Windows 11 brings a sleek interface and productivity improvements, but it also collects a significant amount of user data by default. Whether you’re a privacy-conscious home user or a professional safeguarding sensitive information, enhancing your system’s privacy settings is essential. This guide presents the 15 most effective strategies to bolster your privacy on Windows 11, with clear steps for both beginners and advanced users.
Why does privacy matter in Windows 11?
Windows 11 collects telemetry data, uses personalized ads, and synchronizes settings to the cloud. While these features can improve user experience, they may compromise your privacy. Strengthening privacy not only protects your personal and professional data but also reduces unnecessary data transfers, making your PC safer and often faster.
1. Adjust Privacy Settings During Setup
For Beginners:
When setting up Windows 11, look for options related to privacy and customize them. Decline requests for location tracking, personalized ads, and diagnostic data sharing.
For Advanced Users:
After setup, open Settings > Privacy & security. Review each category and disable unnecessary data collection features.
2. Limit Diagnostic Data Collection
For Beginners:
Go to Settings > Privacy & security > Diagnostics & feedback. Select “Required diagnostic data” and disable optional data sharing.
For Advanced Users:
Use Group Policy Editor (Windows 11 Pro):
Run gpedit.msc. Navigate to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Data Collection and Preview Builds. Set “Allow Telemetry” to “Disabled”.
3. Turn Off Activity History
For Beginners:
Settings > Privacy & security > Activity history. Uncheck “Store my activity history on this device” and “Send my activity history to Microsoft”.
For Advanced Users:
Clear existing activity history from the same menu.
4. Disable Location Services
For Beginners:
Settings > Privacy & security > Location. Turn off location services for the device and fine-tune app access.
For Advanced Users:
Use Group Policy Editor to enforce global location privacy settings across all users.
5. Control Microphone and Camera Access
For Beginners:
Settings > Privacy & security > Camera and Microphone. Toggle off access for apps that do not require these permissions.
For Advanced Users:
Review per-app permissions and disable access for built-in system apps if not needed.
6. Manage App Permissions
For Beginners:
Under Privacy & security, review each permissions category (contacts, calendar, call history, etc.) and disable access for non-essential apps.
For Advanced Users:
Uninstall unnecessary apps using PowerShell:
Get-AppxPackage *appname* | Remove-AppxPackage
7. Disable Advertising ID and Personalized Ads
For Beginners:
Settings > Privacy & security > General. Turn off “Let apps show me personalized ads by using my advertising ID”.
For Advanced Users:
Block ad tracking in your browser and consider browser privacy extensions.
8. Limit Syncing of Data with Microsoft Account
For Beginners:
Settings > Accounts > Windows backup. Turn off “Remember my apps” and “Remember my preferences”.
For Advanced Users:
Use a local account instead of a Microsoft account for login.
9. Use Glary Utilities for Privacy Cleanup
For Beginners:
Download and install Glary Utilities. Use the “Tracks Eraser” tool to remove browsing and usage history, temporary files, and leftover system traces.
For Advanced Users:
Schedule automatic privacy cleanups and customize which traces and logs to erase, including deep cleaning of system logs and recent document history.
10. Harden Windows Defender and Security Features
For Beginners:
Settings > Privacy & security > Windows Security. Run “Device Security” and “App & browser control” to maximize protection.
For Advanced Users:
Enable “Controlled folder access” and apply additional exploit protections under Windows Security settings.
11. Disable Cortana and Voice Data Collection
For Beginners:
Open the search box, click on Cortana settings, and disable voice activation and permissions.
For Advanced Users:
Remove Cortana entirely via PowerShell:
Get-AppxPackage -allusers Microsoft.549981C3F5F10 | Remove-AppxPackage
12. Control Windows Updates and Feature Rollouts
For Beginners:
Settings > Windows Update > Advanced options. Limit how much data is sent and received.
For Advanced Users:
Use Group Policy Editor to defer updates and restrict update telemetry.
13. Use Encryption for Sensitive Files
For Beginners:
Right-click files or folders, select Properties > Advanced > Encrypt contents.
For Advanced Users:
Enable BitLocker on drives for full disk encryption.
14. Block Outbound Connections with Firewall Rules
For Beginners:
Settings > Privacy & security > Windows Security > Firewall & network protection. Ensure the firewall is on.
For Advanced Users:
Open Windows Defender Firewall, create outbound rules to restrict data transmission for specific apps.
15. Regularly Audit Privacy Settings and System Logs
For Beginners:
Once a month, review Privacy & security settings for new permissions or features.
For Advanced Users:
Use Glary Utilities’ “Tracks Eraser” and “Startup Manager” to monitor new startup items and background processes that could impact privacy.
Final Thoughts
Maximizing privacy on Windows 11 requires a combination of built-in settings adjustments and third-party tools. Glary Utilities is especially effective for ongoing privacy cleanup, helping both beginners and advanced users erase system traces and manage sensitive data effortlessly. By following these 15 strategies, users can enjoy Windows 11’s features while keeping personal data secure and private. Regularly reviewing and updating your privacy settings ensures ongoing protection in a constantly changing digital landscape.