Windows 10: set data protection correctly & protect privacy

Windows 10 is considered the operating system that collects the most user data. If you set data protection correctly, you can still protect your privacy.

Windows 10: Adjust data protection during installation

If you install Windows 10 or update to the new operating system, the system will suggest the "Express settings".

• However, the express settings have little to do with privacy. Microsoft thus grants extensive access rights to your data.
• For example, your contact and calendar details, your browser data, your position and the "usage data" will be sent to Microsoft.
• You can prevent the rage by clicking on "Adjust settings" instead of "Use express settings".
• Now deactivate all options. You should only leave the smart screen filter activated if you are not using another virus scanner.
• If you have already used the express settings, you can adjust the settings later. We explain how to do this in the paragraph "Adjust data protection settings in Windows 10".

Microsoft account or local account?

For Microsoft, the direct connection between you and your data is your Microsoft account. What many don't know: Windows 10 also works with a local account.

• The disadvantage: You cannot use services like Cortana, the Microsoft Store and Onedrive without a Microsoft account.
• For best protection, you can set up Windows 10 without a Microsoft account or switch to a local account.

Adjust privacy settings in Windows 10

In the data protection settings, you can determine which program can access which data and which data is sent to Microsoft.

• Click on the gear icon in the start menu to open the "Settings". Select the menu item "Data protection" here.
• Here you can click through the individual settings and restrict access to your data either for all or for individual apps.
• The "General" tab is particularly important: Deactivate the "Advertising ID" option here. You should leave the smart screen filter activated unless you are using other virus protection. We recommend using good antivirus software like Avast.
• Under "Voice recognition, ink and input" hides the so-called "getting to know each other": Microsoft collects information such as contacts, current calendar events, voice and input patterns as well as the input history "in order to optimize the Cortana service. You should click" End acquaintance ". click to delete the data and switch off collecting.
• Under "Feedback and diagnosis" you can determine how often and whether feedback on usage behavior should be requested. You cannot switch off the sending of usage data, you can only set it to "Simple".
• Also check which apps are allowed to access your location, camera and mic.

Cortana and data protection

Cortana may be a useful help, but it also collects data such as position, contacts, voice input, information from emails and SMS, browser and search history, calendar details and other information.

• We will show you in detail what Cortana is. Then you can consider whether you want to keep the service.
• If not, you can deactivate Cortana.

Additional programs for data security

Unfortunately, privacy cannot be fully protected with Windows tools.

• For example, Microsoft continues to collect usage data for error diagnosis. This function can only be switched off with additional programs.
• To do this, these tools intervene in the registry of the computer and prevent communication with the Microsoft servers.
• We show you three free data protection programs that prevent sniffing.
• If you are uncomfortable with Windows 10, you can switch back to Windows 8 or Windows 7 within a year if you have upgraded.

Windows 10: create privacy in mail traffic

Microsoft has the right to read in its own applications such as the mail app and Outlook. You can take various measures to prevent the evaluation of your emails.

• The easiest way is to encrypt your emails. This is completely free and with little effort. Microsoft then remains outside.
• Alternatively, you can also use a completely anonymous mail service such as Posteo. The provider does not save any personal data and secures all your mail traffic encrypted on German servers. It is no longer possible to view your mails legally or illegally. The only catch: the service costs one euro per month, which you can also pay anonymously by post.

On the next page we will show you how to start Windows 10 without login.