Windows 10 privacy settings won't close

Microsoft's Windows Development Leader Terry Myerson says some of the most important improvements in the Windows 10 Creators Update (version 1703) relate to privacy settings:

Microsoft: “With our commitment to transparency and privacy, we are introducing three major enhancements to help users stay more privacy informed on Windows 10.”

1. Improving user awareness of the security of personal data... Brief descriptions of each individual privacy setting, as well as "More" buttons, make information about the correctness of your choice easily accessible and easy to understand.
2. Microsoft Privacy Statement Updates include Additional information about the 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 the major Windows 10 update. As with the previous privacy statement. this information has multiple levels and is available online to help users ensure they have the correct privacy settings in Windows 10. Key revisions are reflected in the Microsoft privacy statement revision history.
3. Microsoft discloses more information about the data it collects... The data collected when you select the “Basic” data upload volume is used solely to keep your Windows device up-to-date and secure. Users who select “Complete” will participate in improving Windows and Microsoft products by submitting advanced diagnostic data (including browser usage, applications and features, and ink and data input). Redmond hopes that this information will help users stay more informed about the types of data collected and make an informed decision.

Microsoft has already published a complete list of diagnostic data that is collected when you select the Basic level. Separate pieces of data related to a specific component or event are collected in a complex and are called Events. They are grouped into separate diagnostic areas. The company also provided a detailed summary of the data that is collected at the “Basic” and “Full” diagnostic levels.

Post-Windows 10 Anniversary Update Microsoft team seriously revised what data needs to be collected at the “Basic” diagnostic level to keep the system up-to-date and secure. The main priority in the reassessment was to minimize the collection of necessary diagnostic information. As a result, the number of events collected has been significantly reduced and the amount of data collected at the “Basic” level has been approximately halved.

With the Creators Update (version 1703), Microsoft has taken significant steps forward to improve user awareness of the correct privacy settings in Windows 10. Let's take a look at the major privacy improvements introduced in this update.

First of all, there has been an improvement in the "Privacy" section in the "Settings" application. Clear and understandable descriptions have been added for each individual setting, as well as "Learn More" buttons that allow you to explore in detail what data is collected and used by Microsoft.

Current Windows 10 users

If you are already using any version of Windows 10, you will receive a notification that you plan to upgrade to the Creators Update (version 1703) and can pre-configure your privacy settings (as shown in the screenshot).

The first screenshot shows what the privacy setting screen will look like. The actual values ​​of the switches on the screen will correspond to the current settings in Windows 10. For example, if you turned off the location function, then on the screen pre-setting this option will be disabled.

Update (version 1703) and you will be able to pre-configure your privacy settings (as shown in the screenshot).

The second screenshot shows a situation when all switches are set to the “Off” position (which corresponds to the “Basic” diagnostic level).

You can use the switches to adjust the parameters of your choice. Alternatively, at any time, you can go to the Settings app from the Start menu, then select the Privacy section to read detailed information and to open the Microsoft privacy statement.

If you are setting up a new Windows 10 device for the first time or starting clean install Windows 10, the new privacy settings screen will look like the screenshots below.

The first screenshot shows the situation when the parameters recommended by Microsoft are set. Each switch is provided with a brief description of the purpose of a specific parameter. If you would like to learn more about the parameters, click the "Details" button. The recommended settings have been optimized for maximum usability and best performance for the built-in Windows functions 10.

New screen replace screens “ Fast start”And“ Setting parameters ”that were available when initial setup previous versions Windows 10. You must configure the functions on the screen 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 parameters are split into two columns (if required depending on the screen resolution) in order to avoid scrolling and display all available options on the screen. If you are configuring manually or using advanced tools such as Media Creation Tool, a single column display may be used - in which case scrolling may be required depending on language settings and screen resolution. These tools are recommended for use by experienced PC users only.

After reviewing and selecting the parameters, you need to make a final decision and approve your choice by clicking the "Accept" button.

More improvements to come

In future updates, the Microsoft team will continue to improve its data collection and privacy management policies. The company strives to help users get more information and view and delete data using the Microsoft Privacy Control Panel. Already in April, it is planned to add voice data to the panel so that users can control what information is used to improve the personal digital assistant Cortana.

Work will also continue to ensure compliance with the collection policy Windows data 10 with the general data protection regulations of the European Union and the requirements of individual corporate environments.

Many users worry that the Windows 10 operating system that has turned into a service Microsoft and its partners have data about the system and examples of its use. Participants in pretesting programs with this practice, however, are often opposed by other users. For them in the new control panel Options there are settings to disable data collection.

Special note

This article only covers settings that are officially supported to be changed. Options with deleting services or files are deliberately not described here, since such methods can disrupt the normal operation of Windows.

Separately warn you against using third-party programs to manage privacy settings Windows, of which a great many have bred. Unfortunately, fraudsters take advantage of people's concerns, and there have already been cases of including unwanted and malicious software in such programs.

Confidentiality

Personal data in the applicationOptionsa whole section is devoted. More than a dozen subsections give you the ability to turn off the collection of location information. app access to microphone and camera, account information, contacts and calendar, text messages, and more.

In particular:

• In chapter Speech, handwriting input and text input you can turn off the collection of information by the voice assistant Cortana.
• In chapter Feedback and diagnostics you can change the sending level telemetry at Microsoft from full details to basic. Disabling sending is provided only by the AllowTelemetry policy in effect only in the corporate edition.

Synchronization

Synchronization options work thanks to system integration cloud service OneDrive, which makes it possible not only to save personal files, but also Microsoft account settings. When working through a Microsoft account on someone else's or a new computer, you get access to the desktop theme, browser settings and passwords set on your main device. If you do not want to store passwords in global network, synchronization can be disabled.

Windows Defender

Built-in antivirus system to protect against malware automatically turns off when a compatible antivirus is installed and turns on when it is not available.

Disabling Defender if you don't have third-party security software or SRP / AppLocker reduces the security of your system.

You can disable Cloud protection, Sending samples malware and add files to exclusions that DefenderWindows will not check.

SmartScreen

Updates from multiple locations

Windows 10 uses P2P technology to receive and distribute updates. After downloading the application files, you can start distributing them to computers on the local or global network. If this idea seems to you not the best from a security point of view, the setting can be disabled at Options-> Updates and security -> Centre Windows updates -> Extra options -> Choose how and when to get updates.

One of the main functions in operating system Windows 10 has become a data exchange, but the default security settings leave much to be desired. If you use this operating system on any of your devices, then you probably store a huge amount of personal information. And you certainly hope that your account information, pictures and photos, as well as financial data remain safe.

Unsurprisingly, after Terry Myerson, vice president of operating systems and head of Windows & Devices, said that the company collects a range of information in an effort to “improve product performance and security,” security and privacy has become a key topic.

Many of us, when installing this wonderful system on a computer, willingly agree to accept license agreement and flag items that seem fun or interesting. However, in reality, few people really understand how much personal information we provide access to. Of course, Windows puts it all in completely harmless phrases like "Let Cortana do its job better." However, since Windows is an extremely flexible and highly customizable system, you shouldn't worry too much, because you can always correct the settings for better protection your privacy.

Privacy preferences

If you want to find out what kind of data Microsoft collects on your device, then in the system settings you need to find the "Privacy" tab. There you can see exactly what data can be transferred to the company, for example, location, results search queries as well as account information. If after that Microsoft reminds you of "Big Brother watching you", then in this article you can find information that will help limit the amount of information collected.

Now there are many Windows users 10 worried about the safety of their confidential data. Indeed, many sources have already referred to it as a system, sending all the collected information to Microsoft and other partners of the corporation, not to mention the many cloud functions that the user may not even suspect about.

Those who disagree with this corporate policy can turn off data collection on their system by following the instructions in this article.

Note! This article will discuss only the standard options to disable sending user data provided in Windows system 10. Methods for deleting related services will not be discussed here. This is due to the fact that such actions can violate stable work your system.

Also, we hasten to warn you not to use third-party software that allows you to increase the privacy of Windows 10. Many fraudsters quickly realized that users' concerns about their data can be used and now, under the guise of programs to configure the system, they are spreading various viruses.

Confidentiality

From the Start menu, open System Settings and go to the Privacy section. Here you can manage different settings associated with private data on the computer. You can turn off geolocation, turn off the camera, block access to the microphone. Here you can turn off sending contact information, turn off calendar sync and message tracking, and much more. Dig into all the tabs and disable all unnecessary. For example, you can turn off the following parameters:

• open the "Speech, handwriting and text input" tab and deactivate the sending of information for voice assistant Cortana;
• open the Feedback & 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 ones. Unfortunately, by standard means it is impossible to disable this function. There is only an option to disable telemetry through the AllowTelemetry policy, but it is only available for corporate versions Windows 10.

Synchronization

Synchronization works due to the integrated service OneDrive, which works with the Microsoft cloud. This service allows you to store in the cloud various files and documents, as well as settings for the account. By logging into your account on any computer or device, you will be able to work with your documents, settings, browser settings and much more. Those who do not want to store their documents and personal data in the cloud can disable this feature.

Go to the accounts settings and open the settings synchronization tab, then next to the Synchronization settings item move the switch to the off position.

This is the standard anti-virus program that is built into the system. The main purpose of which is to protect against various malicious software... If you install any other third-party antivirus, the standard defender will simply turn off, allowing your “colleague” to do all the work.

Attention! By disabling Windows Defender and not installing an additional antivirus program, you can seriously compromise the security of your system.

Here you can turn off the " Cloud protection", As well as" Submitting detected malware for study. " In addition, it is possible to add files to exclusions that will not be scanned through the 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 has new opportunity receiving updates through P2P technology. For example, having received an update on your computer, you will be able to distribute this to all devices that are in one local network or those that are located on the Internet.

Some people may not be happy with this way of getting updates. If you think that this is far from the best solution for the security of your computer, you can change the settings to receive updates.

To do this, through the Start menu, open System Settings. In the next window, click on "Update and Security" and after that go to "Windows Update". In the Update Center, select "Advanced options" and in it open the section "Choose how and when to receive updates.

Wi-Fi control

With this function, the device can connect to all Wi-Fi networks that are open and within range wireless adapter... Connection takes place in automatic mode, without having to manually enter passwords and perform any additional steps. At standard settings this function will be activated.

If you need to disable it, then open System Settings and select the "Network and Internet" section, then expand the "Wi-Fi" tab and click on "Manage settings Wi-Fi networks... Then you can choose the appropriate parameters for wireless networks.

Even before the release of Windows 10, disputes began to appear on the Web about sending various information to the servers of Miscrosoft and about. Partly, heated discussions on the topic of "dozens of spies" are coming out of Windows versions 10 for preliminary user testing, which sent statistics to the developers, which was reported in the corresponding agreement.

As a result, large numbers tweakers that modify the system services responsible for collecting data. Let's take a look at how to change Windows 10 privacy settings using standard methods.

We click "Start" - "Options", after "Privacy". A section opens with the ability to change privacy settings.

Let's note two sections:

• Speech, handwriting and text input - turn off the data collection produced by Cortana.
• "Reviews and diagnostics" - changes the level of sending telemetry data to Microsoft from basic to full.

Synchronization settings

If you work under an account Microsoft record, subsection "Synchronizing your settings", located in the section " Accounts»Will be able to block access to the following data of your main PC:

• Desktop theme;
• Browser settings;
• Saved passwords.

Synchronization can be disabled completely if desired.

System antivirus

Windows 10 finally got built-in antivirus utility- "Windows Defender", which is disabled when installing another compatible antivirus. Its settings are located in "Options" - "Update and Security".

We disable some items, respectively, we reduce the amount of information sent to Microsoft.

SmartScreen

Utility Windows SmartScreen serves to notify the user about the launch new program... Its principle of operation is to check files using the "cloud" system. The filter is controlled from the "Control Panel" - "Security and Maintenance".

How to get updates

Through which you can receive system updates, it also provides for outgoing traffic from your computer. If you do not want to distribute Tens updates to other users for security reasons, turn it off.