Microsoft is introducing a new privacy set up experience on Windows 10. Based on the feedback collected at Microsoft, the new privacy options have been built so that you get more control over your data, a greater understanding of how Microsoft collects and uses this data for a more personalized experience.
At Microsoft, we are deeply committed to protecting our customers’ privacy. This includes providing clear choices and easy-to-use tools that put you in control of how your information is collected and used. Trust is a core pillar of our More Personal Computing vision, and we are working hard to make sure Windows 10 is the most secure Windows ever and a product you love and trust.
To accomplish this, Microsoft is launching a new web-based privacy dashboard. This new dashboard enables you to observe and control your activity data from Microsoft including location, search, browsing, and Cortana Notebook data across multiple Microsoft services.
Further, Windows 10 users get a new privacy set up experience, simplifying Diagnostic data levels and reduction in the data collected at the Basic level when the Creators Update becomes available.
For organizations, Microsoft is incorporating new ways to take control and help IT pros manage telemetry and privacy within their organizations. You can learn more about it here.
Microsoft privacy dashboard introduces new ways to review and manage activity data
When you are signed in with your Microsoft account, you can go to account.microsoft.com/privacy to review and clear data such as browsing history, search history, location activity, and Cortana’s Notebook – all in one place.
Privacy changes coming to the Creators Update
- First, we will introduce a new set up experience for you to choose the settings that are right for you. This experience, which replaces previous Express Settings, will look slightly different depending on the version of Windows you are using. If you are moving from Windows 7 or Windows 8, or doing a fresh install of Windows 10, the new set up experience will clearly show you simple but important settings and you will need to choose your settings before you can move forward with setup. If you are already using Windows 10, we will use notifications to prompt you to choose your privacy settings. We’ll introduce this process in an upcoming Windows Insider build soon.
- Second, we’ve simplified our Diagnostic data collection from three levels to two: Basic and Full. If you previously selected the Enhanced level, you’ll have the option to choose Basic or Full with the Creators Update.
- Third, we’ve further reduced the data collected at the Basic level. This includes data that is vital to the operation of Windows. We use this data to help keep Windows and apps secure, up-to-date, and running properly when you let Microsoft know the capabilities of your device, what is installed, and whether Windows is operating correctly. This option also includes basic error reporting back to Microsoft.
As you make your choices in the new set up experience, an additional information will be shown about what impact each choice will have on your Windows experience as shown in the image below.
As always, you can send Microsoft feedback about the new privacy settings by visiting this page here