Data octopus Windows 10: How to switch off conspicuous functions
In Windows 10, you should turn off noticeable features. The operating system transfers more data to Microsoft than any Windows before. This already started with the keylogger integrated in the Technical Preview and does not stop at Cortana. We'll show you where Windows 10 sniffs - and how to turn it off.
Windows 10: data octopus in your PC - but manageable
When Microsoft first offered automatic updates with Windows XP, there was an outcry among users. “Windows calls home” was also an issue for us at the time.
- But that's no comparison to what Windows 10 receives from its users. Microsoft has now created a little more transparency. The good thing about it: Many of the espionage functions are only active in the standard settings, but can be switched off.
- It starts with the installation: you don't need a Microsoft account to use Windows 10. During installation it is possible to start Windows 10 only with a local account. If you want to keep the transfer of data to Microsoft as low as possible, you should go this "local" way. How to set up Windows 10 without a Microsoft account is shown in a separate practical tip.
- If necessary, however, a Microsoft account can also be converted back to a local account via the settings by disconnecting the connection to the Microsoft account.
- It is important that you do not accept the default privacy settings when installing Windows 10. Be sure to set all sliders to off. This means that most of the sniffing features are not activated at all. You can also find out how to set data protection correctly and protect your privacy in one of our articles.
Windows 10: Cortana listens - always
The digital assistant Cortana is a brilliant idea, no question. It can understand natural user requests by voice or keyboard and react accordingly.
- To be able to work, however, she needs as much information about the user as possible. This includes contacts, the browser history, voice inputs, location and the calendar.
- If she is to be woken up with her code word, she even has to constantly listen to what you as a user say.
- After all: Cortana is not activated by default, but asks when you first use the search box next to the start button whether it should be activated.
- The data Cortana collects can also be tracked at any time using her notebook. You can also deactivate Cortana at any time.
Windows 10: Edge collects browser preferences
Microsoft Edge, the successor browser to Internet Explorer, relies heavily on Microsoft's search engine Bing and Microsoft's news platform MSN.
- These services track users' Internet behavior, including locations, search history, and browser history. Entries from URLs are transmitted live to Microsoft, in order to then suggest websites to you.
- The SmartScreen phishing filter, already familiar from Windows 8, analyzes visited websites and scans downloaded files for malware - the data is then transmitted to Microsoft. Cortana also provides answers before a question has been formulated.
- You can switch off this function by calling up the settings via the "..." menu. Under "Open new tabs with" you can set the item "Blank page" to hide recommended MSN content. If Cortana is activated, it can be deactivated here separately for Microsoft Edge.
- Under "Advanced Settings" the items "Show search suggestions as you type", "Use page prediction ..." and "Protect my PC with SmartScreen from harmful websites and download". Switch this off using the slider.
Windows 10 gives tips - based on user behavior
Windows 10 can suggest apps to users that may interest them - provided they are logged in with a Microsoft account.
- To do this, the system collects information about which apps are on the computer or downloaded from the store. The tips appear in the start menu and on the lockscreen.
- You can also switch off this function in a few simple steps: In the settings under "Personalization" for the lock screen and the start menu, you can specify that Windows no longer makes suggestions in the start menu and on the lock screen.
Windows 10: location data, typing behavior, smart screen filter, advertising ID
The data octopus Windows 10 also accesses properly here.
- Windows 10 collects location data, scans web content that apps access, using a SmartScreen filter, allows apps to be identified by an advertising ID and sends information about writing behavior to Microsoft.
- If you want to prevent apps and Windows 10 from accessing the data mentioned, switch off their collection in the Settings dialog under "Data protection". Here you can also regulate access to all other hardware such as camera and microphone for each app.
- We have summarized more about security in Windows 10 in another practical tip for you.
Windows 10: OneDrive looks at your pictures
If you log in to your Windows 10 system with a Microsoft account, you automatically receive storage space at OneDrive - Microsoft's online hard drive.
$config[ads_text5] not found- While this is convenient, OneDrive is subject to Microsoft's Terms of Use. This means that Microsoft has, among other things, the right to scan your photo files for illegal content.
- If you don't want the company to look at their pictures, you can upload them in an encrypted and password-protected container.
- Alternatively, switch to the service of a provider with a data center in Germany, such as the online hard drive from GMX or Web.de. In Germany, data protection laws prevent the analysis of online hard drives.
Windows 10: Explorer saves common folders and recent files
The Explorer doesn't stop at your usage behavior either.
- In Windows 10, Explorer saves which files were last opened and which folders the user uses frequently. He shows it clearly visible on every Explorer page.
- According to the current state of knowledge, this data is not transferred to Microsoft. The fact that Windows collects them and displays them so prominently should still annoy many users.
- To switch off this function, click on "View" in any Explorer window. There you can switch off the function under "Settings" for folders and files separately.
In the next practical tip, we will stay with Windows 10 and deal with the autumn update: You will find the most common problems & solutions understandably prepared.