How to Disable Optional Diagnostic Data in Windows 11

The Telemetry Transmission Vector

Windows 11 requires a persistent connection to Microsoft’s cloud infrastructure, and a core component of that connection is the “Diagnostic data” pipeline. By default, the operating system runs a background daemon that continuously harvests operational data from your machine—including the websites you visit in Edge, the apps you launch, the features you use, and the error logs your system generates—and transmits this telemetry directly to Microsoft’s servers. While a minimal level of diagnostic data (“Required”) is mandatory and cannot be fully disabled, Windows defaults to also sending “Optional” diagnostic data, which includes significantly more detailed usage analytics. For privacy-conscious professionals, you must restrict this pipeline to its absolute minimum.

How to Restrict Diagnostic Data to “Required” Only

You can permanently sever the optional telemetry pipeline via the Privacy settings.

1. Click the Start Menu and type Settings, or press the Windows Key + I.
2. In the left-hand sidebar, click on Privacy & security.
3. Under the “Windows permissions” section, click on Diagnostics & feedback.
4. Locate the toggle switch labelled Send optional diagnostic data.
5. Toggle this switch to the Off position.
6. (Optional but recommended) Scroll down and click the Delete button next to “Delete diagnostic data” to purge existing telemetry from Microsoft’s servers.

Strict Telemetry Minimisation

The change takes effect instantly. Windows 11 will completely terminate the background cron job responsible for harvesting optional usage analytics. The operating system will immediately downgrade its outbound data pipeline to the strict, legally mandated minimum (“Required” diagnostic data only), which includes basic device configuration and crash reports. The detailed behavioural analytics—such as which apps you launch, which settings you change, and which websites you browse—will be completely severed from transmission, guaranteeing maximum telemetric privacy within the constraints of the operating system.