How to Disable Telemetry and Data Collection in Windows 11

When you use Windows 11, Microsoft constantly collects background data about how you interact with the operating system. This data collection, known as telemetry, is designed to help the company identify software bugs, improve security, and tailor the overall user experience. However, for many users, this constant transmission of diagnostic data represents a significant privacy concern.

By default, Windows 11 is configured to send a substantial amount of information back to Microsoft servers. Fortunately, you are not forced to accept this. While you cannot completely sever all communication with Microsoft without breaking core operating system features (like Windows Update), you can drastically reduce the amount of data being tracked and transmitted.

Step 1: Adjust the Basic Privacy Settings

The easiest and most accessible way to reduce telemetry is through the standard Windows Settings menu. This will stop the most invasive forms of tracking, such as personalised advertising and typing data.

1. Click the Start button and select the Settings gear icon (or press the Windows key + I).
2. In the left-hand sidebar, click on Privacy & security.
3. Under the Windows permissions section, click on General.
4. Turn off all the toggle switches here. This includes disabling the advertising ID, stopping websites from accessing your local language list, and preventing Windows from tracking your app launches.
5. Click the back arrow to return to the Privacy & security menu.
6. Click on Diagnostics & feedback.
7. Expand the Diagnostic data section and ensure it is set to Send required diagnostic data (instead of Optional). Required data only includes the absolute minimum information necessary to keep Windows secure and functioning.
8. In the same menu, toggle off Improve inking and typing and Tailored experiences.
9. Finally, scroll down and click Delete diagnostic data to remove the information Microsoft has already collected about your device.

Step 2: Disable the Connected User Experiences Service

If you want to go a step further, you can disable the specific background service responsible for gathering and sending telemetry data. This ensures the data collection engine simply never starts when you boot your computer.

1. Press the 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 until you find the service named Connected User Experiences and Telemetry.
4. Right-click on this service and select Properties.
5. In the Properties window, look for the Startup type dropdown menu and change it to Disabled.
6. Click the Stop button underneath the Service status to halt the service immediately.
7. Click Apply and then OK.

Step 3: Use the Group Policy Editor (Windows 11 Pro only)

If you are running the Professional, Enterprise, or Education edition of Windows 11, you have access to the Local Group Policy Editor, which provides the most robust method for blocking telemetry at a system level.

1. Press the Windows key + R, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter.
2. In the left pane, navigate through the following folder path: Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Data Collection and Preview Builds.
3. In the right pane, double-click on the policy named Allow Diagnostic Data.
4. Select the Disabled radio button at the top left of the window.
5. Click Apply and then OK.

Taking these steps ensures your computer remains secure and functional while firmly protecting your digital privacy from unnecessary corporate tracking.