14 simple Windows 11 tweaks that instantly boost your privacy

Windows 11 is designed to provide a seamless experience right from the start, yet it also engages in a range of background activities that many users may not fully comprehend. For those who prioritize privacy and wish to exert greater control over the data their devices share with Microsoft and other services, it is essential to delve beyond the default settings. While achieving complete privacy may be unrealistic, there are numerous adjustments that can enhance your privacy on Windows 11.

Before embarking on this journey, it is prudent to create a full backup of your computer. This precaution ensures that you can restore your system should any changes not yield the desired results.

Disclaimer: This guide focuses on enhancing privacy at the operating system level, specifically regarding data collection by Microsoft. It does not encompass third-party applications, online services, or network-level privacy measures, which may require additional configurations. You are not obligated to implement every suggested change; instead, select the tweaks that resonate with your privacy needs.

How to Improve Your Privacy on Windows 11

Windows 11 offers several practical modifications to bolster your privacy, ranging from switching to a local account to limiting telemetry and removing potentially intrusive applications.

1. Disable Device Encryption

While encryption is generally recommended for safeguarding data, relying on the default settings of Device Encryption (BitLocker) means trusting a third-party network to store your recovery key. To enhance your privacy, consider disabling Device Encryption and opting for an alternative solution to encrypt your files. Here’s how:

1. Open Settings.
2. Select Privacy & security.
3. Navigate to the Device Encryption page.
4. Toggle off the Device encryption switch.
5. Confirm by clicking Yes.

2. Disable Find My Device

If your device was initially set up with a Microsoft account, the “Find my device” feature likely sends your location data to Microsoft. To enhance privacy, it’s advisable to disable this feature:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Privacy & security.
3. Go to the Find my device page.
4. Turn off the Find my device toggle switch.

3. Disable Telemetry

While you cannot completely disable telemetry on Windows 11, you can minimize the data Microsoft collects about your activities. To adjust your diagnostic and feedback settings:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Privacy & security.
3. Navigate to the Diagnostic & feedback page.
4. Disable the Send optional diagnostic data toggle switch.
5. Turn off the Tailored experiences toggle switch.

4. Disable Activity Tracking

Windows 11 tracks certain activities to personalize ads and recommendations. To disable this tracking:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Privacy & security.
3. Go to the General page.
4. Toggle off options related to personalized ads and app tracking.

5. Disable Location Tracking

To prevent apps from accessing your location data:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Privacy & security.
3. Navigate to the Location page.
4. Toggle off Location Services.

6. Disable Search Highlights

To streamline your search experience and eliminate web-based suggestions:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Privacy & security.
3. Go to the Search page.
4. Turn off the Show search highlights toggle switch.

7. Disable Cloud Search

To limit searches to local content and prevent cloud interactions:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Privacy & security.
3. Navigate to the Search page.
4. Turn off the Microsoft account and Work or School account toggle switches.

8. Switch to a Local Account

To disconnect from cloud integrations and enhance privacy:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Accounts.
3. Go to the Your Info page.
4. Select Sign in a local account instead.

9. Uninstall OneDrive

To remove OneDrive and its cloud synchronization features:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Apps.
3. Go to the Installed apps page.
4. Uninstall Microsoft OneDrive.

10. Uninstall Copilot

If you prefer a traditional desktop experience without AI-driven features:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Apps.
3. Go to the Installed apps page.
4. Uninstall Copilot.

11. Uninstall Windows Recall

To remove the Windows Recall feature that tracks your activity:

1. Open Start.
2. Search for Turn Windows features on or off.
3. Clear the Recall option.
4. Restart your computer.

12. Disable Windows Backup

To prevent automatic backups to the cloud:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on Accounts.
3. Go to the Windows Backup page.
4. Turn off the Remember my apps and Remember my preferences toggle switches.

13. Disable Windows Update

To gain control over updates and limit data sent to Microsoft:

1. Open Start.
2. Search for gpedit.msc and launch the Local Group Policy Editor.
3. Navigate to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Update > Manage end user experience.
4. Disable the Configure Automatic Updates policy.

14. Limit Microsoft Edge Telemetry

To reduce data collection while using Microsoft Edge:

1. Open Microsoft Edge.
2. Access the Settings menu.
3. Navigate to Privacy, search, and services.
4. Turn off relevant telemetry options.

Ultimately, while achieving absolute privacy may be an elusive goal, implementing these adjustments can significantly reduce your exposure to data collection. By taking these steps, you can maintain a connected experience while enjoying enhanced control over your personal information.

FAQs about Making Windows 11 More Private

These are common questions regarding changing settings to make Windows 11 more private.

Does Windows 11 really collect data about my activity?

Join us on Reddit at r/WindowsCentral to share your insights and discuss our latest news, reviews, and more.