Protecting your privacy on Windows is more important than ever. Windows systems collect and process a significant amount of personal data by default, much of which can be adjusted or restricted for better privacy. This guide walks you through practical privacy enhancement steps, starting with beginner-friendly basics and progressing to more advanced techniques. Each section provides actionable advice and real-world examples, so you can tailor your Windows privacy settings to your needs.
Beginner Section: Getting Started with Windows Privacy
Why Care About Privacy in Windows?
Windows collects information to improve user experience, but not everyone is comfortable with the amount or type of data shared. Privacy enhancements help limit unnecessary data collection and reduce your exposure to cyber threats.
Step 1: Adjusting Privacy Settings During Setup
If you’re setting up a new PC, you’ll be prompted to choose between “Express Settings” and “Custom Settings.” Always choose “Custom” to review what you’re consenting to. Disable options like location tracking, ad tracking, and diagnostic data sharing unless you have a specific reason to leave them on.
Step 2: Adjusting Privacy Settings in Windows Settings
After setup, you can fine-tune privacy:
Open the Start menu and select Settings.
Go to Privacy & security.
Review each privacy category, such as Location, Camera, Microphone, and Account Info.
For example, under Location, you can toggle off location services entirely or allow only specific apps to access your location.
Turn off “Send diagnostic data to Microsoft” or set it to the minimum required.
Under “General,” disable options related to ad tracking and tailored experiences.
Step 3: Managing App Permissions
Many apps request access to your data. To review these permissions:
Go to Settings > Privacy & security > App permissions.
Review which apps have access to your camera, microphone, contacts, and other sensitive data.
Toggle off unnecessary permissions for apps you do not trust.
Using Glary Utilities for Privacy Health Checks
For beginners, Glary Utilities provides easy-to-use privacy tools. Its “Tracks Eraser” feature removes traces of internet activity, recent files, and other private data with a single click. This is useful for routine privacy maintenance, especially if you share your computer or use public networks.
Intermediate Section: Strengthening Your Privacy
Step 1: Limit Background Apps
Background apps can collect data even when not in use. To manage them:
Go to Settings > Privacy & security > Background apps (or Apps > Apps & features in some Windows versions).
Toggle off apps you do not need running in the background.
Step 2: Configure Windows Update and Telemetry
Windows sends diagnostic and usage data (telemetry) to Microsoft. To minimize this:
Go to Settings > Privacy & security > Diagnostics & feedback.
Set diagnostic data to “Required only” or “Basic.”
Disable “Tailored experiences” and “Feedback frequency.”
Step 3: Manage Cortana and Search History
Cortana and Windows Search collect and store data about your activities:
Open Settings > Privacy & security > Speech.
Turn off online speech recognition if you don’t use voice commands.
Go to Settings > Privacy & security > Search permissions.
Clear and disable search history for added privacy.
How Glary Utilities Helps Intermediate Users
Glary Utilities’ “Privacy Protector” can automatically clear browser history, cookies, and cache from multiple browsers. The “Startup Manager” also shows background apps and services, so you can disable unnecessary ones and reduce hidden data collection.
Advanced Section: Maximum Privacy Protection
Step 1: Use Local Accounts Instead of Microsoft Accounts
Microsoft accounts sync a lot of data across devices. For stricter privacy:
Go to Settings > Accounts > Your info.
Select “Sign in with a local account instead.”
Follow the prompts to create a local-only user profile.
Step 2: Harden Your Network Privacy
Review your Wi-Fi settings and disable Wi-Fi Sense (if available).
Use a VPN to encrypt your internet traffic and hide your IP address.
Block telemetry domains at the router level, if possible.
Step 3: Tweak Group Policy and Registry (Advanced Users Only)
For even greater control, use Group Policy Editor (Windows Pro editions) or Registry Editor:
Press Win + R, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter.
Navigate to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Data Collection and Preview Builds.
Enable “Allow Telemetry” and set it to “0” (off).
Always back up your system before editing Group Policy or the Registry.
Step 4: Use Third-Party Privacy Tools
Advanced users can enhance privacy with software like O&O ShutUp10 or similar privacy hardening tools, which present advanced privacy settings in an easy-to-manage way.
Glary Utilities for Advanced Cleanup
Glary Utilities offers a “Registry Cleaner” and “Disk Cleaner” that not only remove unnecessary files but also erase leftover data from uninstalled programs and old user profiles. This helps ensure that sensitive information does not persist on your disk.
Conclusion
Enhancing Windows privacy is an ongoing process. Beginners can start by adjusting built-in settings and managing app permissions, while advanced users can go further by tweaking Group Policy and using third-party tools. Regardless of your skill level, regular use of privacy-focused utilities like Glary Utilities helps maintain your privacy, keep your system clean, and minimize personal data exposure. Remember to review your privacy settings periodically as Windows updates or new apps may introduce new data collection features.