Windows 11 data protection: How to protect your data

Protecting data in Windows 11 can be done in just a few steps. Find out what measures you can take in this practical tip

Windows 11 Privacy: Adjusting Basic Settings

As with its predecessor, the topic of data protection remains topical in Windows 11. Although Microsoft’s new operating system is cleaner with its new interface and a lot more secure with the “Trusted Platform Module” security module in the form of a mainboard chip, you still have to adjust the settings to better protect your personal data:

• Disable “Location Usage”: When you share your location via WLAN, IP address or GPS, Microsoft receives personal data that can be analysed. You can already object to the use of this function when setting up Windows 11. However, you will then no longer be able to use the “Find my device” function if your notebook is lost.
• Check the “diagnostic data”: You can specify that “only required” diagnostic data is sent to the Windows manufacturer. This telemetry data includes information such as websites visited and apps used. Deselect “Get customised experiences using diagnostic data” to not share your individual usage behaviour with Microsoft.
• Turn off “Improve freehand and typing”: This function is used for auto-correction and auto-completion when typing. In return, however, keystrokes are sent to Microsoft. According to the information provided, this data is transmitted anonymously, but if you are fit to type, you can safely deactivate the function.
• Disable “Personalise your user experience”: Here, too, you can save data. Microsoft also takes diagnostic data under the microscope here to get you individualised app wrappers in the Microsoft Store, for example. If you know which apps you need anyway, turn this feature off too.
• Under “Privacy & Security ☻ General”, disable the following features: “Allow apps to display personalised ads using my advertising ID”, “Allow websites to access their own language list to enable the display of locally relevant content”, “Let Windows improve startup and search results by tracking app launches” and “Show suggested content in the Settings app”.
• In the same section, switch off the “Speech recognition”: If you do not control your computer by speech anyway, you can also deactivate this help tool. However, this setting does not affect the speech recognition app integrated in Windows.
• Disable “Activity History”: By default, Windows records which apps you use and which Internet pages you have visited. If you want to stop this tracking, turn off “Save my activity history on this device. “

More privacy in Windows 11

Aside from the above setting, there are other steps you can take to improve privacy in Windows 11. Refine the settings and resort to appropriate software:

• Do without Microsoft Edge: The in-house browser in Windows 11 is known to send some data to the Redmond developers. Use Firefox instead, for example. The browser scores with more data protection and personalisable customisability.

• Use Windows 11 in the Pro Edition: In contrast to the Home Edition, from Windows 11 (version 21H2) you can activate your Windows with a local account. A Microsoft account is still required for the Home edition.

• Use the toolShutUp10++ from O&O to minimise data snooping in Windows and Office: With this little helper you get the entire data protection settings at a glance and don’t have to shimmy through the Windows settings first. Contrary to what the name suggests, the programme can also be used under Windows 11.
• UseDoNotSpy11: This tool works similarly and gives you equally clear access to all privacy settings. The small applications allows you to save the original settings to return to them in case of doubt. In addition, the app explains in a few sentences which function is for what.