{"id":11781,"date":"2020-07-08T08:07:27","date_gmt":"2020-07-08T08:07:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/fastestvpn.com\/resources\/?p=11781"},"modified":"2025-05-21T11:42:56","modified_gmt":"2025-05-21T11:42:56","slug":"privacy-on-windows-os","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fastestvpn.com\/resources\/privacy-on-windows-os\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Protect Privacy on Windows OS","gt_translate_keys":[{"key":"rendered","format":"text"}]},"content":{"rendered":"

Apps are not the only thing that collects data; the underlying operating system powering the experience can just as much collect data. Windows 10 is known to collect certain types of data to provide a tailored experience. But if you are conscious about privacy and security<\/a> as we are, continue reading the blog, and we\u2019ll explain how to disable Windows 10\u2019s tracking.<\/p>\n

\"How<\/p>\n

Why Windows 10 Collects Data<\/h3>\n

Any service trying to provide a tailored experience needs to learn about the user first. It includes behaviours such as what the user is doing most, what apps are installed and which ones get used the most, where the user is located. As you continue to use a service, it learns overtime and suggests things that you might be interested in.<\/p>\n

Windows 10, being a modern operating system, collects many types of data about the user. Microsoft promises to be committed to user privacy<\/a> and transparency about what data it collects. But not a lot of people might know what knobs to turn off if they wish to remain private about what they do on the device. You can choose what data to allow while setting up Windows 10, but in case you skipped that part, it can be adjusted later on anytime.<\/p>\n

\n Get FastestVPN <\/i><\/a>\n <\/div>\n\n

What Type of Data Does Windows 10 Collect?<\/h3>\n

Microsoft has categorized its collection of data into required data <\/em>and optional data<\/em>.<\/p>\n

Required data is mandatory. It includes diagnostic data that gives Microsoft insight into the operating system\u2019s health and behavior for improvements. As explained in a post, the required data is collected from Windows 10 and integrated apps and services. Windows 10 will periodically collect and upload the diagnostic data to Microsoft\u2019s cloud servers. You can limit Windows 10 to collect only data that\u2019s required to keep the operating system improving and secure, but you can\u2019t entirely turn off data collection.<\/p>\n

Microsoft\u2019s virtual assistant Cortana is available natively in Windows 10 and allows users to issue commands, such as looking up a query in Bing or opening up a program. It all happens through on-device speech recognition that Cortana can also use. By default, speech recognition relies on the system\u2019s capability to process voice, but Microsoft allows users to harness the power of the cloud to improve accuracy. Users can opt-in to use Microsoft\u2019s cloud servers to process their speed. It improves not only the accuracy of input but also helps Microsoft improve speech recognition overall.<\/p>\n

How to Restrict Windows 10 From Collecting Data<\/h2>\n

Diagnostics & Feedback<\/h3>\n

As we explained, there is the data that\u2019s required for Microsoft to ensure a Windows experience that keeps getting improved and secured, and then there\u2019s optional data. We need to turn off the latter to ensure that only the minimum level of data leaves your device.<\/p>\n