Windows 10 is already running on more than 75 million devices, since the launch of Windows 10, many users are complaining about its tracking and spying features. For many users, it is not a big issue but for users who want privacy is migrating to Linux distributions like Ubuntu or they are taking advantage of the software. This article mainly focuses on how you can stop Windows 10 spying and tracking.
German developer pXc-coding has created a free app called as DoNotSpy10 that disables Windows 10 tracking. The software has a clean interface that can easily adjust different settings. Here is the full list of settings which DoNotSpy10 can configure.
- Disable telemetry
- Disable Biometrics
- Disable handwriting data disclosure
- Disable handwriting Error Reporting
- Disable Application Telemetry
- Disable Inventory Collector
- Disable Steps Recorder
- Disable lock screen camera settings
- Deactivate and reset Cortana
- Disable localization
- Disable sensors
- Disable Web search
- Disable Windows Media DRM Internet access
- Activate postponing upgrades
- Disable app notifications
- Disable Password button ads
- Stopping and resetting the advertising ID
- Disable SmartScreen filter for URLs
- Disable sending write information
- Disable access to language list
- Disable app access to localization
- Disable app access to camera
- Disable app access to microphone
- Disable acquaintance
- Disable app access to user accounts info
- Disable app access to calendar
- Disable app access to messages
- Disable app access to wireless connections
- Disable app access to Uncoupled devices
- Disable prompts Feedback
- Disabling Windows Update distribution
- Disable Windows Update for other products
- Disable WiFi Sense
- Disable Windows Defender
- Disable automatic Windows Updates
- Deactivate OneDrive
Another developer named as 10se1ucgo created an open-source software know as DisableWinTracking for Windows 10 that can stop Windows 10 spying and tracking. The application can configure following settings.
- Disabling Telemetry services.
- Disabling tracking services.
- Disabling logging that is enabled by certain trackers after clearing it.
- Blocking tracking servers by editing the host file.
The developer is adding more features in it with an aim to disable all tracking features. Though both software is third-party application and you should be careful before using it.