Security for Windows: How To Secure Your Windows in 10 Steps

Your windows are one of the easiest parts of your home to overlook when it comes to security. In completed household burglaries involving forcible entry, 48.8% involved entry through a window.

The good news is that a few simple upgrades can go a long way toward keeping your home protected.

In this guide, we'll walk you through the most effective window security options, from budget-friendly DIY solutions to professional-grade installations.

1. Upgrade Your Window Locks

Most windows come with a basic flip latch from the factory. These are convenient but easy to bypass, so upgrading to a stronger lock is one of the simplest and most affordable things you can do.

For double-hung windows, a pin lock or keyed sash lock adds a meaningful layer of resistance. Sliding windows benefit from a track bar or sliding lock that prevents the panel from being forced open. Casement windows can be fitted with a secondary key lock for added reinforcement.

The right lock depends on your window type, but a good rule of thumb is to make sure no window can be opened from the outside without a key or tool.

2. Install Window Security Bars

Window bars are among the most effective physical deterrents you can add to your home. They attach directly to the window frame, making it significantly harder for anyone to force entry through the glass. 

Bars come in 3 main types: fixed bars for a permanent solution, swing-away bars that can be opened from the inside for ventilation or emergencies, and removable bars that work well for renters. Steel and wrought iron are the most durable materials, while aluminum is a lighter and more affordable option.

Pro tip: Always make sure at least one window in each bedroom has a quick-release mechanism so it can serve as an emergency exit.

3. Apply Security Films for Windows

Security window films might not look like much, but they're one of the smartest low-cost upgrades you can make. A security film is a thin polyester layer that sticks directly to your existing glass and holds everything together if the window takes a hit. Think of it like a car windshield: it doesn't shatter into pieces; it holds its shape. 

Security film comes in clear, tinted, and frosted options, so you're not stuck with something that looks out of place.

Bonus: Some security films block UV rays, reducing sun damage to your floors and furniture over time.

4. Install Glass Break Sensors

A window sensor tells you when a window opens, but what about when someone skips the latch entirely and just breaks the glass? That's where a glass break sensor comes in. These devices listen for the specific sound frequency of shattering glass and trigger your alarm before an intruder even has a chance to step inside. 

Acoustic sensors are the most common type and can cover up to 25 feet, meaning one sensor can protect an entire room with multiple windows. If you have a living room, sunroom, or any space with a lot of glass, this is a smart addition.

5. Use Motion-Activated Lights 

Good lighting is one of the most underrated tools in home security. Motion-activated lights flip on the moment something moves nearby, which is usually enough to make someone think twice about sticking around.

6. Security Cameras

Security cameras work hand in hand with lighting. A well-lit area gives your camera a clearer picture, and a visible camera gives someone another reason to move on. Position cameras near vulnerable windows to monitor activity and capture visual evidence if anything happens. 

Pro tip: Look into installing modern security cameras that connect directly to your phone, so you can check in on your home from anywhere. Many integrate with your existing security system, giving you a live view and a recorded history all in one place.

7. Install Window Stops or Security Pins

Window stops and security pins are small, but don't let that fool you. These simple devices prevent a window from being pushed or pulled open beyond a set point, which is especially useful if you like keeping windows cracked for fresh air without leaving your home fully exposed. 

You can install a window pin by drilling a downward-angled hole through the inner sash and into the outer sash, then dropping the pin or bolt through it. Window stops work similarly but attach to the track or frame to physically block the window from sliding or raising past a certain point. Both options are affordable, take less than 30 minutes to install, and work on most window types.

8. Choose Shatter-Resistant or Laminated Glass

If you're doing a renovation or replacing windows anyway, shatter-resistant or laminated glass is worth the upgrade. Unlike standard glass that breaks into sharp pieces, laminated glass holds its shape on impact by sandwiching a layer of plastic resin between two panes. The result is a spider-web fracture pattern that stays intact rather than creating an opening.

For high-risk windows, such as those on the ground floor or in low-visibility areas of your home, it's one of the most durable long-term investments you can make.

9. Install Window Security Screens

Security window screens look just like regular window screens, but they're built for a completely different purpose. Instead of lightweight mesh, they use a heavy-duty stainless-steel weave anchored to a reinforced frame. 

The result is a screen that lets in fresh air and natural light while withstanding far more force than a standard screen ever could. For homeowners who want protection without the look of bars or film, security screens are a clean and practical alternative.

They work well on any window type and are particularly popular in warmer climates where windows stay open for long stretches. Most security screens are rated to withstand hundreds of pounds of force, making them significantly harder to cut or kick through than standard screens. Installation is best handled by a professional since a properly anchored frame is what makes the screen effective. Expect to spend between $55-$250 depending on size and material.

10. Add Window and Door Sensors

Installing window and door sensors is one of the easiest ways to add a real-time layer of protection to your home. They work by using two small magnetic pieces—one on the frame and one on the window itself. When the window opens, the connection breaks, and your security system gets an instant alert. It sounds simple because it is, and that simplicity is exactly what makes it so reliable.

The key is to ensure your sensors are connected to a system that actually acts on the alert. 

Pro tip: Brinks Home™ sensors are designed to integrate seamlessly with your home security system, giving you coverage across every window and door without the hassle of a complicated setup.

Additional Window Security Tips, by Window Type

Not all window protection options are built the same, and the right security approach depends on what you're working with. Here's a quick breakdown of the best options for each window type.

• Double-hung windows: These are the most common type of window, with two sashes that both move up and down. Your best options are pin locks, sash locks, or a keyed lock that secures both sashes. Security film is also a great add-on here.

• Sliding windows: The horizontal track can be vulnerable if the lock is weak. Add a track bar or window stop to prevent the panel from being forced open, and pair it with a keyed lock for added security.

• Casement windows: These crank outward and are naturally harder to force from the outside. A secondary key lock on the handle adds a meaningful extra layer of security with little effort.

• Basement windows: These tend to be one of the most vulnerable entry points due to their low visibility from the street. Prioritize security bars or screens here, and add a window sensor to ensure you're alerted if a window is ever opened.

• Skylights: These are also easy to forget about, but worth addressing. Since they sit flat on the roof, they can be an attractive entry point. A glass-break sensor is your most practical option here, since physical barriers are harder to install.

Take the Next Step Toward a Safer Home

Good window security doesn't have to be complicated. It just has to be intentional. Whether you start with a simple lock upgrade or build out a full system, every step adds up. Brinks Home makes it easy with free professional installation and a mobile app that puts you in control from anywhere. 

More than 1 million Americans trust Brinks Home to keep their homes protected. Check out Brinks Home's home security systems to see how it all works together, or check out How Much Does a Home Security System Cost if you're ready to take the next step. To learn more about smart home security, call us today at 866.675.7062.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is professional monitoring worth it for window security?

Window sensors and glass break detectors are great tools, but they work best when someone is ready to act on the alert. Professional monitoring means a trained team is watching around the clock and can dispatch help if needed.

How do I know which window security option is right for me?

When selecting a window security option, start by thinking about your top priorities, budget, and whether you own or rent your home. Homeowners typically have more flexibility to invest in permanent upgrades like new locks, security bars, or laminated glass, while renters may prefer removable or non-permanent options such as window alarms, security film, and sensors.

For most homeowners, a good starting point is to upgrade window locks, add security film, and install window sensors. From there, you can add cameras, glass-break sensors, and professional monitoring as needed.

Are window security bars safe?

Yes, window security bars are safe when installed correctly. The key is to ensure that at least one window in every room has a quick-release mechanism so it can serve as an emergency exit. Fixed bars without a release option can be a hazard in a fire. Always check your local fire code before installation to ensure you meet egress requirements.

What is the best way to burglar-proof windows?

The most effective approach combines physical deterrents with smart detection. Start with strong locks and security film to make entry harder. Add window sensors and glass break detectors so you know the moment something happens. 

Then back it all up with professional monitoring so someone is always ready to respond. Brinks Home offers sensors and cameras that work together as one seamless system—making it easy to protect every window in your home.

What type of window is hardest to break into?

Casement windows are generally the hardest to force open. Because they crank outward and latch from the inside, they offer less leverage for someone trying to push or pry from the outside. That said, no window type is completely immune. The bigger factor is how well any window is secured.