Windows collects more about you than most people realize, including, as researchers flagged this week, samples of what you type. Here's a 10-minute pass to shut down the big ones. (Settings paths are for Windows 11.)
1. Stop the typing data (do this first)
Settings > Privacy & security > Inking & typing personalization, and turn it off. This is the setting researchers singled out this week: it stops Windows sending samples of what you type to Microsoft.
2. Turn down diagnostic data
Settings > Privacy & security > Diagnostics & feedback. Set it to "Required only," then turn off "Improve inking and typing," "Tailored experiences," and "View diagnostic data."
3. Kill your advertising ID
Settings > Privacy & security > General. Turn off "Let apps show me personalized ads using my advertising ID," and the other toggles on that screen.
4. Lock down location, mic, and camera
Settings > Privacy & security > Location (turn off, or limit per app), then do the same under Microphone and Camera, revoke anything that doesn't need them.
5. Rein in the extras
Turn off "Find my device," and if you don't use Copilot or Recall, disable them in Settings. Then reboot.
Quick tip
Short on time? Just do Step 1. Turning off inking and typing personalization is two clicks and stops the exact data collection in this week's headlines.
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