Windows 11 Privacy Options

March 25, 2025

Locking Down Your Privacy in Windows 11

Windows 11 comes packed with new features, but it also continues Microsoft’s trend of collecting user data by default. Whether you’re privacy-conscious or just don’t like the idea of telemetry, there are plenty of settings you can tweak to reduce or block most data sharing. Here’s a complete breakdown of what to change and where to find it.

General Privacy Settings

Location: Settings > Privacy & security > General

Turn OFF:

  • Let apps show me personalized ads by using my advertising ID
  • Let websites provide locally relevant content by accessing my language list
  • Let Windows improve Start and search by tracking app launches
  • Show me suggested content in the Settings app


Location

Location: Settings > Privacy & security > Location

  • Turn Location services OFF
  • Turn off location access for all apps that don’t need it


Microphone & Camera Access

Location: Settings > Privacy & security > Microphone / Camera

  • Turn off access for any app that doesn't need it


Voice Activation & Speech

Location: Settings > Privacy & security > Speech

  • Turn Online speech recognition OFF


Activity History

Location: Settings > Privacy & security > Activity history

  • Uncheck:
  • Store my activity history on this device
  • Send my activity history to Microsoft
  • Click "Clear activity history"


Search Permissions

Location: Settings > Privacy & security > Search permissions

  • Turn OFF Cloud content search (both for Microsoft and Work/School accounts)
  • Turn OFF search history on this device
  • Clear device search history


Diagnostics & Feedback

Location: Settings > Privacy & security > Diagnostics & feedback

  • Set diagnostic data to Required only
  • Turn OFF:
  • Improve inking and typing
  • Tailored experiences
  • View diagnostic data (optional)
  • Click Delete to clear diagnostic data


Inking & Typing

Location: Settings > Privacy & security > Inking & typing personalization

  • Turn OFF personal inking and typing dictionary


App Permissions (Review Each)

Location: Settings > Privacy & security

  • Go through each section (Contacts, Calendar, Email, etc.) and turn off access where unnecessary


Delivery Optimization

Location: Settings > Windows Update > Advanced options > Delivery Optimization

  • Turn OFF: Allow downloads from other PCs


Account Sync & Cloud Backup

Location: Settings > Accounts > Windows backup / Sync your settings

  • Turn OFF sync for apps, settings, preferences


Advanced Options

Group Policy (for Pro and Enterprise users)

  • Run  gpedit.msc
  • Go to: Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Data Collection and Preview Builds
  • Set Allow Telemetry to Disabled

Privacy Tools

  • O&O ShutUp10++: Simplifies disabling telemetry and more
  • WPD (Windows Privacy Dashboard): Advanced control over tracking, services, and settings


Conclusion

Windows 11 gives users more control over privacy than older versions, but many settings are buried. By going through this checklist, you can significantly reduce how much personal data your PC sends to Microsoft. For even easier management, privacy tools like ShutUp10++ can automate most of this for you.


Need help setting this up for your business or personal device? Reach out to our team for assistance!

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