Microsoft launched Windows 10 last summer with considerable fanfare. What’s new? Well, for one thing, this operating system is a free upgrade for most of its current users. It includes new features like Cortana, a digital assistant similar to Siri and Google Now – things you’d expect in a new software release. It also includes a few things you might not expect, such as data collection and sharing.
Windows 10 has data collection tools that send information about you to Microsoft for customer experience programs and advertising. Other companies do this too but Microsoft came under intense scrutiny when it launched its latest operating system with all of the new data collection and sharing features turned on by default. These ‘phone home’ features send web browsing, location, contact, and calendar and usage information back to Microsoft.
You can turn off many of the data collection features in Windows 10 but that will disable some of its other features. We’ve covered the most important ones to help you make important trade-offs between usability and privacy.
Account syncing
You don’t need a Microsoft account to install Windows 10 but you give up things like syncing with OneDrive to store files in the cloud if you don’t use one. If you do link them, be sure to review the security and privacy settings on your account. Select the ‘local account’ setting in Windows 10 if you don’t want to sync.
Privacy settings
From the ‘Start’ button at the bottom-left of your screen, select ‘Settings’, then ‘Privacy’. You should go through each of the tabs in this section but have a close look at these ones.
General – You can turn off features that collect information used for advertising and customer experience programs on this tab. You won’t be missing much, unless you appreciate text-completion suggestions. Note that this only works for Windows browsers and Store apps so, for example, this doesn’t affect you if you use Chrome or Firefox.
Location – Disabling this feature means that you have to enter your postal code or some other data to access information on apps, like weather and maps. You may want to review your list of apps and individually adjust them. Note that if you want to use Cortana (covered below), this feature must be enabled.
Speech, inking, and typing settings – This tab is where you can disable Cortana and prevent data collection required for it to work. If you don’t, it will gather information required to process your verbal and written instructions, provide location-specific answers, respond to commands that reference contacts, and manage your appointments. This data is stored on Microsoft’s servers so if you disable Cortana, you’ll also need to go to Bing and delete any previously-collected information (also accessible from this tab).
Network & Internet settings
From this section in ‘Settings’, click/tap through to ‘Wi-Fi’ and ‘Manage Wi-Fi Settings’. This is where you customize your Wi-Fi Sense feature in Windows 10. For example, it allows your contacts to connect to your protected network without sharing passwords. If you’re not likely to use this feature, it’s best to disable it.
Update & Security settings
Unlike its predecessors, Windows 10 doesn’t offer a way to turn off automatic updates – at least not in the Home edition. This is done for security reasons so it’s best to leave it on and, if necessary, disable specific updates if you encounter a problem. Updates are distributed using peer-to-peer file sharing, which can use considerable bandwidth, so Microsoft enables you to set your connection as metered. This is intended for users who have limited Wi-Fi plans but it works across the board. To select the metered option, click/tap ‘Advanced Options’, then ‘Choose How Updates Are Delivered’.
If you haven’t yet upgraded to Windows 10, you have until July 2016 to consider the free upgrade offer (restrictions apply). The decision about if or when to upgrade to Windows 10 depends on the version you’re currently running and whether the new features appeal to you. If you do install this new operating system, we suggest selecting the ‘Customized Settings’ option, rather than the ‘Use Express Settings’ button. The customized set-up takes a little longer but it enables you review and turn off any features that would default on in the express installation.