Privacy is a top concern for many Windows 11 users, especially as more personal data is collected and processed by both the operating system and third-party applications. Whether you’re a casual user or an IT professional, there are practical steps you can take to reclaim your privacy and take control over the information your device shares. Below, we outline 15 effective strategies for maximizing Windows 11 privacy, with clear advice for both beginners and advanced users.
Beginner Strategies: Easy Steps to Protect Your Privacy
1. Adjust Privacy Settings in Windows 11
Head to Settings > Privacy & security. Here, you’ll find a comprehensive dashboard for managing permissions and data collection. Review each section (like Location, Camera, Microphone, and Account Info) and disable access for apps that don’t truly need it.
2. Limit Diagnostic Data Collection
Go to Settings > Privacy & security > Diagnostics & feedback. Switch diagnostic data from “Full” to “Required only.” This limits the amount of system data sent to Microsoft.
3. Turn Off Activity History
Navigate to Settings > Privacy & security > Activity history and uncheck “Store my activity history on this device.” This prevents Windows from keeping track of your actions across apps and services.
4. Manage App Permissions
Under Settings > Privacy & security > App permissions, review access for sensitive hardware like your webcam, microphone, and contacts. Disable permissions for apps that don’t require them.
5. Control Location Services
At Settings > Privacy & security > Location, you can disable location services entirely or only for specific apps. This keeps your device from sharing your physical location unnecessarily.
Intermediate Strategies: More In-Depth Privacy Measures
6. Use a Local Account Instead of a Microsoft Account
When setting up or managing your Windows PC, choose a local user account instead of signing in with a Microsoft account. This reduces the amount of personal data synced to the cloud. Switch by going to Settings > Accounts > Your info > Sign in with a local account instead.
7. Disable Advertising ID
Microsoft assigns a unique advertising ID to your profile. Opt out at Settings > Privacy & security > General by turning off “Let apps show me personalized ads by using my advertising ID.”
8. Restrict Background App Activity
Prevent apps from running in the background by navigating to Settings > Apps > Installed apps, then selecting each app and adjusting its background permissions.
9. Limit Cortana and Online Speech Recognition
Go to Settings > Privacy & security > Speech and turn off “Online speech recognition.” If you don’t use Cortana, disable it to prevent voice data from being collected.
10. Clean Up Your PC with Glary Utilities
For a comprehensive privacy sweep, use Glary Utilities. Its Tracks Eraser feature removes browser history, cookies, recent document lists, and other privacy-revealing traces. The Privacy Cleaner module helps you identify and erase unwanted data across your operating system, making it an excellent tool for regular privacy maintenance.
Advanced Strategies: Deep Privacy Control for Power Users
11. Harden Telemetry with Group Policy Editor
If you have Windows 11 Pro or Enterprise, press Win+R, type gpedit.msc, and go to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Data Collection and Preview Builds. Set “Allow Telemetry” to “Disabled” for maximum data minimization.
12. Use PowerShell to Remove Bloatware
Open PowerShell as an administrator and use commands like
Get-AppxPackage *appname* | Remove-AppxPackage
to uninstall unwanted apps, reducing the footprint of software that may collect or transmit data.
13. Configure Firewall and Network Protection
Go to Windows Security > Firewall & network protection. Set your network profile to “Public” for stricter rules. Use advanced settings to create inbound or outbound rules blocking non-essential apps from accessing the internet.
14. Encrypt Your Data with BitLocker
Protect sensitive files with device encryption. Type “BitLocker” in the Start menu and follow the prompts to enable disk encryption, preventing unauthorized access if your device is lost or stolen.
15. Schedule Regular Privacy Audits
Make privacy checks a habit. Use Glary Utilities to schedule automated privacy cleanups and leverage its Startup Manager to review and disable unnecessary items that may compromise privacy at boot.
Real-World Example: Preventing Data Leaks with Glary Utilities
Suppose you often share your PC with family or coworkers. Glary Utilities’ Privacy Cleaner can automatically wipe temporary files, browser caches, and clipboard data every time you log off, ensuring that your personal browsing history and files remain confidential.
Conclusion
Enhancing privacy on Windows 11 requires both awareness and action. By following these 15 strategies—from simple settings tweaks to advanced system configurations—you can significantly reduce your digital footprint and better protect your personal data. Regular use of tools like Glary Utilities further helps maintain high privacy standards by automating cleanup and monitoring hidden privacy risks. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced user, these steps will put you firmly in control of your Windows 11 privacy.