Protecting your privacy on Windows 10 and 11 doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Many default settings in Windows send data to Microsoft or third parties, but with a few adjustments, you can significantly reduce data sharing and keep your personal information more secure. Here are twelve straightforward privacy enhancement strategies every beginner Windows user can follow, along with clear steps and real-world examples.
1. How Do You Review and Adjust Privacy Settings?
Windows includes a dedicated Privacy section in the Settings app. Start here for a broad overview of what the system tracks.
Go to Start > Settings > Privacy & security.
Review categories like “General,” “Location,” “Camera,” and “Microphone.”
Disable options you don’t need, such as “Let apps use my advertising ID” and “Send Microsoft info about how I write.”
Turn off location services if not required for apps like Maps.
2. Can You Limit Diagnostic and Feedback Data to Microsoft?
By default, Windows collects diagnostic data to improve the OS. You can restrict this:
Go to Settings > Privacy & security > Diagnostics & feedback.
Select “Required diagnostic data” (Windows 10) or “Send optional diagnostic data” OFF (Windows 11).
Disable “Improve inking & typing.”
Clear existing diagnostic data by clicking “Delete.”
3. Why Should You Control App Permissions?
Many apps request access to your location, camera, microphone, and more. Only allow permissions if strictly necessary.
Under Settings > Privacy & security, select each permission type (e.g., Camera, Microphone).
Toggle off access for apps you don’t trust or use.
4. How Can You Manage Account Syncing?
Microsoft synchronizes settings and data across devices, which can include passwords, browsing history, and more.
Go to Settings > Accounts > Sync your settings.
Turn off unnecessary sync features, or all syncing, if you don’t need it.
5. What Is the Benefit of Using a Local Account?
A Microsoft account syncs data with Microsoft’s cloud. For higher privacy, switch to a local account:
Settings > Accounts > Your info.
Select “Sign in with a local account instead” and follow prompts.
6. Should You Disable Cortana and Online Speech Recognition?
Cortana and voice features process recordings in the cloud.
Settings > Privacy & security > Speech.
Turn off “Online speech recognition.”
Disable Cortana by removing it from the taskbar or uninstalling it if possible.
7. How Do You Prevent Targeted Advertising?
Windows uses your data for personalized ads.
Settings > Privacy & security > General.
Toggle off “Let apps use my advertising ID.”
Visit https://account.microsoft.com/privacy/ad-settings to further restrict ads.
8. Is it Necessary to Clear Activity History?
Windows logs activity for Timeline and syncing purposes.
Settings > Privacy & security > Activity history.
Uncheck “Store my activity history on this device.”
Click “Clear” under “Clear activity history.”
9. Can You Harden Browser Privacy?
Edge, Chrome, and Firefox all have privacy controls.
In Edge, go to Settings > Privacy, search, and services.
Set tracking prevention to “Strict.”
Consider using a privacy-focused browser or extensions like uBlock Origin.
10. Should You Use Built-in Encryption?
BitLocker (Pro editions) encrypts your drive, protecting your files if your PC is lost or stolen.
Search “BitLocker” in the Start menu.
Follow prompts to turn it on (requires administrator rights and a compatible edition).
11. What About Automatic App Launch and Background Apps?
Background apps can collect and transmit data.
Settings > Apps > Apps & features (Windows 11).
Disable apps you don’t need running in the background.
Under Settings > Privacy & security > Background apps (Windows 10), turn off unnecessary background apps.
12. How Can Glary Utilities Simplify Privacy Maintenance?
Instead of tweaking every setting manually, you can use a trusted third-party tool like Glary Utilities to streamline privacy and security. This all-in-one suite offers:
Privacy Cleaner: Removes browsing and search history, cookies, and temporary files.
Tracks Eraser: Deletes traces of recent computer activities automatically.
Startup Manager: Lets you control which programs run at startup, reducing data sent from unnecessary apps.
One-Click Maintenance: Scans for and fixes privacy risks in just a few moments.
To use Glary Utilities:
Download and install Glary Utilities from the official website.
Launch the program, select “1-Click Maintenance,” and check “Privacy Tracks.”
Click “Scan for Issues” and then “Repair Problems” to clear sensitive data.
Explore additional privacy tools under the “Privacy & Security” section of Glary Utilities.
Final Thoughts
Improving privacy on Windows 10 and 11 doesn’t have to be technical or time-consuming. By following these twelve strategies, you’ll reduce data sharing, minimize tracking, and secure your personal information. For a hands-off approach, Glary Utilities helps automate many privacy improvements, making it easier for beginners to stay protected with minimal effort. Always remember to review your privacy settings after major Windows updates, as defaults can revert.