π USB & External Device Security
Last updated: September 2, 2025
Protect your computer from malicious USB drives by controlling AutoPlay, scanning removable media, and blocking unauthorized devices.
Overview
Learn how to protect against USB-based threats by disabling AutoPlay, scanning drives before use, encrypting portable storage, and controlling device access.
What this helps with
What to expect: Easy difficulty β’ usually about 15-20 minutes.
This is one of 30 Security & Privacy fixes in the WindowsHelper library. The full step-by-step fix for this is in the WindowsHelper app.
Coming soon in the app
The full step-by-step fix for this is in the WindowsHelper phone app β coming soon, no price announced yet. The free PC Companion (available now) is the piece that connects your phone to your PC.
π Get notified at launchRelated fixes in Security & Privacy
-
π Advanced Email Security Configuration
Harden Outlook and the Mail app with email encryption, stronger spam and phishing filters, app passwords, backups and alerts for suspicious sign-ins.
Medium30-45 minutes -
π Configure Browser Security Settings
Tighten browser security: HTTPS-only mode, tracking protection, cookie and site permissions, safe browsing, pop-up and download blocking.
Medium30-45 minutes -
π‘οΈ Fix Ransomware Protection
Protect your files from ransomware with Controlled Folder Access, Windows Defender settings, OneDrive recovery, offline backups, File History and alerts.
Medium30-45 minutes -
π§ Fix VPN Configuration Issues
Troubleshoot personal VPN connection failures, slow speeds, and disconnections. Covers protocol settings, DNS leaks, firewall conflicts, and kill switch configuration.
Medium30-45 minutes -
π‘οΈ Fix Windows Defender Threat Service
Windows Defender threat service stopped or won't start? Restart its services, remove other antivirus, lift policy blocks and reset Windows Security.
Medium30-45 minutes -
π Password Management
Manage passwords on Windows: Windows Hello sign-in, Credential Manager, browser AutoFill, Microsoft Authenticator, strong passwords and local password rules.
Medium30-45 minutes -
π Privacy Settings
Set up Windows privacy: the privacy dashboard, app permissions for camera, mic and location, telemetry, search and account privacy, and policy-level settings.
Medium30-45 minutes -
π‘οΈ Respond to Data Breach Notifications
Got a data breach notice? Check that it is real, secure the affected accounts, enable two-factor verification, review account activity and secure your PC.
Medium30-45 minutes -
ποΈ Secure File Deletion
Delete files so they cannot be recovered: skip the Recycle Bin, overwrite free space, securely erase files or whole drives, and check that they are really gone.
Medium30-45 minutes -
π Secure Home Network Setup
Secure your home network: lock down the router and Wi-Fi, turn on the firewall, set up secure name resolution, control sharing and spot unknown devices.
Medium30-45 minutes
You might also run into
-
Set Up Container Image Security Scanning
Scan container images for vulnerabilities using Docker Scout, configure automated CI scanning, image signing, and remediation.
Hard15-45 minutes -
Cloud Encryption & Security Fix
Secure your cloud files with encryption, zero-knowledge providers, and proper access controls. Fix security warnings and configure end-to-end protection.
Medium30-45 minutes -
π‘οΈ Configure Email Security Settings
Protect your inbox from threats with two-factor authentication, safe links, and advanced threat protection
Medium30-45 minutes -
π‘οΈ Configure Network Security
Harden a business network: audit your current setup, segment traffic with VLANs, require 802.1X sign-in, encrypt with IPsec and watch for intrusions.
Medium30-45 minutes