How to disable telemetry in Windows

Telemetry in Windows collects usage statistics, performance metrics, and diagnostic data to help Microsoft analyze system behavior. Some users and organizations prefer limiting this data flow to reduce privacy risks. Techniques for curbing telemetry can involve adjusting settings and policies to ensure only essential diagnostics are shared.

Implementing restrictions on Telemetry helps minimize how much information is automatically transmitted. This approach is beneficial for safeguarding sensitive data and optimizing resource usage on certain systems. Configuring privacy preferences can make system monitoring more transparent and secure.

Various Windows editions support different methods of disabling or limiting telemetry. Enterprise-level environments often offer deeper control, while home editions can rely on core privacy settings. Selecting the right approach depends on the system's requirements, administrative privileges, and version constraints.

Windows Settings offers a straightforward graphical approach to limit Telemetry data collection on standard Windows installations.

1. Open the Start menu and select Settings.
2. Click Privacy & security to locate relevant data collection options.
3. Choose Diagnostic & feedback and set Diagnostic Data to Basic or Required diagnostic data.

   Limiting Telemetry to Basic or Required diagnostic data reduces what is sent to Microsoft but may affect certain personalized features.

4. Disable tailored experiences and extra diagnostic data to minimize overall data collection.

The Group Policy Editor is available on Windows Pro and Enterprise editions, allowing deeper privacy adjustments for Telemetry.

1. Press Windows + R, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter to launch the Group Policy Editor.
2. Navigate to Computer Configuration → Administrative Templates → Windows Components → Data Collection and Preview Builds.
3. Double-click “Allow Telemetry,” select Enabled, choose “0 – Security Only” or “1 – Basic,” and click OK.

   Setting “0 – Security Only” is typically limited to Windows Enterprise and Education editions, offering the lowest possible telemetry level.

The Registry Editor allows manual modification of telemetry settings on any Windows edition, though caution is advised.

1. Press Windows + R, type regedit, and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.
2. Go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\DataCollection.
3. Right-click the right pane, create a new DWORD (32-bit) Value named “AllowTelemetry,” and set its value data to 0 for minimal data collection.

   Modifying the Registry incorrectly can cause system instability or errors; create a backup before making changes.

4. Restart the system to apply the new telemetry setting.