New Free App Will Stop Windows 10 From Spying on You

It has been a week since the full release of Windows 10, and the general consensus has been largely positive, but with special exception given to its rather intrusive approach to privacy. Windows 10 collects your data, stores your data, and sells your data. Not your personal files, but your browsing habits, your favourite apps, and even your Outlook e-mails.

BGR points to a rather worrying section excerpt from the Windows 10 terms and conditions that highlight exactly which of your actions Microsoft observes and reports, and what intends to do with it:

“Finally, we will access, disclose and preserve personal data, including your content (such as the content of your emails, other private communications or files in private folders), when we have a good faith belief that doing so is necessary to: 1.comply with applicable law or respond to valid legal process, including from law enforcement or other government agencies; 2.protect our customers, for example to prevent spam or attempts to defraud users of the services, or to help prevent the loss of life or serious injury of anyone; 3.operate and maintain the security of our services, including to prevent or stop an attack on our computer systems or networks; or 4.protect the rights or property of Microsoft, including enforcing the terms governing the use of the services – however, if we receive information indicating that someone is using our services to traffic in stolen intellectual or physical property of Microsoft, we will not inspect a customer’s private content ourselves, but we may refer the matter to law enforcement.”

Though it is possible to opt out of the many intrusions Windows 10 has active by default, it can be easy to miss a couple, or become laborious cycling through the plethora of menus. Thankfully, a new third-party app will take care of your Windows 10 privacy with the click of a button. DoNotSpy10 is a German-made app that centralises all your Windows 10 privacy opt-out configurations (PROTIP: custom install, always).

The app gives you the following options:

• Disable telemetry
• Disable Biometrics
• Disable handwriting data disclosure
• Disable handwriting Error Reporting
• Disable Application Telemetry
• Disable Inventory Collector
• Disable Steps Recorder
• Disable lock screen camera settings
• Deactivate and reset Cortana
• Disable localization
• Disable sensors
• Disable Web search
• Disable Windows Media DRM Internet access
• Activate postponing upgrades
• Disable app notifications
• Disable Password button ads
• Stopping and resetting the advertising ID
• Disable SmartScreen filter for URLs
• Disable sending write information
• Disable access to language list
• Disable app access to localization
• Disable app access to camera
• Disable app access to microphone
• Disable acquaintance
• Disable app access to user accounts info
• Disable app access to calendar
• Disable app access to messages
• Disable app access to wireless connections
• Disable app access to Uncoupled devices
• Disable prompts Feedback
• Disabling Windows Update distribution
• Disable Windows Update for other products
• Disable WiFi Sense
• Disable Windows Defender
• Disable automatic Windows Updates
• Deactivate OneDrive
• Disable Automatic Driver Updates

The only privacy issue that app can’t deal with is Microsoft’s ad-tracking feature. Do disable that, go to Microsoft’s website here.

Thank you BGR for providing us with this information.