How to Disable Telemetry and Data Collection in Windows 11

Windows 11 constantly monitors your activity, collecting diagnostic data, usage patterns, and telemetry information in the background. While Microsoft uses this data to identify software bugs and improve its services, many privacy-conscious users prefer not to share their personal usage habits. If you want to take control of your privacy, you can disable Windows 11 telemetry and significantly reduce the amount of data your computer sends back to Microsoft.

Disabling these tracking features will not break your operating system or prevent you from receiving important security updates. Instead, it ensures your PC operates quietly without unnecessarily transmitting your diagnostic data.

Why Does Windows 11 Collect Telemetry Data?

By default, Windows 11 is configured to collect “Optional diagnostic data.” This broad category includes information about the websites you visit, the applications you launch, how long you use them, and detailed memory dumps if an application crashes.

Microsoft claims this telemetry data is anonymised and used strictly for diagnostic purposes. However, the sheer volume of data collected is substantial. If you are using your computer for sensitive work, or if you simply value your digital privacy, reducing this data collection to the absolute minimum is highly recommended.

Step 1: Disable Optional Diagnostic Data in Settings

The easiest way to reduce telemetry is through the built-in Windows Settings application. Microsoft allows you to downgrade your telemetry level from “Optional” to “Required,” which stops the collection of your browsing history and application usage.

1. Press Windows Key + I to open the Settings application.
2. Navigate to Privacy & security in the left sidebar.
3. Click on Diagnostics & feedback under the Windows permissions section.
4. Locate the section titled Diagnostic data and expand it.
5. Toggle the switch to turn off Send optional diagnostic data.

Once disabled, Windows will only send the minimum telemetry required to keep your device secure and up to date.

Step 2: Disable Tailored Experiences

Windows 11 uses your telemetry data to generate personalised advertisements, tips, and recommendations throughout the operating system. Disabling this feature stops Microsoft from using your data for targeted advertising.

1. Stay within the Diagnostics & feedback settings menu.
2. Scroll down to the Tailored experiences section.
3. Expand the menu and toggle the switch to the Off position.

Step 3: Delete Existing Telemetry Data

Changing your telemetry settings prevents future data collection, but it does not automatically erase the data Microsoft has already collected. You must trigger a manual deletion to clear your history.

1. In the Diagnostics & feedback menu, scroll down to Delete diagnostic data.
2. Expand the section and click the Delete button.

It may take a few days for the deletion request to fully process on Microsoft’s servers.

Step 4: Disable the Connected User Experiences and Telemetry Service

For users who want to aggressively block telemetry, you can disable the underlying Windows service responsible for transmitting diagnostic data. This is an advanced step, but it is highly effective.

1. Press Windows Key + R to open the Run dialogue box.
2. Type services.msc and press Enter to open the Services management console.
3. Scroll down the alphabetical list and locate the service named Connected User Experiences and Telemetry.
4. Double-click the service to open its properties window.
5. Change the Startup type dropdown menu to Disabled.
6. If the service is currently running, click the Stop button.
7. Click Apply and then OK to save your changes.

This completely prevents the telemetry service from starting when you turn on your computer.

When to Keep Telemetry Enabled

While disabling telemetry is excellent for privacy, there is one scenario where you might need it enabled: the Windows Insider Program. If you are actively beta-testing early builds of Windows 11, Microsoft requires “Optional diagnostic data” to be enabled so they can track crashes and bugs. If you are not a beta tester, you can safely leave telemetry disabled.