Your PC is at the center of everything you do online. From browsing the web to running apps, creating files, searching, and sometimes sharing your location, Windows can collect some information to improve its OS and features.
The concern is not simply that Windows collects data, but what it collects and how that information is used. Some of it can reveal how you use your device and may be used for personalization, recommendations, and other features.
Fortunately, you have more control over Windows' privacy settings than you might expect. In this guide, I'll walk you through the steps you can take to protect your online privacy on Windows 11.
Understanding Windows 11 Data Collection
Before changing any settings, let's understand how Windows collects data and why. Here are some of the main types of data you may encounter.
- Diagnostic Data: Windows sends required diagnostic data to Microsoft to keep your system secure, up to date, and working properly. It includes basic details about your device, Windows settings, installed apps and drivers, and device health. Windows can also send optional diagnostic data, such as app activity, websites you browse in Microsoft browsers, enhanced error reports, and crash information, if you enabled it during setup or later in Settings. Since you may not remember what you chose during setup, go to Settings > Privacy & security > Diagnostics & feedback and check whether Send optional diagnostic data is turned on.
- Advertising Data: Windows provides an advertising ID that apps can use to deliver more relevant ads based on your activity and preferences.
- Location Data: Windows can use information from your device's built-in GPS (where available), nearby Wi-Fi access points, routers, cellular towers, and IP address to determine your device's location. Apps that have location permission can then use this information for location-based features.
- Search Data: When you use the search box, Windows can save your search history and, based on your settings, use your search activity to improve search results and provide relevant features.
There's No Zero-Data Windows Experience
Now here's the thing: don't assume that turning off every privacy setting means Microsoft stops collecting data completely. Windows still needs certain information to run reliably. So, you can't fully disable some system-level data collection in Windows. However, you can control how much of your activity Windows records and uses for personalization and other features.
How to Protect Your Privacy on Windows 11
Major Windows updates can change where settings are located and add or remove some features. At the time of writing, I was using Windows 11 version 25H2, so the settings may vary slightly depending on the version of Windows 11 you are using.
Windows 11 Privacy Settings
Let's start by reviewing Microsoft's guide to privacy settings to limit data collection.
Turn Off Location Tracking
As mentioned earlier, Windows uses location data to provide useful features such as maps, weather, and nearby recommendations. However, sharing your location over time can reveal sensitive information about your routine. Limiting access to apps and services that do not need it can improve your privacy.
- Go to Settings (Win+I) > Privacy & security
- Under App permissions, select Location
- Here, you can either turn off Location services (which stops Windows and apps from using the Windows location service on the device) or select which apps can use your location. Keep in mind that websites and third-party services may still estimate your location using your IP address or other signals.
Location access makes sense for apps such as Weather and Maps, but for a random utility or camera app? Probably not.
Disable Microphone and Camera Access
Your device's camera and microphone also deserve careful attention.
- Go to Settings > Privacy & security
- Under App permissions, you will find separate settings for Camera and Microphone.
- Review the apps accessing your camera and microphone, and turn off access for those that do not need it.
Don’t hit Allow every time a permission prompt pops up. Grant permission only to apps that actually need it. Does a video conferencing app need your camera? Allow it. A file compression tool asking for the same access? Decline it.
Quick Tip: Desktop apps may not appear individually in the Camera and Microphone permission lists. Windows usually gives you one overall access switch for desktop apps instead of separate controls for each one. Check the app's own privacy settings when available. Some supported apps may also show extra permission controls under Settings > Apps > Installed apps > three dots > Advanced options.
Review App Permissions
Now head back to Settings > Privacy & security > App permissions and review each category carefully. You will find controls for Contacts, Email, Account info, Files, and more. Disable access for any app that does not genuinely need it to work.
The key is to be selective with your permissions. If an app has no good reason to access a particular resource, there's little reason to permit it.
Turn Off Ad Tracking
No one likes ads that seem to know what you are interested in. Thankfully, Windows provides settings that help you minimize the tracking that Microsoft uses for personalized advertising.
- Go to Settings > Privacy & security > Recommendations & offers
- Review the available options and turn off settings you don't want, including Personalized offers, Advertising ID, and Improve Start & search results, among others.
Ads may still appear, but they will be less personalized.
Manage Search Permissions and History
Although helpful, Windows Search can also store and use information about your searches.
Go to Settings > Privacy & security > Search.
From here, you can review the following options and turn them off as needed.
- Search history: This stops Windows from storing your searches locally on the device.
- Clear device search history: Clears the Windows Search history stored locally on your device. It does not remove searches from your browser, Microsoft account, or other apps and services.
- Show search highlights: Turn this off if you don't want trending news, daily doodles, and online suggestions in the search box.
- Search my accounts: Prevents Windows from using content from your connected Microsoft or work accounts for personalized search results.
- As for Find my files, leave it on Classic unless you want Windows to index every folder on your PC.
Turn Off Shared Experiences
You can also limit cross-device syncing to reduce the amount of information shared between devices connected to your Microsoft account.
Depending on your Windows 11 version, related options may appear under:
- Settings > Apps > Advanced app settings > Share across devices.
- Select Off.
Turning this off disables supported Windows cross-device app experiences. However, apps and services may still sync data through their own accounts or cloud features.
Tip: You can also turn off Nearby sharing, which is located under Settings > System > Nearby sharing. It lets you share files and links with nearby Windows devices.
Use Microsoft's Privacy Dashboard
Another way to protect your privacy on Windows 11 is to use the Microsoft Privacy Dashboard. It lets you see activity tied to your Microsoft account, with options to review, download a copy, and delete available data. You can also manage ads and communication permissions across your Microsoft account.
If you use Outlook, you can also review the People suggestions setting in your Microsoft account privacy controls. Disabling it can prevent Outlook from using newly discovered contacts for suggested people.
Use a Local Account
Depending on your privacy needs, you can also switch to a local account.
Go to Settings > Accounts > Your info.
Under Account settings, choose Sign in with a local account instead.
A local account is stored on your PC and lets you sign in to Windows without a Microsoft account. This reduces some of the account-based syncing and cloud integration associated with a Microsoft account.
However, there's also a trade-off. With a local account, some features that rely on a Microsoft account, such as settings sync and certain cloud-connected services, won't work in the same way. You may also have fewer account-based recovery options.
Protect Your Privacy on Social Media Platforms
Social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, X, TikTok, and YouTube collect your activity data to power personalized recommendations. Most of their privacy controls are available within the platform itself. However, Windows also gives you another layer of control if you use their desktop apps.
Head to Settings > Privacy & security > App permissions.
Now go through each permission category and check which apps have access. If an app doesn't need a particular permission, turn it off. You can always switch the permission back on when you actually need it.
For example, if you rarely use Instagram for calls or to record videos, you probably don't need to leave camera and microphone access enabled all the time.
Additional Privacy Tools
Use a VPN
Now that we've covered the basic Windows privacy settings, let's look at some optional third-party tools. A VPN is a good place to start.
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) creates an encrypted connection between your device and the VPN server for the internet traffic routed through it. This can improve your privacy, especially on public or unsecured networks. However, split tunneling, per-app rules, a disconnected VPN, or incorrect settings can leave some traffic outside the tunnel. You can read more about how VPNs work.
Some VPNs also include ad-blocking and anti-tracking features, which can provide an extra layer of privacy while browsing.
If you are interested, here are my top picks based on my experience: Avast Secureline VPN if you prefer simplicity, Surfshark if you prefer a more robust option, and Bitdefender Premium VPN as a middle ground. Read their respective reviews for detailed insight into their performance.
Note: A VPN can protect your internet connection and hide your IP address, but it does not make you completely anonymous. It will also not stop Windows from collecting data on your PC.
If Surfshark sounds right for your needs, you can check its current subscription options at Dealarious.
Use Antivirus Protection
You can tweak Windows settings all you want, but they won't protect you from threats coming from outside the OS.
For broader operating-system security beyond privacy controls, see our Windows 10/11 hardening checklist.
On the positive side, Windows already includes a strong set of built-in tools through Windows Security (often called Windows Defender). It includes Microsoft Defender Antivirus, SmartScreen to block phishing and malicious download attempts, firewall and network protection, and options to block suspicious apps, among others. However, some of its protection is built around Microsoft's own ecosystem.
If you want broader security coverage, a third-party antivirus tool can help. Depending on the product, it may include anti-tracking tools, stronger protection against malicious and phishing sites, and advanced firewall controls.
If you need help choosing the right security solution, consider reading our best antivirus software for Windows guide.
In short, antivirus software doesn't stop Windows from collecting your data. When you install a compatible third-party antivirus, Microsoft Defender Antivirus normally turns itself off, and the new antivirus becomes your main protection. Other Windows Security features can remain active, while any extra web, firewall, tracker, or privacy tools depend on the product you choose.
Use Privacy-Focused Browsers and Search Engines
While Windows privacy settings can limit OS-level data collection, they don't control what websites, advertisers, or even search engines learn about you. Privacy-focused third-party browsers can help by reducing how much browsing data you share with others. For example:
- Firefox offers Enhanced Tracking Protection and Total Cookie Protection.
- Brave blocks trackers, fingerprinting, bounce tracking, and limits network server calls.
- DuckDuckGo Browser blocks trackers and offers features such as Global Privacy Control.
- Tor Browser routes your browser traffic through the Tor network, which helps hide your source IP address and makes your activity harder to link to you. However, it cannot guarantee complete anonymity, especially if you sign in to personal accounts or reveal identifying information.
You can also consider privacy-focused search engines like DuckDuckGo, Startpage, and Brave Search. At their core, these search engines aim to reduce the tracking and profiling associated with traditional search, though their privacy practices differ. You can check each provider's current privacy policy to learn more.
Use Privacy Browser Extensions
To strengthen your browsing privacy further, you can also consider using a few privacy-focused extensions. They help reduce web-based tracking attempts. For example:
Decentraleyes: A free, open-source browser extension that reduces requests to third-party content delivery networks by serving supported resources locally.
Privacy Badger: As you browse a webpage, this free, open-source extension sends 'Do Not Track' and 'Global Privacy Control' requests to tell websites not to collect or sell your data. If a domain ignores these signals and continues tracking, Privacy Badger will automatically block it based on its behavior.
uBlock Origin Lite: Built on modern browser standards, this extension works as an efficient content blocker that automatically stops ads and hidden trackers.
Self-Destructing Cookies (WebEx): This Firefox extension can delete cookies when you close the browser or after you close every tab from the same domain, depending on the mode you select. It is a newer extension inspired by the original Self-Destructing Cookies add-on, which is no longer compatible with current Firefox versions.
Note: Extension support and feature availability vary by browser. Check compatibility, maintenance status, and the permissions an extension requires before installing it.
Use a Secure Email Provider
If you want to rely less on Google or Microsoft services, you can consider privacy-focused email providers such as Proton Mail, Tuta, and StartMail.
These providers are built around privacy, but they do not work in exactly the same way. Their encryption, server access, remote-image handling, and email-tracking protection differ, so check each provider's privacy policy and features before choosing one. Also, don't assume that a privacy-focused email provider collects no data at all.
The free options also differ. Tuta includes 1GB on its free plan. Proton Mail starts with 500MB and increases it to 1GB if you complete its starter checklist within 18 days. StartMail offers a seven-day trial rather than a permanent free plan. Check the provider's current pricing and storage limits before signing up.
Use Cleaner Apps
While tweaking Windows settings can reduce some types of data collection, cleaner utilities help remove some of the data everyday apps leave behind. They can remove browser history, cookies, caches, and other locally stored activity data. Removing these traces not only helps keep your system clutter-free but also reduces the amount of personal information someone can find on the device.
A strong option in this category is IObit Advanced SystemCare Pro. It does more than basic junk cleaning. It includes helpful privacy-focused features such as Privacy Sweep, which can clear browsing and activity traces. Tools like Safe Folder, Access Protection, and Anti-tracking help keep your sensitive files and data secure from unauthorized access and tracking attempts. For a closer look at the program, read the IObit Advanced SystemCare review.
If you want something straightforward, CCleaner Pro can be a strong alternative. Learn more in our CCleaner Pro review.
Windows AntiSpyware Tools
Two other tools that can help you manage Windows privacy settings are O&O ShutUp10 and DoNotSpy11. Both are third-party anti-spyware utilities made for Windows.
They bring a wide range of Windows privacy controls across multiple categories into one place, so you don't have to jump between different menus. They include controls for telemetry, location services, Cortana, Copilot, app permissions, and other Windows features.
However, keep one thing in mind: don't change every option just because it's labeled as a privacy or tracking setting. Some tweaks can affect Windows features and how certain apps and services work. Understand what each setting does before making any changes.
Beware of Free Apps
Free apps still need a way to fund their development. Some rely on advertising or data collection, while others use paid upgrades, donations, nonprofit funding, or open-source support. Instead of assuming that every free app uses your data, check its business model and privacy policy.
Be especially careful with free VPNs. When using a VPN, you're trusting the provider with a lot of information about your online activity. Check its logging, privacy, and data-sharing practices before using one.
That said, not all free apps are risky. The best approach is to do a few boring but important checks before installing one. Read the app's privacy policy, review its permission requests, and, most importantly, check whether it shares your data with third parties. Also, install apps only from trusted sources and reputable companies.
Most importantly, staying up to date on internet safety facts can go a long way toward protecting your privacy.
FAQs
Does changing permission settings affect Windows features or apps?
Sometimes. Certain apps and Windows features need specific permissions to work properly. For example, Maps and Weather need location access to provide location-based directions and accurate weather updates. If you turn off location access, those features may stop working.
Instead of disabling everything, review the permissions and allow only what you actually need. If something stops working, you can always turn the permission back on.
Is Windows 11 better for privacy than Windows 10?
Not necessarily. Both Windows 10 and 11 collect certain diagnostic and other usage data, and many of their privacy controls are similar. However, Windows 11 offers some additional controls. For example, its Recommendations & offers settings give you more control over personalized ads and recommendations, while other options cover Start and Search personalization and more detailed app permissions.
Microsoft has changed or removed parts of some older privacy features over time. Starting with the January 2024 updates, Windows no longer includes the option to send Activity History to Microsoft, although local Activity History controls remain. Cortana has also been retired. So, the available privacy settings can differ depending on the Windows version and update.
Do privacy tools slow down Windows?
Usually not. Tools such as O&O ShutUp10 Free and DoNotSpy11 mainly change Windows privacy settings and generally do not need to monitor the system continuously. However, O&O ShutUp10 Premium can run a background service to monitor and restore selected settings, so its impact may differ. Check the edition and system requirements before installing any privacy tool, especially on a low-powered PC.
Can you fully stop Microsoft data collection?
No. You can't fully disable some system-level data collection on Windows. However, you can control many privacy settings and limit the data Windows uses for certain features.
Bottom Line
Here's the thing: protecting your privacy on Windows devices is not a one-click solution. Major Windows updates can change settings, add features, or introduce or remove privacy options. So, it's a good practice to check these settings periodically.
The good news is that Windows provides plenty of privacy controls to reduce how much activity data you share. The key is to understand what each setting does and decide which ones actually benefit you.
My suggestion: If you want to protect your privacy on Windows 11, review each setting, keep what makes Windows useful, and disable what you don't need. Remember, regular maintenance can help with more than just privacy. For more routine maintenance tips, check out this Windows 11 PC Maintenance Checklist.
She reviews software at Dealarious, mostly recovery and productivity tools, which she tries out herself. Her goal is to keep things simple so readers don’t waste hours figuring out what works. Over the years, she has tested dozens of apps and learned that small details often make the biggest difference.
When she isn’t testing programs, you’ll usually find her hiking in the mountains or enjoying the rain. She believes good tech should quietly make life easier, not more complicated.