Essential Windows Privacy Settings

Take control of what data Windows collects and shares about you.

In this guide (7 steps):

1.General privacy settings
2.Location settings
3.Camera and microphone
4.Diagnostic data
5.Activity history
6.Search permissions
7.App permissions review

General privacy settings

~15s

Settings > Privacy & Security > General. Turn off: "Let apps show me personalized ads," "Let websites show me locally relevant content," and "Let Windows improve experiences by sending diagnostic data."

Location settings

~15s

Settings > Privacy & Security > Location. Turn off location services if you don't need them on your PC. Or leave it on but review which apps have access — remove any that don't need your location.

Camera and microphone

~15s

Settings > Privacy & Security > Camera (and Microphone). See which apps have access. Turn off access for apps that shouldn't need your camera or mic. Keep it on for Zoom and video call apps.

Diagnostic data

~15s

Settings > Privacy & Security > Diagnostics & Feedback. Set to "Required diagnostic data only" (minimum). Turn off "Improve inking and typing" and "Tailored experiences."

Activity history

~15s

Settings > Privacy & Security > Activity History. Uncheck "Store my activity history on this device." Click "Clear activity history" to remove past data.

Search permissions

~15s

Settings > Privacy & Security > Search Permissions. Turn off cloud content search and search history if you prefer privacy. SafeSearch can be set to filter explicit content.

App permissions review

~15s

Go through each category in Privacy & Security: Contacts, Calendar, Email, Call History, Messaging. Revoke access for apps that don't need it. Most apps only need the specific permissions related to their function.

You Did It!

You've completed: Essential Windows Privacy Settings

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