Data protection settings in Windows 10
When Windows 10 was released in July 2015, and replaced the rather unpopular Windows 8.1 with a market share of almost 6%, a lot has changed in Windows’ product policy.
The change from older versions of Windows should be made as tasty as possible for users, because you could upgrade to the latest operating system from Microsoft for free for 1 year, and if you didn’t like it, there was even the option of a fallback so that you could go back could switch.
However, Windows 10 has not only done a lot better than its predecessor, but it has also become significantly more curious. During installation, you were asked for all sorts of approvals to transfer certain data.
Anyone who was annoyed here, similar to excessive general terms and conditions, simply clicked on everything quickly. At least as interesting, however, are the data protection aspects in which you were not asked during the installation, but rather tacitly accepted.
In our article we would like to point out the most important data protection settings of Windows 10 from our point of view, which you should look at again.
Data protection settings in Windows 10
When Windows 10 was released in July 2015, and replaced the rather unpopular Windows 8.1 with a market share of almost 6%, a lot has changed in Windows’ product policy.
The change from older versions of Windows should be made as tasty as possible for users, because you could upgrade to the latest operating system from Microsoft for free for 1 year, and if you didn’t like it, there was even the option of a fallback so that you could go back could switch.
However, Windows 10 has not only done a lot better than its predecessor, but it has also become significantly more curious. During installation, you were asked for all sorts of approvals to transfer certain data.
Anyone who was annoyed here, similar to excessive general terms and conditions, simply clicked on everything quickly. At least as interesting, however, are the data protection aspects in which you were not asked during the installation, but rather tacitly accepted.
In our article we would like to point out the most important data protection settings of Windows 10 from our point of view, which you should look at again.
1. Activities progress
1. Activities progress
The activity history can be used to track exactly when, for what purpose, for how long and how often you have used an app. The data obtained from this are both saved by Windows as standard and uploaded to Microsoft Server.
Of course, this data should only be used to improve the services and products, and will also be sent anonymously. If you don’t really trust the whole thing, we recommend deactivating the two ticks.
See picture: (click to enlarge)
The activity history can be used to track exactly when, for what purpose, for how long and how often you have used an app. The data obtained from this are both saved by Windows as standard and uploaded to Microsoft Server.
Of course, this data should only be used to improve the services and products, and will also be sent anonymously. If you don’t really trust the whole thing, we recommend deactivating the two ticks.
See picture: (click to enlarge)
2. Diagnostics and feedback options
2. Diagnostics and feedback options
Under “Diagnostics and Feedback” there are two options between which you can choose.
This function cannot be completely deselected, which is why we recommend selecting the “Simple” option. Because with “Complete” pretty much all usage data (visited websites, use of programs, etc.) is sent to Microsoft and can also be assigned to your account (i.e. personalized).
See picture: (click to enlarge)
Under “Diagnostics and Feedback” there are two options between which you can choose.
This function cannot be completely deselected, which is why we recommend selecting the “Simple” option. Because with “Complete” pretty much all usage data (visited websites, use of programs, etc.) is sent to Microsoft and can also be assigned to your account (i.e. personalized).
See picture: (click to enlarge)
3. Your account information
3. Your account information
The point “Account information” determines whether apps are allowed to access your account information.
The declaration states e.g. Name, picture and other account information.
And exactly the point “other account information” can make you wonder if it is not explained in more detail. We therefore recommend deactivating this point here.
See picture: (click to enlarge)
The point “Account information” determines whether apps are allowed to access your account information.
The declaration states e.g. Name, picture and other account information.
And exactly the point “other account information” can make you wonder if it is not explained in more detail. We therefore recommend deactivating this point here.
See picture: (click to enlarge)
4. The position service
4. The position service
The position service not only enables Windows 10 but also apps to access your location. Of course, just to be able to offer you better services.
If you primarily use a desktop PC at home, this may still be relatively harmless, but if you are traveling with a laptop and often work from different locations, a movement profile can also be created from the different position data and the time sequences.
Since we cannot see any significant advantage for the user in this function, we recommend deactivating this service as well.
See picture: (click to enlarge)
The position service not only enables Windows 10 but also apps to access your location. Of course, just to be able to offer you better services.
If you primarily use a desktop PC at home, this may still be relatively harmless, but if you are traveling with a laptop and often work from different locations, a movement profile can also be created from the different position data and the time sequences.
Since we cannot see any significant advantage for the user in this function, we recommend deactivating this service as well.
See picture: (click to enlarge)
5. The speech recognition
5. The speech recognition
Speech recognition is finding its way into IT products. Above all, the Google voice search, which you would hardly want to do without.
Microsoft would like to improve the “Cortana” service for voice control of the PC with voice recognition. But it does not only remain with the recognition of the language, but also handwriting patterns and input history via the keyboard should be shared and transferred to Microsoft.
Since, at the time of this article, Cortana is not yet available in Germany anyway, and we are also extremely skeptical about the recording of input histories and patterns, this point should be deactivated.
See picture: (click to enlarge)
Speech recognition is finding its way into IT products. Above all, the Google voice search, which you would hardly want to do without.
Microsoft would like to improve the “Cortana” service for voice control of the PC with voice recognition. But it does not only remain with the recognition of the language, but also handwriting patterns and input history via the keyboard should be shared and transferred to Microsoft.
Since, at the time of this article, Cortana is not yet available in Germany anyway, and we are also extremely skeptical about the recording of input histories and patterns, this point should be deactivated.
See picture: (click to enlarge)
6. Diagnosing Apps
6. Diagnosing Apps
The diagnosis of apps is also very often found when installing new programs. However, it is not always clear to the user which data is transferred exactly where and for what purpose.
Microsoft wants to allow apps under Windows 10 to access usage data from other apps. This enables different applications to exchange information, and this information can then be sent to Microsoft Server together with your account information.
Here, too, it is completely opaque for the user to deal with this data. Since the added value for the user is not recognizable from our point of view, the recommendation to deactivate this service applies again.
See picture: (click to enlarge)
The diagnosis of apps is also very often found when installing new programs. However, it is not always clear to the user which data is transferred exactly where and for what purpose.
Microsoft wants to allow apps under Windows 10 to access usage data from other apps. This enables different applications to exchange information, and this information can then be sent to Microsoft Server together with your account information.
Here, too, it is completely opaque for the user to deal with this data. Since the added value for the user is not recognizable from our point of view, the recommendation to deactivate this service applies again.
See picture: (click to enlarge)
7. Conclusion
7. Conclusion
Conclusion:
The bottom line, we can say that Microsoft would like to know some of us, but it also makes it easy for us to contradict the whole thing, or to deactivate functions and services.
Windows 10 really can’t be compared to a data octopus like Facebook. But it also becomes clear that you are increasingly responsible for what happens to your own data. Convenience is almost always punished by the loss of privacy, which is why it is advisable to look twice and to consider whether this or that function is really necessary or not.
By the way:
Now that the end of Windows 7 support has finally become a reality, many users who are still using the outdated operating system are panicking, and all too often go about buying a new computer. However, this is often not necessary for PCs that are primarily used for office applications.
You can now get Windows 10 for a few euros, and you get the greatest speed increase in Windows 10 with an SSD hard drive that is much faster in data transfer.
To determine the minimum requirements for Windows 10, Microsoft provides the relevant information on the official website, where you can then immediately look whether you are upgrading cheaply or the computer is too old and a new purchase is pending.
Conclusion:
The bottom line, we can say that Microsoft would like to know some of us, but it also makes it easy for us to contradict the whole thing, or to deactivate functions and services.
Windows 10 really can’t be compared to a data octopus like Facebook. But it also becomes clear that you are increasingly responsible for what happens to your own data. Convenience is almost always punished by the loss of privacy, which is why it is advisable to look twice and to consider whether this or that function is really necessary or not.
By the way:
Now that the end of Windows 7 support has finally become a reality, many users who are still using the outdated operating system are panicking, and all too often go about buying a new computer. However, this is often not necessary for PCs that are primarily used for office applications.
You can now get Windows 10 for a few euros, and you get the greatest speed increase in Windows 10 with an SSD hard drive that is much faster in data transfer.
To determine the minimum requirements for Windows 10, Microsoft provides the relevant information on the official website, where you can then immediately look whether you are upgrading cheaply or the computer is too old and a new purchase is pending.
Popular Posts:
Integrate and use ChatGPT in Excel – is that possible?
ChatGPT is more than just a simple chatbot. Learn how it can revolutionize how you work with Excel by translating formulas, creating VBA macros, and even promising future integration with Office.
Create Out of Office Notice in Outlook
To create an Out of Office message in Microsoft Outlook - Office 365, and start relaxing on vacation
The best backup solutions for your data
Keep your data safe and secure! Discover our best backup solutions for your valuable information now. Because safety is the be-all and end-all - and we have the perfect tips.
Internet Addiction – A serious look at a growing problem
Internet addiction is just as serious an illness as alcohol or drug addiction. Just that this is a mental illness. In this article we want to go into the phenomenon in more detail and provide assistance.
Main keyboard shortcuts in Windows 10/11
Entdecken Sie die wichtigsten Shortcuts in Windows 11, um Ihre Produktivität zu steigern. Von allgemeinen Befehlen bis hin zu spezifischen Fenster-Management- und System-Shortcuts, lernen Sie, wie Sie mit diesen Tastenkombinationen effizienter arbeiten können.
Encrypt USB stick – These options are available
Protecting sensitive data is essential. Encrypting USB sticks provides an extra layer of security. Whether it's built-in software, operating system features, third-party software, or hardware encryption, there are numerous options.
Popular Posts:
Integrate and use ChatGPT in Excel – is that possible?
ChatGPT is more than just a simple chatbot. Learn how it can revolutionize how you work with Excel by translating formulas, creating VBA macros, and even promising future integration with Office.
Create Out of Office Notice in Outlook
To create an Out of Office message in Microsoft Outlook - Office 365, and start relaxing on vacation
The best backup solutions for your data
Keep your data safe and secure! Discover our best backup solutions for your valuable information now. Because safety is the be-all and end-all - and we have the perfect tips.
Internet Addiction – A serious look at a growing problem
Internet addiction is just as serious an illness as alcohol or drug addiction. Just that this is a mental illness. In this article we want to go into the phenomenon in more detail and provide assistance.
Main keyboard shortcuts in Windows 10/11
Entdecken Sie die wichtigsten Shortcuts in Windows 11, um Ihre Produktivität zu steigern. Von allgemeinen Befehlen bis hin zu spezifischen Fenster-Management- und System-Shortcuts, lernen Sie, wie Sie mit diesen Tastenkombinationen effizienter arbeiten können.
Encrypt USB stick – These options are available
Protecting sensitive data is essential. Encrypting USB sticks provides an extra layer of security. Whether it's built-in software, operating system features, third-party software, or hardware encryption, there are numerous options.