The Diagnostic Profile
When you use Windows 11, the operating system routinely sends “diagnostic data” back to Microsoft servers to help them identify crashing applications and hardware bugs. However, Microsoft takes this a step further by using that exact same diagnostic data to build a profile on how you use your computer. They then use this profile to serve you “Tailored Experiences.” In practice, this means Microsoft analyzes your workflow and then pushes targeted advertisements, application suggestions, and unprompted “tips” directly to your desktop based on the software you have installed. If you want your computer to function as a quiet tool rather than a marketing platform, you must revoke this permission.
How to Turn Off Tailored Experiences
You can severe this specific data-sharing link within the main Privacy dashboard.
- 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 the page until you find the section labeled Tailored experiences.
- Click the small downward-facing arrow to expand the section.
- Look for the toggle switch labeled “Let Microsoft use your diagnostic data, excluding information about websites you browse, to offer you tailored experiences.”
- Toggle this switch to the Off position.
The Quieter OS
The change is instantaneous. Your computer will continue to send basic crash reports to Microsoft so they can patch critical bugs, but Microsoft is now explicitly forbidden from analyzing that data to serve you personalized advertisements or software recommendations.