Secure Your Windows 11: 11 Must-Do Privacy Settings
Protect your privacy on Windows 11 with these essential settings From turning off ad tracking to disabling online speech recognition, here are the top 11 settings to modify on your PC
To enhance your privacy on Windows 11, it's important to disable certain features like online speech recognition, ad tracking, diagnostic data, Activity History, location access, Shared Experiences, personalized suggestions, and OneDrive. Instead, enable DNS over HTTPS, switch to a local PC account, and remove your data from the Microsoft website. Keeping your data private is crucial, and modifying these privacy settings can help achieve that.
1. Turn Off Online Speech Recognition
Microsoft's online speech recognition technology is used by certain apps to send your voice data to their processing centers. It's recommended to disable this feature if you don't use such apps. However, not all voice-related apps on Windows 11 rely on this technology, for instance, the Windows Speech Recognition feature doesn't use it.
To disable the option, head into Settings > Privacy & Security > Speech and turn off the “Online Speech Recognition” toggle.
2. Disable Windows 11’s Ad Tracking
Your computer usage is tracked by Windows 11 through a unique advertising ID assigned to you. This ID permits advertisers to display customized ads. However, if you prefer not to receive personalized ads, you can disable your PC's ad-tracking feature. To do so, navigate to Settings > Privacy & Security > General and switch off the option that reads, "Let Apps Show Me Personalized Ads by Using My Advertising ID."
3. Prevent Your PC From Sending Diagnostic Data to Microsoft
Microsoft's Windows operating system constantly collects data from your computer to enhance its performance, security, and functionality. This data includes optional diagnostic information such as your browsing history, app usage, and error reports.
Fortunately, you have the option to prevent your PC from transmitting this information to Microsoft. The company assures users that their computer will remain just as secure even if they choose not to share this additional data.
To tweak that option, head into Settings > Privacy & Security > Diagnostics & Feedback > Diagnostic Data. Here, turn off “Send Optional Diagnostic Data.”
4. Turn Off Activity History
Windows 11's Activity History feature gathers a variety of data about your online activity, file usage, and app preferences. This information is stored locally on your device, but if you're signed in to a school or workplace account and have granted Microsoft access, the company can view it. Microsoft claims that this data allows for a more personalized user experience.
To prevent Microsoft from accessing your activity history, navigate to Settings > Privacy & Security > Activity History and disable the "Store My Activity History on This Device" option. Additionally, you can click the "Clear" button to delete any data that has already been collected.
Prevent Apps from Collecting Your Location Data on Your PC
Not all apps on your PC require access to your location data, yet many ask for it to collect as much information about you as possible. Fortunately, you can take control of your privacy by disabling location access for those apps.
Here's how to do it: Open Settings > Privacy & Security > Location > Let Apps Access Your Location. Locate the app that you don't want to share your location information with, and simply turn off the toggle switch next to it.
By following these simple steps, you can safeguard your location data and keep your privacy intact.
Your chosen apps can’t access your location data any more.
6. Disable Shared Experiences
With Windows 11's Shared Experiences feature, you can seamlessly switch between devices and pick up where you left off on another device as long as you're signed in to the same Microsoft account. However, if you're concerned about your activity data being collected, you can easily turn off this feature by going to Settings > Apps > Apps & Features > Share Across Devices and selecting "Off."
7. Turn On DNS over HTTPS
When you visit a website, your computer sends a request to your DNS server to translate the domain name into an IP address. However, this process has traditionally been unencrypted, which puts your privacy at risk.
Luckily, with DNS over HTTPS (DoH), you can encrypt these requests, preventing outside entities such as your ISP from accessing them. To activate and use this feature on your Windows 11 PC, you'll need to enable an option in the Settings app. For a step-by-step guide on how to do this, check out our dedicated guide on the topic.
8. Turn Off Personalized Suggestions
By default, Microsoft may use the diagnostic data you send to provide you with personalized ads, tips, and recommendations. However, if you prefer not to receive these customized experiences, you can easily turn them off. Simply navigate to Settings > Privacy & Security > Diagnostics & Feedback > Tailored Experiences and switch off the toggle.
9. Use a Local Account Instead of an Online Microsoft Account
If you're concerned about the amount of data that your PC may be sending to Microsoft, it's worth considering switching to a local account instead of using a Microsoft account. By doing so, you can reduce the likelihood of any sensitive information being shared with the company.
If you're looking for a way to streamline creating a local account on Windows 11, you can easily convert your existing online PC account. This eliminates the need to start from scratch and configure your account all over again. To learn how to do this, we've got you covered with our handy guide.
10. Turn Off OneDrive
Although OneDrive is a cloud storage service that's integrated with Windows 11, you may prefer to use a different provider or store your files locally. In this case, it's a good idea to disable OneDrive on your PC.
To completely remove OneDrive from your PC, refer to our comprehensive guide that provides step-by-step instructions.
In addition, it's advisable to review and delete any data that Microsoft may have collected on you, such as your browsing history on Edge and location information. You have the ability to view and select which data to clear.
