The Diagnostic Monetization
Windows 11 constantly collects background telemetry data (such as how much RAM you have, what apps crash, and how often you use your keyboard). While Microsoft claims this is for bug fixing, they also utilize a feature called “Tailored Experiences.” This feature takes your raw diagnostic telemetry and feeds it directly into Microsoft’s marketing algorithms to generate highly specific, personalized advertisements, “tips,” and software recommendations across the Lock Screen, Start Menu, and Settings app. If you refuse to allow your hardware telemetry to be weaponized for advertising, you must kill this feature.
How to Disable Tailored Experiences
You can permanently sever the connection between your diagnostic data and the advertising engine via the Privacy settings.
- Click the Start Menu and type Settings, or press the Windows Key + I.
- In the left-hand sidebar, click on Privacy & security.
- Under the “Windows permissions” section, click on Diagnostics & feedback.
- Scroll down and locate the section labeled Tailored experiences. Click to expand it.
- Toggle the switch labeled “Let Microsoft use your diagnostic data, excluding information about websites you browse, to offer you personalized tips, ads, and recommendations” to the Off position.
A De-Monetized System
The change takes effect instantly. Windows 11 will completely sever the internal data pipeline connecting your hardware telemetry to the Microsoft advertising servers. The operating system will continue to send basic diagnostic data to fix bugs (if enabled), but it is now legally and technically barred from using that data to build an advertising profile. The annoying “tips” and suggested apps on your lock screen will revert to generic, untargeted system defaults, significantly increasing your digital privacy.