If you’re running Windows 11, then chances are Microsoft has been quietly vacuuming up bits of your personal data—like a digital version of your snoopy neighborhood cat. From voice data to your web history, the system is layered with features that track and analyze your activities, allegedly under the guise of improving user experiences. But let’s be honest—does anyone need their web browser and operating system doubling as private investigators?
The good news? You have a say in this ongoing surveillance saga. By tweaking some settings, you can drastically reduce the amount of information Microsoft collects. So, buckle up, and let's dive into the five most significant ways to reclaim your privacy in Windows 11.
Sure, it’s nearly impossible to be entirely off the grid while using modern devices. But by trimming data collection across Windows 11, you’re asserting more control over your privacy.
Source: Guiding Tech Five Ways to Stop Windows 11 From Collecting Personal Data
The good news? You have a say in this ongoing surveillance saga. By tweaking some settings, you can drastically reduce the amount of information Microsoft collects. So, buckle up, and let's dive into the five most significant ways to reclaim your privacy in Windows 11.
1. Taming Microsoft Edge: Spy Browser Turned Privacy Advocate
Microsoft Edge has a bit of a reputation—it’s like that coworker who overhears your private phone calls and tells everyone what you said. As one of the most privacy-invasive web browsers out there, Edge constantly tracks your activities online, but you’re not helpless. Here’s how to curtail its data-collecting frenzy:Steps to Stop Tracking in Edge:
- Step 1: Click the ellipses icon (three dots) on the top-right of Edge and navigate to “Settings.”
- Step 2: Go to "Privacy, Search, and Services" and turn on "Tracking Prevention."
- Step 3: Pick the "Strict" mode for maximum privacy. This blocks most trackers across websites, but keep in mind some web pages might not behave perfectly in this ultra-secure setup.
Why This Matters:
Trackers use your data for targeted advertising and behavioral analysis. By enabling strict tracking prevention, you’re essentially slapping a “Do Not Trespass” sign on your browsing activities. However, for those ultra-paranoid, consider ditching Edge entirely for privacy-centric alternatives like Firefox or Brave.2. Silence Microsoft’s Typing and Voice Data Grab
Imagine letting a nosy stranger “anonymously” listen to what you type and say every day. Sounds creepy, right? Yet, this is precisely what Microsoft’s data policy enables across Windows 11—albeit anonymized (at least that's what they claim). Here’s how you pull the plug on that.Steps to Block Typing and Voice Data Collection:
- Step 1: Search for "Settings" in the Start menu and open the app.
- Step 2: Navigate to Privacy & security > Diagnostics & feedback.
- Step 3: Disable "Improve inking and typing" to stop Microsoft from logging details related to your keyboard and touch interactions.
What It Does:
This action prevents Microsoft from collecting information about your typing and inking patterns. While such data might be harmless enough for enhancing auto-suggestions, do you really need those refinements at the expense of your privacy?3. Reel in Edge’s Saved Data Features
If you thought escaping Edge’s tracking capabilities was the end of the story, think again. The browser also shares certain types of sensitive information, like browsing history and even saved passwords, with other parts of Windows. Fixing Edge’s syncing features is crucial to untangle the web of data-sharing.Steps to Disable Saved Data in Edge:
- Step 1: Again, go to Edge Settings via the three-dot menu.
- Step 2: Under Profiles, click on Sync and toggle off sensitive options such as "Passwords" and "History."
- Step 3: Navigate to "Share browsing data with other Windows features" in the same menu and turn it off. This ensures your browsing habits remain confined to your browser—not synced across other apps.
Why Syncing May Be Risky:
When features like history syncing are enabled, your web surfing story becomes available to other apps and services tied to your Microsoft account. Think of it as a backstage pass for prying eyes—not cool!4. Prevent Windows from Sharing Operational Data
Microsoft likes to keep tabs on how your system is “feeling.” From measuring app performance to gauging startup speeds, this operational data collection might be done in the name of diagnostics, but you absolutely have the right to opt-out.Steps to Stop Sending Diagnostic Data:
- Step 1: Open Settings and head to Privacy & security.
- Step 2: Swipe into Diagnostics & feedback and toggle off "Send optional diagnostic data" as well as "Tailored experiences."
The Upside:
Disabling these settings ensures you’re not sending unnecessary information about your device’s performance back to Microsoft. Sure, they claim it’s anonymized, but wouldn’t you rather have one less thing to worry about?5. Block Ad Personalization on Windows 11
If you’ve ever wondered why some ads know a little too much about your interests, the answer lies in tracking IDs. Windows 11 assigns something called an Advertising ID to personalize the ads you see across its ecosystem. If that feels invasive, it’s ’cause it is. Time to shut it down.Steps to Block Advertising IDs:
- Step 1: Navigate to Settings > Privacy & security > General.
- Step 2: Turn off the toggle labeled "Let apps show me personalized ads using my advertising ID."
Bonus Steps:
- Disable other related features that track app launches or rely on your language list under the same menu.
Why This Is Significant:
Blocking your Advertising ID stops the invisible flow of behavioral data to Microsoft’s ad partners. Think of it as reclaiming your digital identity, one opt-out toggle at a time.Why Should You Bother?
Look, no matter how cool new features sound, letting an operating system peek over your shoulder isn’t a fair trade-off for “enhanced experiences.” By following these steps, you’re taking simple yet critical actions to limit how much Microsoft siphons from your daily activities. The biggest benefit? Peace of mind.Sure, it’s nearly impossible to be entirely off the grid while using modern devices. But by trimming data collection across Windows 11, you’re asserting more control over your privacy.
Quick Recap of The Privacy Clean-Up
Here’s a rundown of the changes we just made:- Activate strict tracking prevention in Edge to block snoopy websites.
- Turn off inking/typing enhancements to stop keyboard logging.
- Disable Edge syncing features like passwords and browsing history.
- Stop Windows from sending diagnostic data by toggling off optional reporting.
- Block your Advertising ID to hit pause on personalized ads.
Source: Guiding Tech Five Ways to Stop Windows 11 From Collecting Personal Data
