Now there are many Windows users 10 are concerned about the safety of their confidential data. After all, it has already been mentioned in many sources as a system that sends all collected information to Microsoft and other partners of the corporation, not to mention the many cloud functions that the user may not even be aware of.
Those who do not agree with this corporate policy can disable the data collection feature on their system using the instructions in this article.
Note! This article will discuss only the standard options for disabling the sending of user data provided in Windows system 10. Methods for removing related services will not be discussed here. This is due to the fact that such actions can disrupt the stable operation of your system.
We also hasten to warn you not to use third-party software that allows you to increase the privacy of Windows 10. Many scammers quickly realized that they can take advantage of users’ concern for their data and now, under the guise of programs for setting up the system, they distribute various viruses.
Confidentiality
From the Start menu, open System Settings and go to the Privacy section. Here you can manage various settings related to private data on your computer. You can disable geolocation, turn off the camera, and block access to the microphone. Here you can turn off sending contact information, turn off calendar synchronization and message tracking, and much more. Dig through all the tabs and disable everything unnecessary. For example, you can turn off the following options:
- Open the Speech, Handwriting, and Text tab and deactivate sending information to voice assistant Cortana;
- Open the Feedback and Diagnostics tab and set the appropriate level for sending your statistics to Microsoft. Here you can choose from complete data to only the most basic. Unfortunately, standard means It is impossible to disable this feature. There is only the option to disable telemetry through the AllowTelemetry policy, but this is only available for enterprise Windows versions 10.
Synchronization
Synchronization works through the OneDrive service integrated into the system, which works with the Microsoft cloud. This service allows you to store in the cloud various files and documents, as well as account settings. By logging into your account on any computer or device, you'll be able to access your documents, settings, browser settings, and more. Those who do not want to store their documents and personal data in the cloud can disable this feature.
Go to the account settings and open the settings synchronization tab, then, next to the “Synchronization Settings” item, move the switch to the “off” position. 
This is a standard antivirus program that is built into the system. The main purpose of which is protection against various malicious software. If you install any other third-party antivirus, the standard defender will simply turn off, allowing its “colleague” to do all the work.
Attention! By disabling Windows Defender and not installing additional antivirus program, you can seriously reduce the security of your system.
Here you can turn off the “Cloud Protection” function, as well as “Sending detected malware for study.” In addition, it is possible to add files to exceptions that will not be scanned by Defender. 
SmartScreen
For more information on how you can change the settings for this service and even disable it completely, read this article: 
This operating system introduced new opportunity receiving updates via P2P technology. For example, having received an update on your computer, you can distribute it to all devices that are in the same local network or those located on the Internet.
Some people may not like this method of receiving updates. If you think that this is far from the best The best decision for the security of your computer, you can change the settings to receive updates.
To do this, open System Settings through the Start menu. In the next window, click on “Update and Security” and then go to “Windows Update”. In Update Center, select “Advanced settings” and open the “Choose how and when to receive updates” section. 
Wi-Fi control
With this feature, the device can connect to all Wi-Fi networks that are open and within range wireless adapter. Connection occurs in automatic mode, without having to manually enter passwords or perform any additional steps. At standard settings this function will be activated.
If you need to disable it, open System Settings and select the “Network and Internet” section, then expand the “Wi-Fi” tab and click on “Manage Settings” Wi-Fi networks. Next, you can select the appropriate settings for wireless networks. 
Hello everyone, today I’ll tell you how to set up Windows 10 privacy and disable Windows 10 spy functions. Since its release new version OS from Microsoft, a lot of information has appeared on the Internet that Windows 10 spies on its users, inexplicably uses their personal data, and more. The concern is understandable: people think that Windows 10 is collecting their personalized personal data, which is not entirely true. Just like your favorite browsers, websites, and even the previous version of Windows, Microsoft collects anonymous data to improve the OS, search, other system functions... Well, and to show you advertising.
If you are very concerned about the security of your confidential data and want to ensure its maximum safety from Microsoft Access, in this manual detailed description Windows 10 settings that allow you to secure this data as much as possible and prevent Windows 10 from spying on you.
You can configure settings for transferring and storing personal data in Windows 10 already in installed system, as well as at the stage of its installation. Below we will first look at the settings in the installation program, and then in the system already running on the computer.
Setting up personal data security when installing Windows 10
During Windows 10 installation, after copying files, rebooting for the first time, and entering or skipping your product key (and possibly connecting to the Internet), you'll see the Boost your speed screen. If you click “Use standard settings”, then the sending of many personal data will be enabled, but if you click “Customize settings” at the bottom left, then we can change some privacy settings.
Configuring settings takes place on two screens, on the first of which you can disable personalization, sending data about keyboard input and voice input to Microsoft, as well as location tracking. If you need to disable Windows 10 spy features entirely, you can disable all items on this screen.
On the second screen, in order to avoid sending any personal data, I recommend disabling all functions (page load prediction, automatic connection to networks, sending error information to Microsoft), except for “SmartScreen”.
This is everything related to privacy that you can configure when installing Windows 10. Additionally, you can choose not to connect an account Microsoft entry(since many of its parameters are synchronized with their server), and use local account.
Configure Windows 10 privacy settings after installation
IN Windows settings 10 there is a whole “Confidentiality” section for setting the relevant parameters. Press the Win+I keys on your keyboard (or click on the notification icon, and then “All settings”), and then select the desired item.
The privacy settings have a whole set of items, each of which we will consider in order.
- Allow apps to use my ad recipient ID - turn off.
- Enable SmartScreen filter - enable.
- Send my writing information to Microsoft - turn off.
- Allow websites to provide local information by accessing my language list - turn off.
In the “Location” section, you can disable location detection for your computer as a whole (it is also disabled for all applications), as well as for each application that can use such data separately (below in this section).
Speech, handwriting, and text input
In this section, you can disable tracking of your typed characters, speech and handwriting input. If you see a “Meet Me” button in the “Meet Me” section, this means that these functions have already been disabled.
If you see a “Stop learning” button, click it to disable the storage of this personal information.
Camera, microphone, account information, contacts, calendar, radio, messaging and more
All of these sections allow you to turn off the application's use of the relevant hardware and data on your system (most safe option). They can also allow their use for certain applications and prohibit them for others.
Reviews and diagnostics
We put “Never” in the item “Windows should ask for my feedback” and “Basic information” in the item about sending data to Microsoft if you do not want to share information with it.
Background applications
Many Windows applications 10 continue to run even when you're not using them and even if they're not in the Start menu. In chapter " Background applications"You can disable them, which will not only prevent any data from being sent, but also save battery power on your laptop or tablet.
Additional privacy and security settings
For greater security, you should also perform a few more steps. Return to the All Settings window and go to the Network and Internet section. In the Wi-Fi section, scroll down and click Manage Wi-Fi network settings.
Disable the options “Connect to suggested open hotspots” and “Connect to networks shared by my contacts.”
Setting up privacy in windows 10 - Disabling spying features in windows 10-12
By Windows default sends tons of your personal information to its servers, sometimes without even asking you about it. Follow these instructions to get rid of Windows 10 tracking.
1. Do not use Express Settings. Select "Settings" and make sure to turn off ABSOLUTELY EVERYTHING.
2. It is highly recommended to use a local account. When you are asked to enter your existing Microsoft account information or register a new one, click "Skip this step." You can then safely follow the instructions.
On an installed system.
1. Go to Settings > Privacy and turn everything off unless you really need something (for example, allow websites to provide access to a list of languages). At a minimum, pay attention to the General, Speech, Handwriting, and Layout sections.
2. While in your privacy settings, go to the "Feedback and Diagnostics" sections and insert "Never" in the first and "Basic Information" in the second menu.
3. Go to Settings > Updates & security > Advanced settings > Choose how and when to receive updates and turn off the first option.
4. While in the update and security settings, go to the " Windows Defender" and turn off cloud protection and sample sending.
Microsoft's head of Windows development, Terry Myerson, says that some of the most important improvements, in the Windows 10 Creators Update (version 1703) are related to privacy settings:
Microsoft: “With our commitment to transparency and privacy, we're introducing three major enhancements to help users stay more informed about privacy in Windows 10.”
- Improving user awareness about the security of personal data. Brief descriptions of each individual privacy option, as well as “Learn More” buttons, make information about your choices readily available and easy to understand.
- Microsoft Privacy Statement Updates include Additional information about privacy improvements in the Windows 10 Creators Update, and also reveal more details about what data is collected and used to support new features in major Windows update 10. As with the previous privacy statement, this information has multiple levels and is available for review online, allowing users to ensure they are making the right privacy choices in Windows 10. Key changes are reflected in Microsoft's privacy statement change history.
- Microsoft reveals more information about the data it collects. The data collected when you select Basic data volume is used solely to keep your Windows device up to date and secure. Users who select Full will participate in improving Windows and Microsoft products by submitting enhanced diagnostic data (including browser usage, applications and components, and handwriting input and data entry). Redmond hopes this information will help users remain more informed about the types of data collected and make informed decisions.
Microsoft has already published a complete list of diagnostic data that is collected when you select the “Basic” level. Individual pieces of data related to a specific component or event are collected in a complex and are called Events. They are united according to individual diagnostic areas. The company also provided a detailed summary of the data that is collected at the Basic and Full diagnostic levels.
Following the release of Windows 10 Anniversary Update, the Microsoft team took a major overhaul of what data was required to be collected at the Basic diagnostic level to keep the system up to date and secure. The main priority during the re-evaluation was to minimize the collection of necessary diagnostic information. As a result, the number of events collected was significantly reduced and the amount of data collected at the “Basic” level was approximately halved.
With the Creators Update (version 1703), Microsoft has taken significant steps forward to better inform users about making the right privacy choices in Windows 10. Let's take a look at the major privacy improvements introduced in this update.
First of all, there were improvements to the “Privacy” section in the “Settings” application. Clear and clear descriptions for each individual setting, as well as “Learn More” buttons that allow you to drill down into what data is collected and used by Microsoft.
Current Windows 10 users
If you're already running any version of Windows 10, you'll receive a notification when you plan to upgrade to the Creators Update (version 1703) and can configure your privacy settings in advance (as shown in the screenshot).
The first screenshot shows what the privacy settings screen will look like. The actual settings on the switches on the screen will correspond to the current settings in Windows 10. For example, if you turned off the location feature, then this option will be disabled on the advance setup screen.
Update (version 1703) and you can configure your privacy settings in advance (as shown in the screenshot).
The second screenshot shows the situation when all switches are set to the “Off” position (which corresponds to the “Basic” diagnostic level).
You can use the radio buttons to configure the settings of your choice. Additionally, at any time, you can go to the Settings app from the Start menu, then select the Privacy section to view detailed information and to open Microsoft's privacy statement.
If you are setting up a new Windows device 10 for the first time or starting a clean one Windows installation 10 then new screen The privacy settings will look like the screenshots below.
The first screenshot shows the situation when the Microsoft recommended settings are installed. Each switch is provided with a brief description of the purpose of the specific parameter. If you want to learn more about the options, click the “More details” button. Recommended settings are optimized for maximum usability and best performance of built-in Windows functions 10.
The new screen replaces the “Quick Start” and “Settings Settings” screens that were available when initial setup previous versions Windows 10: You must configure on-screen features before using Windows 10.
The second screenshot shows the same screen with all switches in the “Off” position (which corresponds to the “Basic” diagnostic level). Again each switch has short description parameter assignment.
In both images, the options are split into two columns (if required by screen resolution) to eliminate scrolling and display all available options on the screen. If you configure manually or use advanced tools such as the Media Creation Tool, a single column display may be used - then scrolling may be required depending on language settings and screen resolution. These tools are recommended for use only by experienced PC users.
After viewing and selecting the parameters, you need to make a final decision and confirm your choice by clicking the “Accept” button.
More improvements to come
In future updates, the Microsoft team will continue to improve its data collection policies and privacy settings management. The company strives to help users gain more information, as well as view and delete data using the Microsoft Privacy Dashboard. Already in April, it is planned to add voice data to the panel so that users can control what information is used to improve personal digital assistant Cortana.
Work will also continue to ensure compliance with the collection policy Windows data 10 s general rules European Union data protection requirements and requirements of individual corporate environments.
Since emergence of Windows 10, controversy about its spying on users continues. Numerous articles and reviews are full of information about how the new Microsoft operating system scans HDD, collects information about network connections, takes desktop screenshots, records keystrokes, and even turns on the webcam and microphone at its discretion.
The only fact remains is that to show more relevant (that is, one that will interest you) advertising. The operating system sends a large stream of encrypted data to numerous company servers around the world to collect statistics and improve their services based on its analysis. Users who do not like this system behavior because it violates privacy can .
DWS: the cure for paranoia
Don't rush to delve into the very depths of Windows 10 for... detailed settings privacy. There is a wonderful tool called Destroy Windows 10 Spying - a small program aimed at disabling detected “spy” functions of the OS. Developed, by the way, by a Russian-speaking programmer. The interface looks like this:
First of all, this snail adds IP addresses to which Windows 10 sends data to hosts file. This blocks unwanted sending of information. Just click on the large button of the same name in the main tab of the program, it will start its work and automatically disable all “espionage” that can be turned off.
Important : do not rush to launch the program with default settings. For example, it can disable the built-in antivirus - what if you need it? It’s better to first look at the settings and check only the necessary boxes. Enabling professional mode at the bottom of the window will help with this.
In addition, in the “Utilities” tab you will find a lot of useful things for setting up not only privacy, but also other functions of Windows 10. Including removing a bunch of things that most users don’t need standard applications, such as Xbox. In any case, you use this program at your own peril and risk, since theoretically it can disrupt the stable operation of the system.
Disabling unnecessary features using built-in tools
If for some reason you do not want to trust your privacy settings third party program, you can take advantage of the system capabilities (but if you are a little paranoid, then they will be significantly less useful). Check out the new panel Windows management 10, which is now called “Parameters”. You should be interested in the “Confidentiality” item. There are just a lot of settings here.
Go through all the tabs in the left column and decide for yourself what to disable and what to leave. What threatens your privacy and what doesn't. Disabling some privacy settings may slightly reduce the functionality of Windows 10. Pay attention to the very first slider in the “General” tab. It refers to the Individual Advertising ID that Microsoft gives to every new Windows 10 user. Because it's enabled, apps tailor ads specifically for you.
- In the “Speech...” section, turn off the collection of information by Cortana.
- In the “Feedback and Diagnostics” section, set telemetry sending to the level of only basic information (you can completely disable it only in corporate Windows 10).
- Disable anything at your discretion.
Return to the main window of the Options panel and open “ Accounts" Here, disable “Synchronization Options” if you do not want your passwords to be stored in an online storage.
But it’s not just privacy settings that worry new Windows 10 users. The Internet is full of stories about how the new OS, at its discretion, removes programs it doesn’t like. This is true to some extent - the built-in SmartScreen filter analyzes applications before launching the installer and blocks many that do not have an official digital signature. On the one hand, this is your safety, on the other hand, it can be annoying.
To turn off the annoying feature, close Settings and open the classic Control Panel (it's now in Tools or search through Start).
In the window that opens, select the option that suits you.
The last option is complete shutdown. This is not exactly a privacy setting, although when analyzing a particular application that is launched, the system accesses a database in the cloud, and Microsoft “will know” what you are installing on your PC.
conclusions
In conclusion, it is worth saying that there is simply no absolute privacy these days. They spy on us not only OS, but also search engines, and every second site. For 100% confidentiality, you need to unplug the Internet cable from your computer and get rid of it forever. mobile phone and plastic cards.
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