Telemetry in the data collection policy

Settings›Privacy›Windows diagnostics and reports›Telemetry in the data collection policy

Recommendation

Situational

You can select the minimum available level for a private gaming configuration.

Do not disable the related components during update or incompatibility diagnostics if you need full reports.

Primary effect

Limiting the telemetry level

FPS and memory

See the research

What changes

Telemetry in Windows is a data collection feature that gathers information from the device and sends it to Microsoft. According to the visible BoosterX description, it includes details about the hardware and software configuration, how you use Windows and its features, errors and crashes, and the device location — if location services are enabled. The setting defines a system policy: the minimum available collection level and a ban on uploading diagnostic data by the DiagTrack service.

Exceptions and differences

In Windows 11 the levels are called “Required diagnostic data” (formerly “Basic”) and “Optional” (formerly “Full”); the former names are found in Windows 10. Required data is the minimum for Home and Pro editions: this minimum continues to be collected even when a low level is selected, so on Home and Pro the policy sets the minimum available level rather than completely disabling collection. Completely disabling diagnostic data is available only in Enterprise, Education and Windows Server.

Additionally, the setting prevents DiagTrack from uploading the collected data. This is an internal diagnostic mechanism of the service: its behavior may change with Windows updates, so a reliable way to verify the result is by the diagnostic level in “Settings”. This card does not disable the service components themselves: for that there are “Telemetry services” and “Background ETW autologgers”.

The current level is visible in “Settings” → “Privacy & security” → “Diagnostics & feedback” (in Windows 10 — “Settings” → “Privacy” → “Diagnostics & feedback”).

How to verify the result

Open the “Diagnostics & feedback” page in “Settings” and make sure the minimum level is displayed; change the level through BoosterX and recheck the same page.

How to change and revert

Open “Optimization” → “Privacy” → “Windows diagnostics and reports” → “Telemetry in the data collection policy”, move the toggle to “Enabled”: BoosterX will apply the minimum available diagnostic data collection level and prevent DiagTrack from uploading. Click “Apply”. With “Instant apply” enabled, a separate button is not required. To revert, move the toggle to “Disabled” and apply the change again: BoosterX will delete the specified policy values, and the collection level will be determined by the system without an override. Deletion does not restore values set earlier by other tools: if the policy was configured before BoosterX, use a backup for an exact revert.

Confirmation

• Microsoft: Configure Windows diagnostic data in your organization, checked 2026-09-19.
• Privacy policy research.

Last check: 2026-09-22.