Best Project Management Software for Freelance Designers 2026

The best project management software for freelance designers depends on one thing: do you mostly need to track your own tasks, or do you need to run the whole client side too? I read the official pricing pages for four popular tools on November 3, 2026. Here is how I would choose. Quick answer Trello if you think in boards and want a simple free start. Asana if you juggle many deadlines and want list, board, and calendar views for free. Notion if you want tasks, briefs, and notes in one flexible workspace. HoneyBook if your real pain is proposals, contracts, and getting paid, not task lists. Many freelancers do well with one free task tool plus one client tool. You rarely need more. What freelance designers actually need from a project tool Most roundups list ten tools built for big teams. A solo designer has different problems. You are the designer, the account manager, and the bookkeeper. These are the criteria I used: Visual layout. Designers tend to like boa...
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9 Windows 11 Security Settings to Keep On in 2026

Quick answer
  • Keep these on: Microsoft Defender real-time protection, Tamper Protection, Firewall, SmartScreen, Windows Update, memory integrity (where available), UAC, device encryption or BitLocker, and Controlled folder access if you handle important files.
  • Check them all in one place: open the Windows Security app from Start.
  • Turn off a protection only briefly and only for a specific, trusted reason, then turn it back on.

Some Windows guides tell you to turn off security features to fix speed or install problems. In most cases that creates risk without solving the real issue.

This checklist covers nine built-in protections that are worth keeping on, where to find each one, and what it does in plain terms. It does not use scare statistics, because the protections stand on their own merits.

Helpful to have from this guide: security keys
See security keys on Amazon →
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

1. Open the Windows Security App

Where to find the Windows Security app and its status icons
  • Click Start and type Windows Security, then open the app.
  • The home screen shows a status for each area. A green check means no action is needed.
  • A yellow or red icon means a setting is off or needs attention. Select it to see the fix.
A hardware security key adds strong two-factor protection to your accounts.
My take (20 years in IT): Security settings are a baseline, not a guarantee. Open the Windows Security app once, look for yellow or red icons and fix those before anything else.

2. Virus Protection: Real-Time and Tamper Protection

Turn on real-time protection and Tamper Protection
  • Open Virus and threat protection, then Manage settings.
  • Keep Real-time protection on. It scans files as they open.
  • Keep Tamper Protection on. It stops other programs from switching off key security settings.
  • Run a scan after installing software from an unfamiliar source.

3. Firewall and SmartScreen

Firewall and SmartScreen settings in Windows 11
  • Firewall and network protection: keep Domain, Private, and Public profiles on.
  • App and browser control: keep Reputation-based protection (SmartScreen) on for apps and files, and for Microsoft Edge.
  • If you use a third-party antivirus, Windows may show different status. Make sure only one real-time antivirus is active.
Narrowing it down? Prices and availability change often, so check the current listing.
Backup drives →

4. Device Security: Memory Integrity and Secure Boot

Memory integrity and Secure Boot in Windows Security
  • Open Device security and look at Core isolation details.
  • Turn on Memory integrity if your drivers are compatible. It helps block malicious code in the core of Windows.
  • If it will not turn on, Windows lists the driver that is blocking it. Update or remove that driver.
  • Secure Boot and TPM status appear in the same area.

5. Updates, UAC and Encryption

Windows Update, UAC, encryption and ransomware protection
  • Windows Update: keep automatic updates on. Many fixes are security patches.
  • User Account Control: leave it at the default level so you see a prompt before apps make system changes.
  • Device encryption or BitLocker: protects your files if the PC is lost or stolen. Check Settings, Privacy and security, Device encryption.
  • Controlled folder access (in Ransomware protection) can block unknown apps from changing your documents. It may prompt for trusted apps.

Habits That Matter as Much as Settings

  • Download software only from the developer’s official site or a trusted store.
  • Use a unique password for each account and a password manager.
  • Turn on two-step verification for email and banking.
  • Keep regular backups, including one disconnected copy.
  • Be careful with email attachments and links, even from people you know.
Ready to compare options? Prices and availability change often, so check the current listing.
Webcam covers →
My take (20 years in IT): If a guide tells you to switch protections off to fix speed or installs, be suspicious. Turn something off only briefly for a specific, trusted reason and turn it back on.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Microsoft Defender enough?

For many home users it provides solid baseline protection. Add safe habits: updates, strong passwords, and careful downloads.

Should I turn off SmartScreen to install a program?

Only if you fully trust the source. A warning is a signal to check the download, not to disable protection.

What does Tamper Protection do?

It stops apps and users from changing key Microsoft Defender settings without proper rights.

Do I need BitLocker?

Encryption protects data on a lost or stolen device. It is available on many editions, and device encryption may be on by default on newer PCs.

Related Guides

Resources

Last updated: October 22, 2026.

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