Introduction to Windows 11 Privacy
Windows 11 collects various types of data to improve user experience, from diagnostic information to location data. However, Microsoft gives you control over what information you share. This guide will help you understand and configure every aspect of privacy in your system.
Why does privacy matter?
- Control over your personal data
- Reduction of personalized advertising
- Greater security of sensitive information
- Compliance with regulations like GDPR
General Privacy Settings
Access the main privacy settings from Settings > Privacy & security. Here you'll find the most important options to control your data.
General Options
Advertising ID
Disable to avoid personalized ads based on your activity.
Local relevant content
Control whether apps can use your language to show relevant content.
App launch tracking
Allows Windows to track which apps you launch to improve search results.
Recommendation
Disable advertising ID for greater privacy. Other options depend on your preference between convenience and privacy.
Location Permissions
Location access is one of the most important privacy settings. Many apps request access to your location, but not all of them really need it.
How to configure location permissions:
- 1Open Settings > Privacy & security > Location
- 2Turn 'Location services' on or off globally
- 3Review the list of apps with location access
- 4Disable access for apps that don't need it
- 5Clear location history if desired
Apps that need location
- • Maps and navigation
- • Weather apps
- • Transportation services
- • Find my device
Apps that probably don't need
- • Text editors
- • Calculators
- • Music players
- • Games without social features
Camera & Microphone
Camera and microphone access are sensitive permissions that you should manage carefully. Windows 11 shows indicators when these devices are in use.
Camera
- • Settings > Privacy > Camera
- • Enable/disable globally
- • Manage per-app permissions
- • LED indicator when active
Microphone
- • Settings > Privacy > Microphone
- • Independent control from camera
- • Taskbar icon when active
- • Review apps with recent access
Privacy indicators in Windows 11
Windows 11 shows icons in the taskbar when an app is using your camera or microphone. An orange icon indicates microphone use and a green icon indicates camera use.
Notification Settings
Notifications can reveal sensitive information. Configure how and when notifications are displayed to protect your privacy.
Notification options for privacy:
- Hide content on lock screen: Prevent others from seeing your messages
- Disable notifications per app: Control which apps can notify you
- Do not disturb: Silence notifications during work or meetings
- Focus sessions: Schedule uninterrupted periods
Diagnostic Data
Microsoft collects diagnostic data to improve Windows. You can choose how much information to share, although there's a required minimum.
Required Data
Basic information necessary for operation:
- • Device information
- • Windows configuration
- • Basic performance data
Optional Data
Additional information you can disable:
- • Browsing history
- • App usage
- • Enhanced voice typing
How to manage diagnostic data:
- 1. Go to Settings > Privacy & security > Diagnostics & feedback
- 2. Disable 'Send optional diagnostic data'
- 3. Disable 'Tailored experiences'
- 4. Click 'Delete diagnostic data' to clear existing data
Activity History
Windows can record your activity history to enable features like timeline and continue where you left off on other devices.
Activity history options:
- Store history locally: Only on your device, not synced
- Send to Microsoft: Syncs across devices but shares data
- Clear history: Deletes all stored history
App Permissions
Windows 11 allows you to control what permissions each app has. Review these permissions regularly to maintain your privacy.
Security tip
Review app permissions monthly. Uninstall apps you no longer use that have access to sensitive data.
Microsoft Account Privacy
If you use a Microsoft account, you have additional privacy options managed both in Windows and in the Microsoft web portal.
Microsoft privacy dashboard
Visit account.microsoft.com/privacy to:
- View and delete search history
- Manage location history
- Control advertising preferences
- Download your personal data
Microsoft Edge Privacy
Microsoft Edge has its own privacy settings that complement those of Windows 11.
Key Edge settings:
Tracking prevention
Choose between Basic, Balanced, or Strict. We recommend Balanced for most users.
Clear browsing data
Configure what data to delete when closing the browser.
InPrivate
Use InPrivate windows for browsing you don't want recorded.
Cortana & Search
Windows Search and Cortana can collect voice and text data. Configure these options according to your comfort level.
Search privacy options:
- Disable cloud search history
- Limit search to local files only
- Disable SafeSearch if desired
- Configure which folders to index
Advanced Settings
For advanced users, there are additional privacy options that require access to the Group Policy Editor or Windows Registry.
Caution
Advanced modifications can affect system functionality. Create a restore point before making changes to the registry or group policies.
Advanced options available in Windows 11 Pro:
- Group Policy Editor (gpedit.msc)
- Completely disable telemetry
- Configure update policies
- BitLocker for disk encryption
Privacy Best Practices
Do
- Review app permissions regularly
- Use local accounts when possible
- Keep Windows updated
- Use strong passwords
- Enable Windows Hello
Avoid
- Giving unnecessary permissions to apps
- Ignoring security updates
- Using the same password everywhere
- Disabling all protections
- Installing software from untrusted sources
Get More Control with Windows 11 Pro
Windows 11 Pro includes advanced privacy tools like BitLocker, Group Policy Editor, and more enterprise controls.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Windows 11 without a Microsoft account?
Yes, although Windows 11 Home tries to force the use of a Microsoft account, there are methods to set it up with a local account. Windows 11 Pro allows local accounts more easily.
Is Windows 11 secure in terms of privacy?
Windows 11 collects some data by default, but provides extensive controls to limit this collection. By correctly configuring privacy options, you can significantly reduce shared data.
What data does Windows 11 send to Microsoft?
The minimum level includes device data, basic performance information, and error data. The optional level may include browsing history, app usage, and typing data.
How do I know if an app is using my camera or microphone?
Windows 11 shows indicators in the taskbar: an orange icon for the microphone and green for the camera. You can also view access history in Settings > Privacy.
Can I completely disable telemetry?
In Windows 11 Home, it's not possible to completely disable it. Windows 11 Pro and Enterprise allow reducing it to minimum using Group Policy Editor, but there's always a basic required level.