Because rootkits have the same rights as the OS and start before it, they can completely hide themselves and other applications. They run in kernel mode, using the same privileges as the OS. Rootkits are a sophisticated and dangerous type of malware. Then, we'll show you how Windows can protect you. Even on PCs without UEFI, Windows provides even better startup security than previous versions of Windows.įirst, let's examine what rootkits are and how they work. In the unlikely event that malware does infect a PC, it can't remain hidden Trusted Boot can prove the system's integrity to your infrastructure in a way that malware can't disguise. When you run Windows 10 or Windows 11 on a PC or any PC that supports Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI), Trusted Boot protects your PC from malware from the moment you power on your PC until your anti-malware starts. Modern malware, and bootkits specifically, are capable of starting before Windows, completely bypassing OS security, and remaining hidden. However, those security features protect you only after Windows starts. Those components are just some of the ways that Windows protects you from malware. Before an app can change system settings, the user would have to grant the app administrative privileges by using User Account Control. Windows Defender SmartScreen warns users before allowing them to run an untrustworthy app, even if it's recognized as malware. Windows Defender Antivirus uses cloud-powered real-time detection to identify and quarantine apps that are known to be malicious. Windows has multiple levels of protection for desktop apps and data, too. For instance, Microsoft Store apps are sandboxed and lack the privileges necessary to access user data or change system settings.

Even if a malicious app does get through, the Windows 10 OS includes a series of security features that can mitigate the effect. This certification process examines several criteria, including security, and is an effective means of preventing malware from entering the Microsoft Store.

Except for apps that businesses develop and use internally, all Microsoft Store apps must meet a series of requirements to be certified and included in the Microsoft Store. The Windows OS has many features to help protect you from malware, and it does an amazingly good job.

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