Secure Your Privacy: Disable Windows 11 Features That Collect Personal Data

Windows 11, Microsoft's latest operating system, offers a plethora of features designed to enhance user experience. However, some of these features may compromise user privacy by collecting and transmitting personal data. For individuals concerned about their digital privacy, it's crucial to identify and disable certain functionalities. This article delves into four specific Windows 11 features that, when disabled, can significantly bolster your privacy.
1. Telemetry and Diagnostic Data Collection
Telemetry refers to the automatic collection of data regarding how users interact with software. In Windows 11, telemetry collects information about system performance, app usage, and more, transmitting this data to Microsoft. While the intent is to improve user experience, it raises valid privacy concerns.
Risks:

• Data Exposure: Continuous data transmission increases the risk of sensitive information being intercepted or misused.
• Personalized Advertising: Collected data can be utilized to create user profiles, leading to targeted advertisements.

How to Disable:

• Navigate to Settings > Privacy & Security > Diagnostics & Feedback.
• Toggle off Send optional diagnostic data.
• Additionally, disable Tailored experiences to prevent personalized ads based on diagnostic data.

By turning off these settings, you limit the amount of data sent to Microsoft, thereby enhancing your privacy.
2. OneDrive Integration
OneDrive, Microsoft's cloud storage service, is deeply integrated into Windows 11, automatically syncing user files to the cloud. While convenient, this integration poses potential privacy risks.
Risks:

• Unauthorized Access: Storing files in the cloud increases the risk of unauthorized access, especially if account credentials are compromised.
• Data Breaches: Cloud storage services are potential targets for cyberattacks, which can lead to data breaches.

How to Disable:

• Right-click the OneDrive icon in the system tray and select Settings.
• Under the Account tab, click Unlink this PC.
• To prevent OneDrive from starting automatically, uncheck Start OneDrive automatically when I sign in to Windows under the Settings tab.

Disabling OneDrive ensures that your files remain stored locally, reducing the risk of unauthorized access.
3. Windows Recall
Windows Recall is a feature designed to capture snapshots of user activity, allowing for easy retrieval of past actions. However, this continuous recording raises significant privacy concerns.
Risks:

• Sensitive Data Capture: Recall may inadvertently capture sensitive information, such as passwords or personal messages.
• Data Misuse: Stored snapshots could be accessed by unauthorized parties, leading to potential misuse.

How to Disable:

• Open Settings > Privacy & Security > Recall & Snapshots.
• Toggle off Save snapshots.
• Click Delete snapshots to remove any previously stored data.

By disabling Recall, you prevent Windows from recording your activities, thereby safeguarding your privacy.
4. Copilot Integration
Copilot is an AI-driven assistant integrated into Windows 11, designed to enhance productivity by providing contextual assistance. Despite its utility, Copilot's deep integration raises privacy concerns.
Risks:

• Data Collection: Copilot may collect and process personal data to provide tailored assistance.
• Third-Party Sharing: Collected data could be shared with third-party services, leading to potential privacy breaches.

How to Disable:

• Open Settings > Personalization > Taskbar.
• Toggle off Copilot to remove its icon from the taskbar.
• For a more comprehensive disablement, use the Group Policy Editor:
• Press Win + R, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter.
• Navigate to User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Copilot.
• Double-click Turn off Windows Copilot and select Enabled.

Disabling Copilot ensures that your interactions remain private and are not processed by AI algorithms.
Additional Privacy Measures
Beyond disabling the aforementioned features, consider implementing the following measures to further protect your privacy:

• Limit Location Access: Disable location services or restrict access to specific apps.
• Manage App Permissions: Regularly review and adjust app permissions to ensure they only access necessary data.
• Use Local Accounts: Opt for a local account instead of a Microsoft account to reduce data synchronization.

By proactively managing these settings, you can significantly enhance your privacy while using Windows 11.
In conclusion, while Windows 11 offers numerous features aimed at improving user experience, some may inadvertently compromise privacy. By identifying and disabling specific functionalities like telemetry, OneDrive integration, Windows Recall, and Copilot, users can take control of their data and ensure a more private computing environment.

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Source: XDA Stop using these 4 Windows features if you care about privacy