Learn how to privatize Windows, that is, to improve the privacy of your PC’s operating system and the applications you use.
We are going to explain to you which are the most effective methods to privatize Windows to the maximum. We refer, to how could it be otherwise, to improve privacy and security in the system and in your favorite applications. Prevent Microsoft from knowing too much about your activity with these simple tricks.
Additionally, we also give you some tips to protect your personal information when using certain services or browsing the Internet. In this way, you will be able to go a step beyond the system settings when it comes to privatizing Windows.
Privatize Windows 11 to the maximum: all options
Next, we review the options within the Settings application that allow you to privatize Windows and increase privacy on your PC.
Go to the Privacy and Security section and change the following settings:
- Find my device. Setting disabled. Microsoft will no longer know where your computer is.
- General. In this section turn off all the settings you see.
- voice. Turn off online recognition.
- Enter handwritten. Uncheck the Custom Inking and Writing Dictionary option.
- Comments and diagnoses. Deactivate all the options in this section.
- Activity history. Turn off the Store my activity history option.
- Search permissions. Remove Microsoft account search options. Also, turn off history.
- Application permissions. Review what resources apps are accessing. One of the most important is the location, which we recommend you always keep off. That Microphone and Camera also deserve special mention.
Go a little further: privatize Windows by turning off telemetry
The above options only go as far as Microsoft wants them to go. Although the computer will have become more private, there are still processes intended to monitor your activity. How to remove them completely?
The screenshot above is from the O&O ShutUp app. This tool helps you go even deeper into the Windows privacy options, removing those components that you don’t like. For example, it allows you to turn off telemetry in Microsoft Office, turn off lock screen tips, prevent the Microsoft Store from installing recommended apps, and much more.
We recommend downloading it and spending some time learning about all the possibilities it offers.
Other tips to privatize Windows and the applications of your PC
In addition to touching on some settings to privatize Windows, there are those who want to go a little further. If that is your case, here are some additional recommendations to improve privacy when using your PC.
Use responsible cloud services
Some time ago, a software expert said something to the effect that we are angry with Google, but we are comfortable. The company includes platforms as simple and effective as Google Drive in its portfolio of services. But, it is well known that Google is not the champion of privacy.
Leaving aside services like Google Drive, Dropbox or OneDrive is not always easy, as they are easy to use and very popular. Of course, if you are willing to sacrifice comedy for privacy, take a look at solutions like ProtonDrive, ownCloud, or Nextcloud.
Install a VPN to encrypt your traffic
VPNs are a good solution to encrypt connection traffic. This prevents your ISP or Internet provider from knowing which sites you have accessed. In addition, you get additional advantages, such as the possibility of simulating a connection from abroad.
There are free VPNs out there, but not all of them are recommended when looking for the best privacy. Our recommendation is that you choose one of the best VPNs, even if it is a paid service, to have the absolute guarantee that your browsing is completely masked.
Use a web browser that is committed to privacy
There are browsers that are more private than others. If you’re really concerned about privacy, it’s not enough to just remove telemetry from Windows 11. In fact, it wouldn’t make any sense to do the first and then browse with Google Chrome, handing over a large amount of data to the latter company. And the same can be said of Microsoft Edge.
The most balanced choice in this regard is Firefox. Although it includes telemetry and the ability to create an account to sync data, it is a browser supported by a non-profit organization. Now if you’re looking for stronger thrills, check out Brave. And for those most jealous of their privacy, Tor Browser is also available.
Change Windows to Linux
Our latest proposal is the most radical of all. Actually, it is not intended to privatize Windows but to say goodbye completely. Installing one of the Linux distributions has many advantages if you want to improve privacy. Most of them are supported by non-profit entities and are open source, which simplifies external auditing.
So that the change from Windows to Linux is not so complicated for you, it is good that you follow these suggestions:
- Choose a simple layout. Linux Mint is our favorite when it comes to making the jump from Windows to Linux, as its interface is very friendly.
- Try Linux before removing Windows. One of the advantages of Linux is that it is very easy to taste its potential without having to make changes to your PC. One possibility is to create a virtual machine in Virtualbox and install the distribution of your choice. Another option is to generate a bootable USB and use the Live option, which runs the system from the memory stick itself.
- Evaluate your needs. There are users who work exclusively with the browser and web applications. For these, the switch to Linux will be simpler, as all major browsers ( even Microsoft Edge ) have a Linux variant. On the other hand, if you are one of those who use exclusive software for Windows, it will be more difficult to change. In any case, it is best to review what your needs are and if Linux is going to be able to supply them.
And you, what tricks have you put into practice to privatize Windows? Leave us your comments below and share your experience with the Professional Review community.