Advanced Plus Security Minimalist's Security Configuration 2026

Last updated
Jul 7, 2026
How it's used?
For home and private use
Operating system
Windows 11
Other operating system
N/A
On-device encryption
N/A
Log-in security
    • Biometrics (Windows Hello PIN, TouchID, Face, Iris, Fingerprint)
Security updates
Allow security updates
Update channels
Allow stable updates only
User Access Control
Always notify
Smart App Control
Off
Network firewall
Enabled
About WiFi router
• Using wired connection
Real-time security
• McAfee Antivirus
Firewall security
Microsoft Defender Firewall with Advanced Security
About custom security
• Network set to Public. File sharing and RDP disabled.
Periodic malware scanners
• HitmanPro
• SiriusLLM
Malware sample testing
I do not participate in malware testing
Environment for malware testing
N/A
Browser(s) and extensions
• Firefox:
- uBlock Origin
- McAfee WebAdviser
Secure DNS
• My ISP's DNS.
Desktop VPN
• Mullvad VPN using WireGuard application
Password manager
• KeePass
Maintenance tools
• UCheck
• ShutUp10
• AppBuster
File and Photo backup
Daily backup with Macrium Reflect + weekly manual backup to external HDD
Subscriptions
    • None
System recovery
• Macrium Reflect
• Daily system backup using Grandparent - Parent - Child backup scheme.
Risk factors
    • Browsing to popular 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
What I'm looking for?

Looking for minimum feedback.

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.
 
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?
 
  • Like
Reactions: 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.
 
  • Thanks
Reactions: Dave Russo

You may also like...