Windows 11 has a knack for subtly gathering your personal information, often without your knowledge or consent regarding its data-collection practices.
Take back control of your privacy by following these five effective methods to prevent Windows 11 from harvesting your data.
Method 1: Disable Data Tracking in Edge
When it comes to privacy, Microsoft Edge doesn’t exactly prioritize user information protection. The browser continuously monitors your online activities to analyze your web usage. Tightening its tracking settings is the first step to enhancing your privacy.
Step 1. Click on the ellipses icon located at the top-right corner of your screen, then choose “Settings.”
Step 2. Navigate to “Privacy, search, and services” and enable the “Tracking Prevention” setting.
Step 3. For heightened privacy, select the “Strict” option. This choice will block a majority of the website trackers, though it might impact your browsing speed.
Method 2: Stop Collection of Typing and Voice Data
Microsoft is keen on understanding both your spoken commands and typed input. While the data is claimed to be anonymized, this level of monitoring often feels invasive. You can eliminate this data collection by following the steps below.
Step 1. Enter “Settings” in the Windows search bar and select the app from the results.
Step 2. Go to the “Privacy & security” section and click on “Diagnostics & feedback.”
Step 3. Find the setting labeled “Improve inking and typing” — this is Microsoft’s way of collecting typing data. Disable it, as you likely don’t need the company’s improvements.
Method 3: Disable Edge’s Saved Data Feature
Returning to Microsoft Edge, it’s crucial to turn off certain features that allow the collection and sharing of sensitive user information.
Step 1. Access the “Settings” menu again by clicking the ellipses icon on the top-right.
Step 2. Navigate to “Profiles” and click the arrow next to “Sync.” Turn off the settings for “Passwords” and “History” to prevent syncing this data across your devices.
Step 3. Lastly, find the “Share browsing data with other Windows features” option and turn it off. This will prevent Edge from sharing your browsing activity with other Windows apps, including the search bar.
Method 4: Stop Sending Operational Data
Microsoft also collects information on your device’s performance, including app load times. While this data is presented as anonymized, you may prefer to opt out of sharing this information.
Step 1. Use the Windows search bar to access “Settings” and navigate to “Privacy & security.”
Step 2. Open “Diagnostics & feedback” within the “Windows permission” section.
Step 3. Toggle off both “Send optional diagnostic data” and “Tailored experiences.”
Method 5: Stop Windows 11 from Sharing Personal Data with Ad Partners
This is a critical step — blocking Microsoft from sharing your personal information with third-party advertisers. To achieve this, disable your “advertising ID.”
Step 1. Return to the “Privacy & security” section within “Settings.”
Step 2. Click on the “General” section found under “Windows permissions.”
Step 3. Flip the switch off for “Let apps show me personalized ads by using my advertising ID.” Additionally, you can explore other options to further protect your privacy, including preventing Microsoft from tracking app launches and accessing your language preferences.
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