Windows 11 Privacy Risks & How to Protect Your Data in 2025

Windows 11 is now front and center in the digital privacy conversation, not just because it’s Microsoft’s flagship operating system, but because the looming October migration deadline leaves millions with little choice but to engage with its deeply integrated data collection mechanisms. For some, Windows 11 represents a leap forward in security, transparency, and user experience. For others—particularly those passionate about privacy—it exemplifies the modern dilemma of convenience versus control. David Snell of ACT Smart I.T. in Wareham, a regular technical consultant and advocate for user-first IT practices, has illuminated these issues on platforms like The South Shore’s Morning News, offering both critique and practical guidance for those affected.

The Shifting Sands of Windows Privacy​

Operating system privacy has always been something of a moving target. Microsoft, historically lambasted for opaque data practices, made explicit promises of prioritizing privacy as Windows 11 was developed. Key phrases such as “privacy by design” and compliance with international standards like the GDPR are now baked into its marketing. But look beneath the surface, and privacy concerns remain as vital as ever. Telemetry data, targeted advertising, persistent syncing, and new AI-driven features have sparked concern from technology experts, privacy watchdogs, and regular users—often for good reason.
At issue is not just how much data Windows 11 collects, but how accessible, intelligible, and reversible privacy settings truly are for most people. These concerns transcend mere annoyance. They touch on autonomy, regulatory compliance, digital safety, and, increasingly, the level of user trust in Big Tech.

Telemetry: Windows 11’s “Always-On” Data Feed​

Perhaps the most controversial aspect of Windows 11 is its default telemetry framework. Telemetry, in essence, is Microsoft’s automated mechanism for sending diagnostic and usage data from your device back to its own servers. What’s new is the improved granularity—Windows 11 distinguishes between “required” and “optional” data streams, giving system admins and privacy-conscious individuals a little more visibility and, in limited cases, control.

• Required Telemetry: This covers essential health data of your device and critical error reports needed for system stability and updates. Microsoft claims this is the baseline minimum needed to keep your device safe.
• Optional Telemetry: Here’s where most of the controversy lies—browsing history, enhanced error reporting, app usage, and sometimes even more granular action tracking are only loosely anonymized and swept up as part of system “improvements” and tailored experiences.

Independent privacy groups and security experts have repeatedly demonstrated that even when configured for maximum privacy within the default Windows interface, some level of telemetry persists. Disabling “optional diagnostic data” goes a long way, but can never render the system truly silent without further advanced, and sometimes unsupported, tweaks.

Why Does This Matter?​

The breadth of Microsoft’s required telemetry remains largely beyond user control, and the distinction between “anonymized” and “de-identified” is blurred. Research into Windows 10/11 network traffic consistently reveals outbound connections—some encrypted, others not—triggered correspondingly by basic system events, UI interactions, or feature usage. For privacy purists and compliance-driven organizations, this creates a trust barrier that cannot be breeched simply by UI toggles.

The Recall Feature: AI-Driven Convenience or Security Time Bomb?​

One of the most significant, and divisive, privacy topics in the Windows 11 ecosystem is the “Recall” feature, newly rolled out as part of the KB5058411 update under the Copilot+ platform.
Recall is pitched as an AI-powered “memory” for your desktop experience, periodically taking snapshots of your screen, indexing app content, images, and even ephemeral messages for future search. These are stored locally and purportedly only accessed with user authentication, but the optics—and technical risks—are much more complicated.

Immediate Risks:​

• Capture of Secure Content: Recall can indiscriminately capture all on-screen activity, including, as tested by independent analysts, content from privacy-focused messaging apps (WhatsApp, Signal), transient windows, and theoretically, credential input fields.
• Potential for Exploitation: The database of visual “memories” is a high-value target for threat actors. Malicious code or attackers with system access could potentially exfiltrate vast troves of sensitive, context-rich user data.
• User Consent and Control: While Recall offers an opt-in during setup, the ease of toggling it back on after initial consent presents risks for accidental or unauthorized reactivation.

The Bigger Picture​

The arrival of Recall signals Microsoft’s bet on AI as a differentiator—but it may fundamentally alter user expectations of digital privacy. For IT professionals, this compounds risk management: every new feature is another axis to secure, monitor, and possibly restrict via group policy or manual intervention.

Other Default Privacy Risks in Windows 11​

Beyond telemetry and Recall, Windows 11 dials up data sharing through several “helpful” features. Unless proactively managed, each can act as a privacy hazard:

• Personalized Advertising: Unique ad IDs track activity and preferences across apps and even some websites.
• Synced Browsing and Device Usage: If users sign in with a Microsoft account, their browsing history and device activity can be aggregated and shared across devices and platforms.
• Location and Voice Tracking: Provided for service personalization but can be invasive, especially when left on by default.
• App Usage Monitoring: Windows 11 constructs detailed logs of app usage behaviors, purportedly to optimize system performance and recommendations.

Each of these features can be disabled, but often the opt-outs are nested deep within privacy settings panels or grouped with ambiguous language. It’s unsurprising that basic users remain unaware—or simply overwhelmed.

Why Are These Defaults Chosen? Microsoft’s Perspective​

Microsoft argues, with some justification, that telemetry and data collection are essential for modern OS maintenance. The combination of rapid platform evolution, sophisticated threat landscapes, and service integration necessitate a constant feedback loop. Features such as Recall, Copilot, and tailored ads are framed as productivity-boosting and meant to create a frictionless, “personalized” experience that’s secure by default.
Furthermore, hardware-enforced security measures—mandatory TPM 2.0, Secure Boot—do offer genuine protections against firmware- and boot-level exploits, raising the baseline for all users. These steps align with regulatory trends and allow enterprise administrators more precise documentation of privacy decisions.

Notable Strengths: Security and Compliance​

• TPM 2.0 Requirement: Brings hardware-backed protection for credentials, drive encryption, and attestation. This change—though unpopular with those using older hardware—is broadly lauded by information security communities.
• Secure Boot: Prevents unsigned or tampered bootloaders from executing, closing down a massive vector for low-level exploitations.
• Granular Administrative Control: Especially in managed environments, group policies and Microsoft Endpoint Management tools now expose far more detailed privacy configurations than were possible with Windows 10.
• Improved User Education: Settings are more discoverable, with better descriptions, though still not sufficient for all users.

Persistent Risks: What Microsoft Doesn’t Let You Block​

Even with best practices, some telemetry can only be disabled through enterprise (LTSC) editions, third-party tools, or registry hacks. Particularly concerning is the so-called “non-negotiable” data: health checks, basic diagnostics, and periodic software inventory still reach Microsoft servers regardless of local settings. Privacy groups continue to push for more explicit opt-outs and auditable paths for verifying what data is actually sent up the pipe.

Third-Party Applications: The Unknown Frontier​

Microsoft’s enhanced privacy stance only goes so far. The moment a third-party application is installed, the risk profile expands. Non-Microsoft applications may introduce additional (often undisclosed) data flows, tracking APIs, and vulnerabilities. The Windows privacy model can mitigate—but not eliminate—these risks, leaving ultimate responsibility with the user or organizational IT team.

Expert Guidance: David Snell’s Actionable Privacy Checklist​

For those looking to reduce their digital footprint in Windows 11, security advocates like David Snell offer straightforward, effective tips—many of which echo and expand on advice collated by privacy researchers and tech journalists alike:

Checklist for Maximizing Privacy on Windows 11​

1. Limit Diagnostic Data:
   • Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Diagnostics & Feedback.
   • Disable Optional Diagnostic Data.
   • Opt out of tailored experiences.
2. Change Default Browser and Apps:
   • Switch from Edge to your preferred browser (Settings > Apps > Default Apps).
   • Rebind file associations for sensitive file types.
3. Cull Excessive Notifications:
   • Visit System > Notifications.
   • Turn off non-essential app notifications and Windows “tips.”
4. Remove Copilot and Widgets:
   • Unpin Copilot from the taskbar.
   • Remove News Widgets via Taskbar Settings.
5. Restrict Advertising and Personalization:
   • In Privacy & Security > General, disable personalized ads and tracking.
6. Disable Location Tracking:
   • Open Privacy & Security > Location.
   • Turn off access for apps that don’t need it.
7. Audit App Permissions:
   • Routinely review which apps have access to camera, microphone, contacts, etc.
   • Revoke permissions as necessary.

Snell, and IT professionals like him, also recommend periodic audits of privacy settings after every major update, as even small patches may toggle some options back on or introduce new defaults.

Caution for Power Users: The “Hardened” Route & Its Limitations​

Highly privacy-conscious users might consider using local accounts, stripped-down installations (such as via Rufus or LTSC editions), and third-party privacy apps such as O&O ShutUp10++. These steps can meaningfully reduce data slippage, block cloud account integration, and keep feature bloat in check. However, such approaches carry downsides:

• Potential Instability: Some privacy hacks break future compatibility, delay security updates, or trigger persistent error states.
• Reduced Functionality: Features that require cloud synchronization, backup, app reinstalls, or passwordless sign-in may not work at all without a Microsoft account.
• Risk of Third-Party Tools: Even popular privacy apps could introduce malware if sourced improperly or left unmonitored.

Ultimately, despite every safeguard, no method today can guarantee “full privacy” on Windows 11. Microsoft’s OS remains cloud-first by nature; minimal and often non-identifiable diagnostics data will always flow to Microsoft servers, even with all switchable features disabled. For absolute minimal data transfer, some privacy advocates suggest exploring open-source, Linux-based alternatives—though these come with their own complexity and trade-offs.

Regulatory & Organizational Implications​

Transitioning organizations face heightened challenges. Many IT leaders frame the move to Windows 11 as both a privacy opportunity and a compliance gauntlet. The OS’s privacy-by-design features—TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, granular consent controls—are direct answers to EU GDPR and similar legislation, shifting the compliance burden but also offering a defensible architecture if configured correctly. For regulated environments, this means not just dialing in settings, but conducting robust Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs), documenting privacy decisions, and continuously monitoring for new risks with each feature update.

The Balance: Usability vs. Privacy​

Windows 11, to its credit, is visually polished and delivers on performance promises. Boot times have improved, cloud features are integrated, and new PCs are increasingly locked down by default (at least in terms of malware vectors). But for the vast majority of users, the privacy risks are more significant than they first appear—because the defaults always lean toward convenience and data collection rather than defensible privacy.
Those who adjust their privacy settings, switch away from default apps, and remain vigilant with new feature rollouts can achieve a significantly more private Windows experience, even if perfect opacity remains elusive. IT experts, like David Snell, serve a crucial role not just in configuring these controls, but in educating the wider community during this period of mass migration.

Final Thoughts & Recommendations​

For users and organizations facing the Windows 11 transition, the migration deadline is more than an IT challenge—it’s a moment to critically evaluate your privacy posture. Windows 11’s privacy risks stem as much from user inertia and hidden defaults as they do from Microsoft’s technical architecture. With expert guidance, proactive setup, and a commitment to ongoing vigilance, users can push back against unnecessary data collection and reclaim control over their digital lives.

Essential Privacy Resources​

• Windows Settings Panel: Your starting point for all privacy-hardening measures.
• Periodic Privacy Checkups: After each major Windows update, re-audit all toggles, privacy statements, and app permissions.
• Community Support: Engage with forums like WindowsForum.com for the latest procedures and workarounds.

As discussions continue in community forums and talk shows, it’s clear that user advocacy—like that championed by David Snell—remains essential. Together, informed users and IT professionals can challenge defaults, influence policy changes, and set new baselines for privacy, even amidst Microsoft’s relentless march toward a data-driven ecosystem.

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Source: WATD 95.9 FM Windows 11 Privacy Concerns, Tech Talk with ACT Smart I.T.