Privacy
On this page
The Optimization → Privacy tab manages Windows diagnostic data, related background components, developer tool telemetry and app permissions.
These settings help manage features and reduce optional background activity. However, error reports and compatibility recommendations may become less complete, and app behavior may change. An FPS increase from reduced data exchange is not guaranteed.
System privacy
Section titled “System privacy”Coordinates are only needed for weather, time zone and “Find my device”.
The sensor stack on a desktop PC does not power any visible features.
Ads will not disappear, but they will stop adapting to you.
Disabling the transfer of Windows settings between computers.
Re-restricting optional scenarios after installing Windows.
Dev tools and CLI
Section titled “Dev tools and CLI”dotnet commands stop sending usage data.
PowerShell 7+ stops sending data on every launch.
Visual Studio usage data outside the quality improvement program.
The editor stops sending usage and error data.
Windows diagnostics and reports
Section titled “Windows diagnostics and reports”Stopping the sending of Windows error reports to developers.
A group of services for background diagnostic data collection.
Nine diagnostic traces and the DiagTrack service; a reboot is required.
Selecting the lowest available level of diagnostic data collection.
Data collection about app crashes and hangs stops.
Stopping the sending of activation data on a properly activated system.
Optional usage data stops being sent to Microsoft.
Collection of information about hardware and installed software stops.
Scheduler and background jobs
Section titled “Scheduler and background jobs”Periodic background collection of information about app operation stops.
Background compatibility checks for updates are disabled.
The jobs periodically upload usage data; outside Insider, disable them.
Notifications asking you to rate apps no longer appear.
A job that uploads usage information; BoosterX recommends disabling it.
Windows feedback requests and the related collection are disabled.
The job collects a list of cameras; app access does not depend on it.
App permissions
Section titled “App permissions”This is a family of similar settings: each one closes a separate permission (contacts, calendar, folders, devices and the like) for supported Windows apps. These settings apply a general block for all apps at once. Regular Win32 programs may use their own mechanisms and do not always obey the same permission.
The mechanisms and limitations were tested in the privacy and security policy research. Their operation is confirmed; the measurable effect may differ across PCs.