Windows offers a variety of privacy settings and enhancements, but even tech-savvy users often overlook or misconfigure key options, leaving their data exposed. Whether you’re worried about data collection, app permissions, or online tracking, it’s easy to make common mistakes that undermine your privacy efforts. This guide breaks down actionable steps for both beginners and advanced users, highlighting practical examples and pointing out where many go wrong.
Beginner Section: Are You Missing These Basic Privacy Settings?
Mistake 1: Ignoring the Windows Privacy Dashboard
Many users skip the ‘Privacy’ section in Windows Settings, assuming default options are secure. However, Microsoft enables several data collection features by default. Here’s how to review and adjust them:
Step 1: Open Settings by pressing the Windows key + I.
Step 2: Click on Privacy & Security.
Step 3: Review each category (General, Speech, Inking & Typing Personalization, Diagnostics & Feedback).
Step 4: Toggle off options like ‘Send optional diagnostic data’, ‘Tailored experiences’, and ‘Let apps use advertising ID’.
Mistake 2: Allowing Unnecessary App Permissions
Apps often request permissions they don’t need. For example, a weather app shouldn’t access your microphone.
Step 1: Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > App Permissions.
Step 2: Click on each permission (Location, Camera, Microphone, etc.).
Step 3: Disable access for apps that don’t require those permissions. For example, turn off microphone access for apps that don’t use voice features.
Mistake 3: Not Managing Activity History
Windows tracks your activities to provide a seamless experience, but this can compromise privacy.
Step 1: In Settings > Privacy & Security > Activity history.
Step 2: Uncheck ‘Store my activity history on this device’ and ‘Send my activity history to Microsoft’.
Step 3: Click ‘Clear activity history’ to remove previously stored data.
Advanced Section: Are You Overlooking These Deeper Privacy Controls?
Mistake 4: Failing to Tweak Telemetry and Data Collection
Windows 10 and 11 collect diagnostic data for system improvement. While some collection is mandatory, you can minimize what’s sent.
Step 1: Open Settings > Privacy & Security > Diagnostics & Feedback.
Step 2: Select ‘Required diagnostic data’ only.
Step 3: Turn off ‘Improve inking & typing’.
Step 4: Use the ‘Delete diagnostic data’ button to clear previously sent data.
Mistake 5: Overlooking Network and Browser Privacy
Edge and other browsers can sync data to Microsoft by default.
Step 1: Open Microsoft Edge, go to Settings > Profiles > Sync.
Step 2: Disable sync for sensitive data like passwords and browsing history if you prefer local privacy.
Step 3: In Edge’s Privacy settings, select ‘Strict’ tracking prevention.
Mistake 6: Neglecting Third-party Cleanup and Privacy Tools
Relying solely on built-in Windows settings leaves potential privacy gaps—browser cache, old system files, or leftover telemetry logs may remain.
Practical Solution: Use Glary Utilities for Enhanced Privacy
Glary Utilities provides additional privacy protection with features like:
– Tracks Eraser: Remove browsing history and traces from multiple browsers in one click.
– Disk Cleaner: Delete temporary files and logs that may contain sensitive information.
– Privacy Protection: Shred confidential files so they can’t be recovered.
Step-by-step with Glary Utilities:
Step 1: Download and install Glary Utilities from the official website.
Step 2: Open the program and select the ‘1-Click Maintenance’ tab.
Step 3: Check the boxes for ‘Tracks Eraser’, ‘Temporary Files Cleaner’, and ‘Privacy Cleaner’.
Step 4: Click ‘Scan for Issues’, then ‘Repair Problems’. Glary Utilities will wipe digital traces and clean up data Windows misses.
Expert Tips: Avoid These Advanced Mistakes
Mistake 7: Not Updating Privacy Settings After Major Windows Updates
Each major Windows update can reset or introduce new privacy settings. Always recheck your privacy options after any big update.
Mistake 8: Forgetting to Secure File Sharing and Network Discovery
If you use your PC on public Wi-Fi, leaving network discovery on can expose your files.
Step 1: Open Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center > Change advanced sharing settings.
Step 2: Under ‘Public’, turn off Network discovery and File and printer sharing.
Mistake 9: Overlooking Account Privacy
Using a Microsoft account to sign in shares more data by default.
Solution: Consider switching to a local account for more control over data sharing.
Step 1: Settings > Accounts > Your Info.
Step 2: Click ‘Sign in with a local account instead’ and follow prompts.
Summary: Make Privacy Protection a Habit
Windows privacy enhancements are powerful, but only if correctly configured and regularly reviewed. Avoiding these common mistakes—and supplementing with trusted tools like Glary Utilities—ensures your data remains private and secure. Whether you’re a beginner tightening basic privacy controls, or an advanced user fine-tuning telemetry and file sharing, it pays to be proactive and thorough.