Windows 11: Turn off telemetry & protect privacy

Windows 11 looks sleek, runs smoothly—and loves to chat. With whom? Well, with Microsoft. Everything your system sends back is referred to as "telemetry." It sounds harmless, but it's a sensitive topic for many. Don't want your operating system secretly keeping a diary? In this article, I'll show you what telemetry actually is, what data Windows 11 collects—and how you can at least partially satisfy its hunger for data.

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What exactly is telemetry? And why does Windows want to know everything?

Telemetry, put simply, is the automatic collection and transmission of usage data. Microsoft likes to call it "diagnostic data"—it sounds nicer. Windows 11 uses this data to detect errors, improve performance, roll out personalized updates... and, yes, to get a better understanding of how you use your system.

Sounds plausible at first. The problem: You don't know exactly what's being transmitted. You know even less what happens with it. And the whole thing can only be turned off to a limited extent – ​​especially in the home editions.

The telemetry levels of Windows 11

Microsoft has divided data collection into different levels in Windows 11 – at least officially:

• Security data (for Enterprise customers only): Only the bare minimum, e.g., information about security updates.
• Basic data: Information about hardware, settings, whether updates work, etc.
• Complete data: Everything – including app usage, crashes, browser behavior (depending on the app), device configurations.

In the Home and Pro versions, you can choose between "Required" and "Optional." "Security Data" is reserved for Enterprise—a shame.

The problem: Even at the lowest level, Windows sends data. Turning it off completely? Officially: no. Unofficially: well, we'll get to that.

Why you should limit telemetry

Even if Microsoft assures you that it does not use personal data, who can guarantee this?

Telemetry can:

• strain your bandwidth,
• endanger your privacy,
• make you feel like you are not in control of your system.

And even if you say, "I have nothing to hide," isn't it also simply a matter of principle? Your system, your rules.

How to restrict telemetry in Windows 11

Now it gets practical. Here are a few ways to silence Windows—or at least turn it down:

1. Settings (the easy way)

• Settings > Privacy & Security > Diagnostic Data

Disable "Send optional diagnostic data"

• Under "Feedback & Diagnostics" you can also reduce the feedback frequency.

This is basic – but better than nothing.

2. Group Policies (Pro & higher only)

If you have Windows 11 Pro, you can have more control using the Group Policy Editor:

• Win + R, Dann gpedit.msc enter
• Go to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Data Collection and Preview Builds
• There: Set "Allow collection of diagnostic data" to "Disabled"

This reduces data transfer noticeably – but not to zero.

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3. Registry (advanced users only)

If you like to tinker directly with the innards of Windows:

• Open the Registry Editor (regedit)
• Navigate to:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ SOFTWARE \ Policies \ Microsoft \ Windows \ DataCollection

• There (create new if not already present):
  • AllowTelemetry as DWORD (32-bit)
  • value up 0 set (0 = minimal, 1 = basic, 3 = complete)

Note: Registry changes can destroy your system – so only do it if you know what you're doing.

4. Third-party tools

If you don't want to deal with registry and group policies, there are little helpers that can do the work for you.

🛠 O & O ShutUp10 ++

Free, portable, German. It clearly shows you what you can disable – including recommendations.
Official Website: https://www.oo-software.com/de/shutup10

🔐 DoNotSpy11

Even more options, some more aggressive. Caution: Be careful of third-party software during installation.
Official Website: https://pxc-coding.com/de/donotspy11/

With both tools, you can not only restrict telemetry, but also disable Cortana, advertising, location services, and more. Almost like a digital muzzle for Windows.

And what doesn’t work?

No matter how much you tweak it, Windows 11 will always send certain data. Microsoft has embedded some services deep within the system. Even third-party tools can't access them without in-depth hacks or network filters.

In short:

• A little peace is possible
• Absolute silence? Only with more radical means—e.g., firewalls, DNS filters, or even Linux (yes, I said it)

Microsoft's view of things

Microsoft says: "We need telemetry to keep Windows secure, fast, and stable."

That's partly true. Without diagnostic data, there would be no targeted updates, no automatic error detection. And many users want personalized advertising or tips.

But why isn't there a simple opt-out option for everything? Why do so many options remain hidden? And why does an operating system need so much input in the first place?

Questions you can and should ask.

Conclusion: You don’t have full control – but more than you think

Windows 11 will always remain curious. You can't silence it completely—at least not without a lot of effort or specialized solutions. But you can significantly reduce the amount of noise.
For many, that’s enough: less data, more control, better feeling.

"So: adjust your privacy settings, use appropriate tools—and deliberately minimize data transfer to Microsoft. It's important to maintain control over your own information."

19.04.2025/XNUMX/XNUMX (mh)

Images by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay