use
• On-device encryption: Encryption not enabled
• Device sign-in security: Windows Hello PIN or biometric sign-in (face / fingerprint / Touch ID)
• Security updates: Allow security updates
• Update channels: Allow stable updates only
• User Account Control (UAC): Always notify
• Smart App Control: Off
• Network firewall: Enabled
• Router and network details: Using wired network
• Custom security settings: Only some minor changes
• Periodic malware scanners: HitmanPro
  SiriusLLM
• Malware sample testing: I do not participate in malware testing
• Environment for malware testing: N/A
• Secure DNS: My ISP's DNS.
• Desktop VPN: Using Tor browser for anonymous surfing
• Password and passkey manager: KeePass
• Two-factor authentication: Microsoft Authenticator
• Maintenance tools: UCheck
  ShutUp10
  AppBuster
• System recovery: Macrium Reflect
  • Daily system backup using Grandparent - Parent - Child backup scheme.
• Usage and exposure: Visiting familiar websites, Visiting unknown or untrusted websites, Opening email attachments, Downloading software and files from reputable sites, Sharing and receiving files and torrents, Streaming audio/video content from trusted sites or paid subscriptions
• Computer specs: HP EliteDesk 800 G5 TWR
  • Intel Core i7-9700 CPU ＠ 3.00GHz
  • Intel UHD Graphics 630
  • DDR4 32 GB ＠ 2667 MHz
  • 2x 500 GB SSD + 4TB HDD
• Feedback preference: Only essential issues, please

Only essential issues, please.

 

[TuxTalk]

Minimalist's PC Security Config · Setup v5
Updated Nov 5, 2026

What changed

• Real-time protection: Eset Antivirus → McAfee Antivirus
• Usage and exposure: Visiting familiar websites, Visiting unknown or untrusted websites, Opening email attachments, Downloading software and files from reputable sites, Sharing and receiving files and torrents → Visiting familiar websites, Visiting unknown or untrusted websites, Opening email attachments, Downloading software and files from reputable sites, Sharing and receiving files and torrents, Streaming audio/video content from trusted sites or paid subscriptions

Spoiler: Full setup snapshot

My current setup

• Operating system: Windows 11
• OS version and support details: 26H2
• Real-time protection: McAfee Antivirus
• File and photo backups: Daily backup with Macrium Reflect + weekly manual backup to external HDD
• Device firewall: Microsoft Defender Firewall with Advanced Security
• Browsers and extensions: Firefox with uBlock Origin
• Main use of this computer: For home and private use
• On-device encryption: Encryption not enabled
• Device sign-in security: Windows Hello PIN or biometric sign-in (face / fingerprint / Touch ID)
• Security updates: Allow security updates
• Update channels: Allow stable updates only
• User Account Control (UAC): Always notify
• Smart App Control: Off
• Network firewall: Enabled
• Router and network details: Using wired network
• Custom security settings: Only some minor changes
• Periodic malware scanners: HitmanPro
  SiriusLLM
• Malware sample testing: I do not participate in malware testing
• Environment for malware testing: N/A
• Secure DNS: My ISP's DNS.
• Desktop VPN: Using Tor browser for anonymous surfing
• Password and passkey manager: KeePass
• Two-factor authentication: Microsoft Authenticator
• Maintenance tools: UCheck
  ShutUp10
  AppBuster
• System recovery: Macrium Reflect
  • Daily system backup using Grandparent - Parent - Child backup scheme.
• Usage and exposure: Visiting familiar websites, Visiting unknown or untrusted websites, Opening email attachments, Downloading software and files from reputable sites, Sharing and receiving files and torrents, Streaming audio/video content from trusted sites or paid subscriptions
• Computer specs: HP EliteDesk 800 G5 TWR
  • Intel Core i7-9700 CPU ＠ 3.00GHz
  • Intel UHD Graphics 630
  • DDR4 32 GB ＠ 2667 MHz
  • 2x 500 GB SSD + 4TB HDD
• Feedback preference: Only essential issues, please

Only essential issues, please.

Why change to McAfee ?

 

[Minimalist]

Why change to McAfee ?

It has a little less impact on system performance than Eset.

 

[Minimalist]

Minimalist's PC Security Config · Setup v6
Updated Nov 8, 2026

What changed

• Real-time protection: McAfee Antivirus → Eset Antivirus

Spoiler: Full setup snapshot

My current setup

• Operating system: Windows 11
• OS version and support details: 26H2
• Real-time protection: Eset Antivirus
• File and photo backups: Daily backup with Macrium Reflect + weekly manual backup to external HDD
• Device firewall: Microsoft Defender Firewall with Advanced Security
• Browsers and extensions: Firefox with uBlock Origin
• Main use of this computer: For home and private use
• On-device encryption: Encryption not enabled
• Device sign-in security: Windows Hello PIN or biometric sign-in (face / fingerprint / Touch ID)
• Security updates: Allow security updates
• Update channels: Allow stable updates only
• User Account Control (UAC): Always notify
• Smart App Control: Off
• Network firewall: Enabled
• Router and network details: Using wired network
• Custom security settings: Only some minor changes
• Periodic malware scanners: HitmanPro
  SiriusLLM
• Malware sample testing: I do not participate in malware testing
• Environment for malware testing: N/A
• Secure DNS: My ISP's DNS.
• Desktop VPN: Using Tor browser for anonymous surfing
• Password and passkey manager: KeePass
• Two-factor authentication: Microsoft Authenticator
• Maintenance tools: UCheck
  ShutUp10
  AppBuster
• System recovery: Macrium Reflect
  • Daily system backup using Grandparent - Parent - Child backup scheme.
• Usage and exposure: Visiting familiar websites, Visiting unknown or untrusted websites, Opening email attachments, Downloading software and files from reputable sites, Sharing and receiving files and torrents, Streaming audio/video content from trusted sites or paid subscriptions
• Computer specs: HP EliteDesk 800 G5 TWR
  • Intel Core i7-9700 CPU ＠ 3.00GHz
  • Intel UHD Graphics 630
  • DDR4 32 GB ＠ 2667 MHz
  • 2x 500 GB SSD + 4TB HDD
• Feedback preference: Only essential issues, please

Only essential issues, please.