How to Set Up Windows 11 for Maximum Privacy

Windows 11 offers many improvements over previous versions. Yet privacy concerns remain significant for many users. Microsoft collects vast amounts of data through Windows 11. This guide helps security professionals configure Windows 11 privacy settings for maximum protection. We’ll explore telemetry controls, tracking prevention, and essential tweaks to maintain privacy.

Most privacy options exist in the Settings app. Some require registry changes or third-party tools. This guide provides a complete walkthrough for all experience levels. Each section contains step-by-step instructions with practical examples.

Let’s transform your Windows 11 installation into a privacy-focused system.

Understanding Windows 11 Data Collection

Before implementing changes, understand what data Microsoft collects. Windows 11 gathers two main types of information.

Telemetry data includes system performance, usage patterns, and crash reports. Microsoft claims this helps improve Windows. Personal data encompasses your location, browsing habits, and voice input. This feeds personalisation algorithms and targeted advertising.

The collection happens through various Windows components:

Microsoft offers some control over these settings. The default configuration prioritises data collection over privacy. Our goal is to reverse this balance.

Initial Setup: Privacy Basics

Privacy Settings During Installation

Privacy protection begins during installation. When setting up Windows 11, you’ll see privacy options. Microsoft presents these with biased language favouring data collection.

Disable all options on these screens. This includes:

• Location tracking
• Diagnostic data
• Tailored experiences
• Advertising ID

These settings form your privacy baseline. They can be modified later if needed.

Post-Installation Privacy Settings

After installation, open the Settings app. Navigate to Privacy & Security section. Here you’ll find numerous privacy toggles.

Start with these essential changes:

1. Open Settings > Privacy & Security > General
2. Disable all toggles on this page
3. Navigate to Speech
4. Turn off “Online speech recognition”

These steps prevent basic tracking. Next, we’ll address more advanced privacy threats.

Disabling Telemetry in Windows 11

Microsoft’s telemetry system collects extensive system data. Disabling this provides significant privacy benefits. Windows 11 makes complete telemetry removal difficult but not impossible.

Basic Telemetry Controls

First, use built-in controls:

1. Open Settings > Privacy & Security > Diagnostics & feedback
2. Set “Diagnostic data” to “Required”
3. Disable “Improve inking and typing”
4. Turn off “Tailored experiences”

This minimises telemetry but doesn’t eliminate it. For thorough Windows 11 telemetry opt out, continue with advanced methods.

Advanced Telemetry Reduction

For stronger protection, we need registry modifications. These changes disable core telemetry services.

# Open PowerShell as Administrator and run:
reg add "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\DataCollection" /v AllowTelemetry /t REG_DWORD /d 0 /f
reg add "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\DataCollection" /v DoNotShowFeedbackNotifications /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /f
reg add "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\DataCollection" /v AllowTelemetry /t REG_DWORD /d 0 /f

These commands set telemetry to the lowest possible level. They also disable feedback requests from Microsoft.

For even stronger control, consider disabling related services:

# Disable Connected User Experiences and Telemetry service
sc config DiagTrack start= disabled
sc stop DiagTrack

# Disable dmwappushservice
sc config dmwappushservice start= disabled
sc stop dmwappushservice

These changes prevent telemetry services from starting. They significantly reduce unwanted data collection.

Securing the Microsoft Account

Many privacy issues stem from Microsoft accounts. Local accounts offer better privacy protection. Consider using one instead.

Switching to Local Account

To switch from Microsoft to local account:

1. Open Settings > Accounts > Your info
2. Click “Sign in with a local account instead”
3. Follow the prompts to create a local username and password
4. Complete sign-out and sign back in

This change limits Microsoft’s data collection scope. Some features like OneDrive integration will work differently. The privacy benefit outweighs these limitations for security-conscious users.

Managing Microsoft Account Privacy

If you must use a Microsoft account, adjust its privacy settings:

1. Visit account.microsoft.com/privacy
2. Review each section and opt out of data collection
3. Clear stored data where possible
4. Disable personalised advertising

These adjustments limit data collection at the account level. They complement system-level privacy settings.

Controlling Location and Sensors

Location tracking represents a significant privacy risk. Windows 11 can track your position through various sensors. Disabling these features prevents location-based profiling.

Location Services

To control global location settings:

1. Open Settings > Privacy & Security > Location
2. Turn off “Location services” entirely
3. Under “Location history,” click “Clear”

For app-specific controls:

1. Remain in the Location section
2. Scroll to “App permissions”
3. Review each app and disable unwanted access

These actions prevent both system and app location tracking.

Camera and Microphone Control

Cameras and microphones pose additional privacy risks. Control them with these steps:

1. Open Settings > Privacy & Security > Camera
2. Turn off “Camera access” for global control, or
3. Manage individual app permissions below
4. Repeat these steps for Microphone settings

For physical security, consider camera covers and microphone disablers. These provide hardware-level protection beyond software controls.

Blocking Advertising and Tracking

Windows 11 includes an advertising ID for tracking. This enables personalised ads across apps. Disabling this feature improves privacy significantly.

Advertising ID

To disable the advertising identifier:

1. Open Settings > Privacy & Security > General
2. Turn off “Let apps show me personalised ads”

This prevents most in-OS advertising targeting. Apps can no longer access your unique identifier.

Web Tracking Protection

Microsoft Edge needs additional configuration to block tracking:

1. Open Edge browser
2. Click “…” in the top right
3. Select “Settings” > “Privacy, search, and services”
4. Enable “Tracking prevention” and set to “Strict”
5. Disable “Save browsing data for personalised content”

Consider alternative browsers with stronger privacy features. Firefox and Brave offer enhanced tracking protection.

Managing App Permissions

Windows 11 apps request various permissions. Many collect unnecessary data. Review and restrict these permissions for better privacy.

System-wide App Permissions

Check these critical permission groups:

1. Open Settings > Privacy & Security
2. Review each category (Contacts, Calendar, etc.)
3. Disable global access where possible
4. Control individual app permissions

Pay special attention to these high-risk categories:

• Contacts
• Calendar
• Call history
• Email
• Documents
• Pictures

These contain sensitive personal information. Limit app access strictly.

Background App Management

Apps running in background can collect data continuously. Limit this behaviour:

1. Open Settings > Apps > Installed apps
2. Select an app, then “Advanced options”
3. Set “Background apps permissions” to “Never”
4. Repeat for all non-essential apps

This prevents unnecessary data collection when apps aren’t actively used.

Using Group Policy for Enhanced Privacy

Windows 11 Pro and Enterprise editions include Group Policy Editor. This powerful tool enables advanced privacy controls.

Configuring Privacy Policies

To access Group Policy:

1. Press Win+R, type gpedit.msc, press Enter
2. Navigate to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Data Collection and Preview Builds
3. Find “Allow Telemetry” and set to “Disabled”

Additional useful policies include:

Windows Components > Cloud Content > Turn off Microsoft consumer experiences
Windows Components > Search > Allow Cortana
Windows Components > Windows Update > Configure Automatic Updates

Set these to “Disabled” for maximum privacy. These changes prevent numerous tracking mechanisms.

Home Edition Workaround

Windows 11 Home lacks Group Policy Editor. Use registry modifications instead:

# Create registry file with notepad, save as privacy.reg
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\CloudContent]
"DisableWindowsConsumerFeatures"=dword:00000001

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\DataCollection]
"AllowTelemetry"=dword:00000000

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\DataCollection]
"DoNotShowFeedbackNotifications"=dword:00000001

Run this file by double-clicking. It applies similar protections as Group Policy settings.

Third-Party Privacy Tools for Windows 11

Several third-party tools enhance Windows 11 privacy. These utilities provide options beyond built-in settings.

O&O ShutUp10++

O&O ShutUp10++ works with Windows 11 despite its name. This free tool offers:

• One-click application of recommended settings
• Detailed explanations for each option
• System restore point creation before changes
• Export/import of configurations

Install and run this tool after Windows updates. Updates often reset privacy settings.

Windows Privacy Dashboard

Windows Privacy Dashboard provides granular control over:

• Telemetry services
• Scheduled tasks that compromise privacy
• Unwanted applications and features
• Group Policy and registry settings

Its clean interface makes complex privacy settings accessible.

Privacy Script Example

For advanced users, PowerShell scripts offer powerful privacy controls. Here’s a sample script:

# Privacy Enhancement Script for Windows 11
# Run as Administrator

# Disable telemetry
reg add "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\DataCollection" /v AllowTelemetry /t REG_DWORD /d 0 /f

# Disable consumer experiences
reg add "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\CloudContent" /v DisableWindowsConsumerFeatures /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /f

# Disable advertising ID
reg add "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\AdvertisingInfo" /v Enabled /t REG_DWORD /d 0 /f
reg add "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\AdvertisingInfo" /v DisabledByGroupPolicy /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /f

# Disable Cortana
reg add "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Windows Search" /v AllowCortana /t REG_DWORD /d 0 /f

# Disable timeline
reg add "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\System" /v EnableActivityFeed /t REG_DWORD /d 0 /f

# Disable feedback
schtasks /change /tn "Microsoft\Windows\Feedback\Siuf\DmClient" /disable
schtasks /change /tn "Microsoft\Windows\Feedback\Siuf\DmClientOnScenarioDownload" /disable

# Disable app suggestions and consumer features
reg add "HKCU\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\ContentDeliveryManager" /v SubscribedContent-338388Enabled /t REG_DWORD /d 0 /f
reg add "HKCU\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\ContentDeliveryManager" /v SubscribedContent-338389Enabled /t REG_DWORD /d 0 /f

Write-Host "Privacy enhancements applied. Please restart your computer."

Save this as enhance-privacy.ps1. Run it in PowerShell with administrator privileges.

Real-World Privacy Setup Scenario

Let’s walk through securing a new Windows 11 installation. This represents best practices for IT security professionals.

Step 1: Initial Configuration

After installation, immediately open Settings:

1. Navigate to Privacy & Security
2. Disable all general privacy options
3. Set diagnostic data to “Required”
4. Turn off all feedback options
5. Disable all “Inking & typing” options

Step 2: App and Service Management

Next, control apps and services:

1. Open Services (services.msc)
2. Locate Connected User Experiences and Telemetry
3. Stop and disable this service
4. Open Apps & Features
5. Uninstall unnecessary Microsoft apps (3D Viewer, Bing apps, etc.)

Step 3: Browser Configuration

Configure Edge or install an alternative:

1. If using Edge, apply strict privacy settings
2. Consider Firefox with privacy extensions instead
3. Install uBlock Origin, Privacy Badger, and HTTPS Everywhere
4. Set DuckDuckGo as default search engine

Step 4: Network Privacy

Control network-level privacy:

1. Set connection to “Public” for stricter firewall rules
2. Consider a VPN for network privacy
3. Configure DNS to use privacy-focused providers like 1.1.1.1

Step 5: Application Control

Manage app permissions:

1. Review all app permissions in Settings
2. Disable background permissions for non-essential apps
3. Limit file system access to necessary apps only

This comprehensive approach maximises privacy while maintaining functionality.

Security Tools to Complement Privacy Settings

Privacy and security work together. These tools enhance your protection.

Windows Security Configuration

Start with built-in security:

1. Open Windows Security
2. Ensure all protections are active
3. Configure “Controlled folder access” under Ransomware protection
4. Enable “Core isolation” in Device security

Strong security prevents exploits that could compromise privacy.

Firewall Configuration

The Windows firewall needs tuning:

1. Open Advanced Firewall (WF.msc)
2. Create outbound rules blocking unwanted connections
3. Block telemetry endpoints using these commands:

New-NetFirewallRule -DisplayName "Block Telemetry IPs" -Direction Outbound -RemoteAddress 191.232.139.254,65.55.252.43,65.52.108.33,191.232.80.58,191.232.80.62 -Action Block

These IPs host Microsoft telemetry services. Blocking them enhances privacy.

Maintaining Privacy After Updates

Windows updates often reset privacy settings. Regular maintenance preserves your configuration.

Post-Update Checklist

After each update:

1. Re-check Privacy & Security settings
2. Verify telemetry and diagnostic settings
3. Run O&O ShutUp10++ again if needed
4. Check for new services or scheduled tasks

Create this simple script to check key privacy settings:

# Privacy Settings Check Script
Write-Host "Checking privacy settings status..."

$telemetryValue = Get-ItemProperty -Path "HKLM:\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\DataCollection" -Name "AllowTelemetry" -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue
if ($telemetryValue -and $telemetryValue.AllowTelemetry -eq 0) {
    Write-Host "Telemetry: DISABLED" -ForegroundColor Green
} else {
    Write-Host "Telemetry: ENABLED - Privacy risk!" -ForegroundColor Red
}

$advertisingValue = Get-ItemProperty -Path "HKCU:\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\AdvertisingInfo" -Name "Enabled" -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue
if ($advertisingValue -and $advertisingValue.Enabled -eq 0) {
    Write-Host "Advertising ID: DISABLED" -ForegroundColor Green
} else {
    Write-Host "Advertising ID: ENABLED - Privacy risk!" -ForegroundColor Red
}

# Check additional settings...

Run this script monthly to verify your privacy settings remain intact.

Balancing Privacy and Functionality

Maximum privacy may break some features. Find the right balance for your needs.

Features Affected by Privacy Settings

Some functionalities suffer when privacy is maximised:

Assess which features you need. Adjust privacy settings accordingly.

FAQ About Windows 11 Privacy

What is Windows 11 Telemetry?

Telemetry refers to data collection about your system usage. Microsoft gathers details about hardware, installed software, and user behaviour. This helps them improve Windows and target features. Telemetry operates at different levels from Basic to Full. Even Basic collects significant data about your system.

Can I Completely Stop Windows 11 From Collecting Data?

Complete prevention of data collection is nearly impossible. Microsoft builds collection mechanisms deeply into Windows 11. You can significantly reduce data gathering through settings and third-party tools. A truly private setup might require disconnecting from the internet or using alternative operating systems.

Will Privacy Settings Affect Windows Updates?

Privacy settings may affect update quality but not availability. Microsoft uses telemetry to optimise updates for specific hardware configurations. With limited telemetry, updates become more generic. Critical security updates continue regardless of privacy settings. Regular feature updates remain available to all users.

What Privacy Risks Exist in Windows 11?

Windows 11 presents several privacy risks. These include unique advertising identifiers, location tracking, and voice data collection. Microsoft can potentially access documents stored in OneDrive. User behaviour tracking creates detailed profiles for advertising. Built-in browsers may share browsing data with Microsoft servers.

How Often Should I Review Privacy Settings?

Review privacy settings after each major Windows update. Microsoft often resets certain preferences during updates. Scheduled monthly checks help maintain your privacy configuration. Consider using automated tools like O&O ShutUp10++ to simplify this process.

Which Privacy Tools Work Best with Windows 11?

Several effective privacy tools work with Windows 11. O&O ShutUp10++ offers the most user-friendly interface with comprehensive options. Windows Privacy Dashboard provides more technical controls. Privacy.sexy website generates custom scripts for advanced users. Winaero Tweaker includes privacy features among other customisations.

Glossary

Further Reading

For more detailed information on Windows 11 privacy, consult these resources:

1. EFF Surveillance Self-Defense Guide
2. Privacy Tools Website
3. Microsoft Privacy Statement
4. Windows 11 Security Documentation

Our Security Services

At Aardwolf Security, we specialise in comprehensive security testing. Our network penetration testing services identify vulnerabilities before attackers do. We also offer thorough server build review services to ensure your systems maintain maximum security.

As one of the leading penetration testing companies, we understand the importance of privacy in security architecture. Our experts can help configure your Windows environments for both security and privacy protection.

Contact Aardwolf Security today for a consultation about your organisation’s security needs. Our team provides tailored solutions for businesses of all sizes