Windows 11 Users – STOP Sharing Your Personal Data Unknowingly! 🔒

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by

Himanshu
in

Windows 11 is fast, stylish, and full of new features—but did you know it’s also sharing a lot of your personal data in the background? From diagnostic data to location tracking, Microsoft collects information that you may not even realize is being shared.

If you care about privacy, speed, and reducing unwanted ads, you should immediately turn off these 5 Windows 11 settings. Let’s walk step by step.

1️⃣ Turn Off General Privacy Settings

By default, Windows 11 tracks how you interact with your device. This includes showing tailored ads and sending data to Microsoft for personalization.

How to fix it:

  • Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > General
  • Turn OFF these options:
    • Let apps show me personalized ads
    • Allow websites to access my language list
    • Track app launches
    • Show suggested content

✅ This reduces tracking and gives you a cleaner experience.

2️⃣ Disable Optional Diagnostic Data & Tailored Experiences

Windows 11 automatically collects diagnostic data to improve the system, but the “optional” data goes much further and may include app usage, browsing, and device health.

How to fix it:

  • Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Diagnostics & Feedback
  • Select Required Diagnostic Data (not Optional)
  • Turn OFF Tailored Experiences (this is used to show personalized ads and recommendations)

✅ This stops Microsoft from collecting extra data you don’t want to share.

3️⃣ Clear Your Search History Completely

Windows Search keeps track of everything you look for—files, apps, even online searches. Over time, this creates a log of your activity that’s stored in the cloud.

How to fix it:

  • Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Search Permissions
  • Scroll down to History and click Clear device search history
  • Turn OFF Search history on this device and Search history in the cloud

✅ This ensures no one (including Microsoft) can track what you’ve searched for.

4️⃣ Manage App Permissions

Many apps in Windows 11 request access to your camera, microphone, contacts, location, or calendar—even if they don’t need it.

How to fix it:

  • Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > App Permissions
  • Review permissions for:
    • Location
    • Camera
    • Microphone
    • Contacts
  • Turn OFF access for apps that don’t really need it.

✅ This protects your personal data from unnecessary tracking.

5️⃣ Delete Unwanted Background Data Collection

Some apps keep running in the background, collecting data and slowing down your PC.

How to fix it:

  • Go to Settings > Apps > Apps & Features
  • Select the app you don’t use often
  • Under Advanced Options, change Background App Permissions to Never

✅ This saves battery, improves performance, and stops silent data collection.

🔐 Final Thoughts

Your laptop is your personal space—but by default, Windows 11 shares more data than most users realize. By turning off these 5 settings, you’ll:

  • Protect your privacy
  • Improve your PC performance
  • Stop unwanted ads & tracking

Take 5 minutes today to update these settings—you’ll thank yourself later.