If you have read the many articles about technology that I have written, you will already be aware that I use a Linux operating system on my computers (Linux Mint), and I use open
source software wherever possible. Of course, Microsoft Windows (10 or 11 versions) are, at present, the most used operating systems on personal computers. This article is an attempt to help you retain a degree of privacy, while using this software, although I must admit that Microsoft is making this more difficult.
The first topic to understand is “telemetry”, which is the means of collecting data about
performance, etc., and then sending it to a remote or central location for analysis. Microsoft uses telemetry to get feedback on their products to improve performance, but it also gathers data for other reasons that have nothing to do with real improvements to the user. At this point, telemetry crosses the line into the realm of privacy. So let us examine some of the means of limiting this data transfer.
If you desire some personal privacy, you should turn off the ad tracking feature of
Windows. The information gathered allows advertisers to create a profile on the user in order to sent them specific ads that they think would interest you. There is an ad setting section in Microsoft’s “Privacy Dashboard”. You are able to turn this feature off. You will still get advertisements, but they will be general not specific to you. At the same time, you might want to turn off the “location” tracking feature of Windows. You should be able to clear your past location history as well. Windows also tracks your “activity history”. This item can also be turned off.
If you are concerned about your privacy, you also need to check your “app permissions”,
for they too can access your files, camera, microphone, location, etc. By scrutinizing the
permissions given to your apps you regain a degree of privacy. If a certain function is needed for the app to work, it will usually tell you when you attempt to use it. Skype, for instance, will need access to your camera and microphone. Still, after using that app, you can deny permission later.
Windows 11 also has a section for diagnostic feedback. You cannot totally eliminate this
feature, but you can restrict it by making sure that it is not sending any “optional diagnostic data” back to Microsoft.
In Windows, Cortana was installed to act like a “personal assistant”. Users can turn it off,
as it also needs your personal data to function. With the coming of “Artificial Intelligence” (AI) software, Microsoft is discontinuing Cortana in favour of “Bing Chat”, which is AI based. I am certain that it will be a personal data gatherer as well.
Also, while you are under the general privacy and security settings, you may want to
examine Microsoft’s use of your “language list”, “app launches” and “suggested content”. All of these settings are accessing your data.
Lastly, you might want to stop Windows from backing up your data on “OneDrive”, which is
Microsoft’s cloud storage feature. Obviously, storing all your computer’s information and files on a Microsoft cloud based server is questionable for one’s privacy. Instead, use a separate removable USB drive to store your documents, pictures, recordings, etc..
In conclusion, by using the information above, you are able to establish a degree of
privacy on a computer using Windows. Moreover, if you are interested in possibly using a
Linux operating system as an alternative, or even have both Windows and Linux on the same machine, with the option of booting into one or the other, visit the technology tab of the UCRMN website for a previous article, and listen to the podcast on Open Software on that website.
Rev. Martin Dawson (retired in Cornwall PEI)