Windows 11 has brought a paradigm shift in cybersecurity, offering businesses a more robust and secure operating system than its predecessors. Designed to address the evolving cyber threat landscape, Windows 11 incorporates a multi-layered approach, integrating hardware and software to provide enhanced protection from the chip to the cloud. With Windows 10 reaching its end of support on October 14, 2025, upgrading to Windows 11 is not just about accessing the latest features; it's a strategic move to safeguard your business against modern cyber threats.
Windows 11 mandates a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0, a hardware-based security component that provides a secure environment for storing cryptographic keys and sensitive data. This requirement ensures protection against firmware and hardware attacks, adding a critical layer of defense right from the device's core. Secure Boot, another essential security feature, ensures that the PC boots using only software trusted by the manufacturer, preventing malicious software from loading during startup.
Virtualization-Based Security (VBS) leverages hardware virtualization to create an isolated region of memory, separate from the normal operating system. This isolated environment hosts security solutions like Credential Guard, which protects login credentials from theft by malware. Hypervisor-Protected Code Integrity (HVCI) uses VBS to ensure only trusted code runs in kernel mode, protecting the core components of the operating system from attacks by isolating the kernel from potentially malicious code.
Windows 11 is pushing towards a passwordless future with features like Windows Hello, which uses PIN, fingerprint, or facial recognition for authentication. The operating system also supports passkeys, cryptographic credentials that replace traditional passwords, stored securely on the device and used across multiple platforms and browsers, enhancing both security and user convenience, and protecting against phishing attacks. Enhanced phishing protection features detect and block phishing attempts, working with browsers like Microsoft Edge to warn about suspicious websites and emails. The 22H2 update notifies users when they share credentials with known malicious sites or reuse corporate credentials, and alerts them if they save passwords in Office applications.
Windows 11 offers robust application safeguards. App Control for Business ensures only approved code can run, protecting against malware and untrusted software. Microsoft Defender Application Guard isolates untrusted files and websites in a container, protecting the company while employees work online. Personal Data Encryption allows employees to keep files in Desktop, Documents, and Pictures folders encrypted, preventing access by enterprise device administrators.
Microsoft is committed to providing ongoing support and regular updates for Windows 11, including bug fixes and security patches that maintain system stability and reliability. Staying current with these updates is crucial to defend against emerging threats. Features like Config Refresh automatically return PC settings to a secure configuration, protecting against "configuration drift". The operating system also has built-in virus and threat protection with Microsoft Defender Antivirus, offering real-time protection against malware and viruses, with automatic updates to defend against the latest threats. Microsoft Defender SmartScreen protects against phishing and malicious websites.
Recent updates have introduced new security features, including Administrator Protection, which limits administrator rights for system changes, preventing abuse by attackers. Hotpatching, similar to Windows Server 2025, allows implementing OS security updates by patching in-memory code of running processes, minimizing downtime. Windows Hello has been hardened and supports passkeys. The new Copilot+ PCs will ship with Windows Hello Enhanced Sign-in Security (ESS), providing more secure biometric sign-ins and eliminating the need for passwords. ESS leverages virtualization-based security (VBS) and Trusted Platform Module 2.0 to protect authentication data. The Microsoft Pluton security processor, enabled by default on Copilot+ PCs, provides chip-to-cloud security, protecting credentials, identities, and encryption keys.
