Improving Privacy on Windows 11

To improve privacy on a Windows 11 computer, you can adjust built-in settings, tighten app permissions, and switch to a local user account.

Adjust Privacy & Security Settings

Open the Settings app (press Win + I), go to Privacy & security, and change these options:

• General: Turn off Let apps show me personalized ads by using my advertising ID. Turn off personalized offers, tips, and recommendations.
• Diagnostics & feedback: Change diagnostic data from Full to Required (basic), and delete your diagnostic data history.
• Inking & typing personalization: Turn this off to stop Windows from learning your typing and handwriting habits.
• Search permissions: Turn off Cloud content search, search history on this device, and Search highlights.

Limit App Permissions

In the same Privacy & security menu, check what hardware and personal data apps can access: [1]

• Location: Turn off location services entirely if you do not need them, or disable tracking for individual apps.
• Camera & Microphone: Restrict access so only trusted apps can use your camera and microphone.
• Other permissions: Review access to your contacts, call history, emails, and account info, turning off anything unnecessary. [1, 2, 3]

Use a Local Account Instead of a Microsoft Account

Signing in with a local account stops your operating system from tying your activity to a cloud profile: [1, 2, 3]

• Open Settings > Accounts > Your info.
• Click Sign in with a local account instead and follow the prompts to switch. [1]