Windows 11 Privacy Settings You Should Turn Off

Windows 11 includes many features that collect data to improve your experience—but not all of them are necessary. If you care about privacy, performance, and control, there are several settings you should disable.

In this guide, you’ll learn which Windows 11 privacy settings to turn off and how to do it step-by-step.

Why You Should Change Privacy Settings

By default, Windows 11 may:

• Collect diagnostic data
• Track your activity
• Use your data for personalized ads
• Allow apps to access your location and microphone

Turning off unnecessary settings helps:

• Improve privacy
• Reduce background activity
• Increase system performance

1. Turn Off Diagnostic Data (Telemetry)

Steps

1. Go to Settings → Privacy & Security → Diagnostics & feedback
2. Turn off:
   • Optional diagnostic data
   • Improve inking & typing
3. Set Feedback frequency → Never

2. Disable Advertising ID

Windows uses an advertising ID to track your activity.

Steps

1. Go to Settings → Privacy & Security → General
2. Turn off:
   • “Let apps use advertising ID”

3. Turn Off Location Tracking

Steps

1. Go to Settings → Privacy & Security → Location
2. Turn off Location services
3. Clear location history

4. Disable Activity History

Steps

1. Go to Settings → Privacy & Security → Activity history
2. Turn off tracking
3. Click Clear history

5. Limit App Permissions (Camera, Microphone, etc.)

Steps

1. Go to Privacy & Security → App permissions
2. Disable access for:
   • Camera
   • Microphone
   • Contacts
   • Calendar

Only allow apps you trust.

6. Turn Off Speech Recognition

Steps

1. Go to Privacy & Security → Speech
2. Turn off Online speech recognition

7. Disable Background Apps

Background apps can collect data and use resources.

Steps

1. Go to Settings → Apps → Installed apps
2. Select app → Advanced options
3. Set Background permissions → Never

8. Turn Off Find My Device (Optional)

Steps

1. Go to Settings → Privacy & Security → Find my device
2. Turn off the feature

9. Disable Suggested Content & Tips

Steps

1. Go to Settings → System → Notifications
2. Turn off suggestions and tips

10. Turn Off Syncing (Optional)

Steps

1. Go to Settings → Accounts → Windows backup
2. Turn off syncing options

Adjusting these Windows 11 privacy settings can significantly improve your privacy, reduce tracking, and even boost performance. Most of these settings are enabled by default, so it’s worth reviewing them after installing Windows.

For the best experience, combine these changes with performance optimizations and system updates.

If you’re setting up your system, don’t forget to activate Windows using a genuine Windows 11 Pro product key from our store.