Microsoft's Windows 10 has a number of default settings that require users to adjust. We've already covered how much data the new operating system collects and what you can do to protect your privacy. But it takes a lot of work to customize all of these settings.
Today we will try to make things simpler by presenting a faster way to configure the settings. The free DoNotSpy application for Windows 10 is here to make your life easier.
It provides you with options to set your privacy settings from its interface with just a few clicks.
Note: The Windows 10 SmartScreen protection feature may display a warning when running the program. You will need to click “more info” and then, on the next screen, “run anyway” to install the program.
Note 2: The app contains third-party offers. Make sure to decline their installation.
Note 3: The program page is in German, but the program itself is in English and German.
Once the program launches you will notice an easy to use interface and a prompt to create a new system restore point. It is recommended that you set one, as it will allow you to roll back if something goes wrong.
Below is the list of all the features you can control with the app
Defer Windows 10 upgrades
Disable access to Language Lists
Disable and reset advertising ID
Disable and reset Cortana
Disable access to app accounts: Info, Calendar, Camera, Location, Messages, Microphone, Radios
Disable App notifications
Disable automatic updates for Drivers
Disable Windows 10 Automatic Updates
Disable Biometrics
Disable Enable the lock screen camera
Disable Get to know me or Getting to know me
Disable Handwriting Data Sharing
Disable Inventory Collector
Disable Location
Disable OneDrive
Disable Password Reveal Button
Disable Writing Info
sending Disable Sensors
Disable SmartScreen Filter for URLs
Disable Steps Recorder
Disable Telemetry
Disable Web Search
Disable WiFi Sense
Disable Windows Defender
Disable Windows Feedback Requests
Turn off Windows Media DRM Internet Access
Turn off Windows Update for other products
Turn off Windows Update sharing
The program seems to have problems detecting the current state of a feature. On the Windows 10 we tested it on, the Web Search feature was already disabled but the program didn't read it as disabled.
The application makes the necessary changes to the registry in the background. Note that you may need to restart the system before you see the changes.
The main advantage that the DoNotSpy app offers is convenience. Instead of having to hunt down locations to change these settings yourself, you can find more privacy-related settings in the program's interface.
The downside is the adware offering and the fact that DoNotSpy10 asks to be installed before use.
Pay attention to the following screen during installation. You can avoid the installation of adware and the change of your pre-selected browser by simply selecting Custom Install.
- Installer MD5: C23B1F534636E5BE7DFE5D10AF64E8AE
- Installer SHA1: 721F5B8C9986BA8E034E739E02920B1609016D6E
