For those who rely on their PCs for daily tasks, it’s not uncommon to encounter security concerns or notice peculiar behavior from the system. A sluggish performance or an influx of personalized advertisements can be indicative of the default settings in Windows, which permit Microsoft to gather data, monitor user actions, and optimize performance in ways that may not align with individual preferences. Fortunately, regaining control is a straightforward process. With a few adjustments, users can limit data tracking, enhance system efficiency, and bolster privacy without compromising functionality.
3 Settings to Disable on Your PC
1. General Privacy Settings
Accessing the Settings menu by pressing Windows key + I, users can navigate to Privacy & security or simply Privacy, depending on their Windows version, and select General. Here, the first four features are typically enabled by default. These settings allow the computer to track user activity and share data with Microsoft and third-party advertisers. The features include:
- Allowing apps to show personalized ads using your advertising ID
- Tracking app launches to enhance the Start menu and search results
- Suggesting content based on typing and activity
- Sending diagnostic data to Microsoft
While these features may appear innocuous, they can infringe on privacy by disclosing personal information. To safeguard your data, it is advisable to toggle them off to prevent unnecessary tracking and data collection.
2. Diagnostic and Feedback Settings
Similarly, by navigating to Privacy & security or Privacy and selecting Diagnostics & feedback, users will find that optional diagnostic settings are enabled by default. This means that the PC continuously sends detailed reports about device usage, including app performance and website interactions, to Microsoft. While the company asserts that this data helps improve Windows, it also collects personal information such as device name, location, and voice input. To prevent your PC from transmitting this data, consider turning it off or selecting Required Diagnostic Data under the Diagnostic & feedback settings.
3. Background Apps
Many applications continue to run in the background, even when not actively used, which can lead to a decrease in performance and unnecessary battery drain. To address this, users should go to Privacy & security or Privacy and scroll down to Apps permissions, then click on Background Apps to manage background activity. On this page, toggling off “Let apps run in the background” will halt all applications consuming RAM and battery while running in the background.
By implementing these adjustments, users can ensure that their PCs serve their needs rather than those of Microsoft. Disabling these default settings not only enhances privacy but also improves performance and resource management. A few simple tweaks can significantly transform the user experience, allowing for a more personalized and efficient computing environment.
