How to prevent Windows 11 from sharing your data with Microsoft

Control what Windows 11 Sending data to the cloud is possible and, with a few adjustments, highly recommended if you value your privacy. Throughout this guide, you'll learn how to minimize the amount of data that leaves your computer and is sent to Microsoft and its applications, the implications of each setting, and where to find them in your system. The idea is that you choose how much information you want to share. without giving up what you find useful.

It's important to understand one thing: if you restrict certain access, some functions may lose accuracy or stop working altogether. For example, the built-in search engine of Windows It can draw on information from your device and the internet, or apps can personalize experiences with usage data. The key is to balance comfort and privacy. so that your PC does what you need it to do, without overstepping its bounds.

Essential Privacy and Security Settings

The main panel for configuring privacy in Windows 11 is located at Start > Settings > Privacy & security. There you'll see the Windows Permissions section and several categories with toggles. Start with the General section, where some crucial controls are concentrated.

In general, disable advertising identifiers if you don't want personalized ads across apps; doing so will prevent apps from associating your interests with a unique ID. Also uncheck the option that allows Windows to track app startup To speed up the search engine, if you don't want the system to know which programs you open.

Another important lever in General is website access to your language list. If you allow it, sites can adapt content to your preferred languages; if you disable it, you prevent that data from leaving your PC. The option appears as Allow websites to display relevant content locally by accessing my language listAnd you have a clear switch to decide.

Finally, in the General section, you can disable suggestions within the Settings app. It's not a critical setting, but disabling it reduces small, in-app recommendations and promotions. The less profiling, the less noise and less data at stake. in that area of ​​the system.

Comments and diagnoses: minimize telemetry

Microsoft uses diagnostic data to detect problems and improve the system, but you can significantly limit what you send. Go to Privacy and security > Feedback and diagnostics and review the options. Disable Send optional diagnostic data to keep only what is strictly necessary (for more details, see How to disable telemetry in Windows 11).

On that same screen, you have two useful tools: View diagnostic data and Delete diagnostic data. The first installs a local viewer to check what's being sent; the second asks Microsoft to delete the information associated with your device. For maximum control, review and delete periodically the data stored in the cloud.

You can also adjust how often Windows asks for feedback. If you don't want any interruptions, change the feedback requests option to Never. Fewer pop-ups mean less unwanted interaction related to diagnoses or surveys.

Important: Not everything can be completely disabled. Windows continues to send essential data for operation, even if you disable the optional programs. However, the reduction is significant and can also alleviate background tasks. Some people notice less resource and network consumption by reducing telemetry and associated processes.

Voice, handwriting, and typing: what the keyboard and microphone tell us

In Windows Permissions, you'll find Speech, and further down, Handwriting and typing customization. If you don't want online speech recognition to use Microsoft services, turn it off. Applications that depend on that online layer will use alternative engines or operate with reduced capabilities..

Regarding handwriting and pen input, Windows learns from your typing or writing style to improve suggestions and dictionaries. Although this learning is stored locally and can be synced with your account, you can stop it. Go to Handwriting and typing personalization and turn off personalization to prevent the collection of unique terms or writing styles.

If you use a stylus or write in multiple languages, consider whether the improved accuracy outweighs the data exchange. For a more private profile, it is recommended to leave these options turned off. and activate only what you need at any given time.

Search, cloud content, and local indexing

Windows Search can search both your computer and the internet. You can limit this connection in Privacy and security > Search permissions. Turn off online searches if you prefer that the Start menu does not search the web when typing search terms.

In that same section, you can set filters for adult content and decide whether the search engine analyzes your cloud-based content. If you don't want it to include results from your services, disable the corresponding option. This prevents search results from mixing local files with your account information. online.

Then there's Searching in Windows, which controls how your local files are indexed. From there you choose the indexing mode and add folder exclusions. If there are locations you don't want to appear in search results, add exceptions. to leave those directories out of the index.

Keep in mind that the search index resides on your PC, but other applications could access it. Microsoft warns of this possibility, so the more refined the index, the harder it will be for third parties to infer what files you have. Customize indexing strategically, prioritizing the folders you really need. daily.

Location and Find My Device

If you use a laptop, Find My Device can help you locate it if it's lost, as it periodically sends its last known location to your account. It's located in Settings > Privacy and security > Find My Device. If you have a desktop computer that doesn't move, this feature is unnecessary. and you can disable it to avoid sharing that information.

Location settings are also managed separately within the app's Permissions. There you can disable global access or access for specific apps. The more restricted the area, the less trace of your location is left. It remains in the system and in the applications you install.

Control application permissions, one by one

In Privacy and Security, you'll see the App Permissions section with a long list of categories. Each category has three levels: device access, app permissions, and individual app control. The recommended approach is to enable device access only when needed, allow it to apps, and then fine-tune on a case-by-case basis..

• LocationLocation-based access, using networks and sensors. Useful for maps; unnecessary on many desktop computers.
• CameraControl which apps can use your webcam. Keep apps that don't need video disabled; if you're unsure, learn how. How to tell if your camera is locked.
• MicrophoneManages which applications can listen. Limiting this is essential if you don't use calls or dictation.
• Voice activationThis allows apps to listen for keywords. It requires a microphone, so if this permission is turned off, active listening will also be disabled.
• NotificationsAccess to user notifications. Useful for messaging apps; excessive for others.
• Account infoName, photo, and other basic profile information. It's best to restrict this unless absolutely necessary.
• ContactsAddress book associated with your account. Only communication apps should have it.
• CalendarReading and writing appointments. Limit it to email or calendar apps that you actually use.
• Phone calls y Call History: for functions linked to your mobile phone. If you cannot link your phone, turn it off.
• EmailAccess to your account email. Keep it in trusted apps.
• Tasks: Read and create tasks in your account. Useful if you use compatible task managers.
• MessagesSMS and MMS via linked mobile. Very sensitive; disable it if you are not using it.
• Radio signalsBluetooth and other radios. Another lever to reduce exposure surfaces.
• Other devicesTrading with nearby unmatched teams. Best to limit this if you're not going to use it.
• Application DiagnosticsThis allows an app to read diagnostic data from other apps. It's recommended to leave this disabled except in very specific cases.
• Downloads automatic fileDesigned for solutions storage in the cloud. Activate it only with your primary provider.
• Documents, Download folder, Music, Images, VideosUser libraries. Carefully adjust which apps go into each one.
• File SystemAccess to all files, including OneDrive locations. This is the broadest permission; use it with caution.
• Screenshot borders y Screenshots and applicationsThese controls whether apps can take screenshots or manage their edges. Keep them closed unless necessary.

When you open each category, you'll first see a switch that allows or prevents Windows itself from accessing that type of information. If you turn it off, no app will be able to request it. Then there's another switch that allows applications to request that permission. The last section lists app by app to enable or disable access in a granular way..

For permissions with history, such as location or microphone, you can clear the history directly from the screen. It's a good habit to do this occasionally. The less unnecessary logging there is, the less data there is to protect. if at any point an app misbehaves.

File system access: subtle but important

Access to the file system is particularly sensitive. Some UWP apps request permission to read and write to your files. In Privacy and security > File system, you can decide whether to authorize it globally and then grant or deny access on a per-app basis. The sensible thing to do is to authorize only the apps that actually manage documents..

If you want to deny access for almost everything, turn off the general toggle for "Allow applications to access the file system." Keep in mind that some classic desktop programs won't appear on that list because they don't use the same permissions system. For those cases, check the privacy settings within the program itself. or manually limits its work routes.

This setting applies while you are logged in. Other users of the same device can change it for their accounts. If you share a computer, it's a good idea to review these permissions for each user profile. to avoid surprises.

Preferred languages ​​and web content: decide what to display

Some websites may adapt their content to your Windows language settings. This information is shared only if you allow it. In Windows 11, go to Start > Settings > Privacy & security > General and toggle the switch for "Allow websites to display locally relevant content by accessing my language list." If you disable it, you won't send that language preference to websites..

If you're still using Windows 10, the path is Start > Settings > Privacy > General and there disable Let websites serve locally relevant content by accessing my language list. It's the same concept, with slightly different routes between versions.

Your Microsoft account privacy panel

In addition to your device's local settings, remember that your account has an online dashboard where you can view and manage associated data. From your Microsoft account privacy dashboard, you can review activity, delete browsing history, adjust ads, and control linked services. Use that panel in conjunction with Windows settings for complete control of what is stored in the cloud.

If you need additional context, the official documentation provides summaries of what data is collected and why. Reading it isn't essential for configuring your privacy settings, but it helps you understand the implications. The better you understand what data is being moved, the better decisions you will make. in each category.

VPN, proxy and DNS: strengthen your connection

What data you send to Microsoft is one thing, but how you connect to the internet is another. Setting up a VPN or proxy at the system level improves your browsing privacy without having to adjust it in each browser. Go to Settings > Network & Internet > VPN to add yours. Choose a provider you trust; free VPNs may monetize your data. and end up costing you more in the long run.

In Settings > Network & Internet > Proxy you can enable automatic detection, load a script or manually define the proxy. Useful for hiding your real IP address from websites and segmenting traffic. If you work with sensitive services, a good proxy or a quality VPN is a plus. Beyond Windows settings; it's also advisable Configure the Windows firewall with SimpleWall to protect traffic.

Another layer of privacy and security comes from DNS. Changing your ISP's DNS to a more private one or one with DNS-over-HTTPS encryption can improve both privacy and name resolution. From your network adapter properties, go to Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and define alternative DNS servers. Choose providers with good data retention policies and encryption support..

Warnings about performance and features

Reducing telemetry and permissions can have a positive effect on performance by decreasing background processes and bandwidth consumption. Some users have noticed improved battery life. portable and less interference when updating the system. It's not a universal rule, but it is a common improvement. when you cut out tasks you don't need.

On the other hand, over-restricting can limit functionality. Online voice recognition, typing suggestions, or Find My Device add value in certain situations. Activate them only when you need them and deactivate them later to keep a low profile as much as possible.

Beyond Windows: Habits and Tools

Your privacy doesn't depend solely on the operating system. A well-configured or privacy-focused browser will make a difference in web tracking. Check for ad blockers, third-party cookies, and fingerprinting protection to reduce cross-site tracking.

Also consider the search engine you use. Major search engines associate your queries with accounts and devices. There are alternatives that minimize tracking and that fit better with a strict privacy approach.

Finally, install apps wisely. Some request excessive permissions or include invasive telemetry mechanisms. Review descriptions, requested permissions, and reputation, and enable protections such as How to enable SmartScreen in Windows. Whenever possible, opting for open-source software brings transparency. and allows you to check what is being done with your data.

By working on these Windows 11 settings and combining them with good browsing and app selection practices, you'll keep most of the unnecessary data flow at bay. Privacy is not all or nothing: it's a sum of small decisions which, together, ensure that your PC shares only what is necessary.

Related article:

How to disable telemetry in Windows 11: privacy and performance

Isaac

Passionate writer about the world of bytes and technology in general. I love sharing my knowledge through writing, and that's what I'll do on this blog, show you all the most interesting things about gadgets, software, hardware, tech trends, and more. My goal is to help you navigate the digital world in a simple and entertaining way.