As we mentioned in a previous post, Windows 10 collects personal data of the end user. Let's say that it was expected but not to such an extent. Microsoft's new operating system comes with the telemetry feature enabled by default. This feature collects all the user's activities and sends them to Microsoft.
Microsoft does not have an option to disable telemetry from the Settings app in Home and Pro editions of Windows 10.
On the contrary, the option is available in the Enterprise version.
Below we will describe how you can disable telemetry and data collection in Windows 10 Home and Pro. Because we don't like spies..
As you can see from the Windows 10 settings, Microsoft will collect usage information. All options are available in Settings / Privacy / Feedback and Diagnostics.
From the Feedback and Diagnostics options in Windows 10 you can set the “Diagnostic and usage data” options to one of the following options, as described by Microsoft:
Basic
Basic information is data that is vital to the operation of Windows. This option contains basic error reporting to Microsoft. If you turn this option off, we will be able to provide updates for Windows (through Windows Update), but some apps and features may not work properly or at all.
Reinforced
Enhanced information and data includes all basic data as well as data about how you use Windows, such as how often or for how long you use certain features or apps, and which apps you use most often. This option also allows us to receive enhanced diagnostic information, such as the state of your device's memory in the event of a system or app crash, as well as the reliability of your devices, operating system, and apps. With this option, we will be able to provide you with an enhanced and personalized Windows experience.
Full
Full data includes all basic and enhanced data, and with advanced diagnostic capabilities, collects additional data from your device, such as system files, memory snapshots, and parts of a document you were working on when a problem occurred. This information helps us further troubleshoot and fix problems. If an error report contains personal data, we will not use this information to identify, contact, or target ads to you. This is the recommended option for the best Windows experience and most effective troubleshooting.
The latter setting is enabled by default in Windows 10. Of course, you can change it to Basic. Was that simple?
But what about telemetry and data collection in Windows 10 Home 10 Pro?
Open the Registry Editor. (Win+R type regedit and enter)
Follow the path:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\DataCollection
If such a registry key does not exist, you can simply create it.
There you will need to create a new 32-bit DWORD value called AllowTelemetry. Set its value to 0.
Now, you need to disable some of the Windows services. From the Start Menu, right-click on the Windows 10 File Explorer item and select Manage:
From Services and Applications, Services will appear in the left pane. From the list of services, disable the following services:
Diagnostics Tracking Service dmwappushsvc
Double-click on each of the aforementioned services and select “Disabled” in the startup type (Apply and OK)
The above will disable telemetry in Windows 10. You will need to restart Windows 10 for the changes to take effect.
It would be a good idea to check the other options in the Settings / Privacy application.
If you have anything to add, you can do so in the comments.
