Advanced Plus Security Minimalist's Security Configuration 2026

Last updated
Aug 15, 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
Secure DNS
• My ISP's DNS.
Desktop VPN
using Tor browser for anonymous surfing
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.
 
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.
 
(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?
 
(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.