{"id":8575,"date":"2018-09-04T12:00:27","date_gmt":"2018-09-04T19:00:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/?p=8575"},"modified":"2026-02-02T01:11:18","modified_gmt":"2026-02-02T09:11:18","slug":"how-to-improve-your-privacy-on-windows-10","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/how-to-improve-your-privacy-on-windows-10\/","title":{"rendered":"Windows 10 Privacy Settings: What To Turn Off and Why"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When Windows 10 was released, it was a forward-thinking operating system that was supposed to learn about your habits to increase productivity and make your life easier. To that end, it collects a significant amount of data about how you use your device by default.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Windows 10 keeps an eye on your typing patterns, app usage, location, voice input, and more. It uses some of this data for performance improvements, some fuels targeted ads, and some is sent to Microsoft whether you opt in or not.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That\u2019s why it\u2019s more important than ever to set your Windows 10 privacy settings to<em> private<\/em>. If you\u2019re not sure where to start or want to make sure you cover everything, all you have to do is follow this guide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"ht\">How To Protect Your Windows 10 Privacy<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you\u2019re wondering where all the privacy settings in Windows 10 are, they\u2019re in the Privacy hub. Most of the setting tweaking will happen here, so here\u2019s how to get there:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Type <em>Settings <\/em>in the Windows search bar and click on the <em>Settings<\/em> link that appears.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"margin-bottom: 15px; margin-top: -5px; border: 1px solid #aaa;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Search-bar-settings.png\" alt=\"Opening the Windows 10 Settings menu from the search bar.\" class=\"wp-image-35822\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"2\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Select <em>Privacy<\/em>.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"margin-bottom: 15px; margin-top: -5px; border: 1px solid #aaa;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Windows-settings.png\" alt=\"Accessing the Privacy hub in Windows 10 from the Settings menu.\" class=\"wp-image-35824\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"3\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Once in, you\u2019ll see a long list of categories on the left side of the window. These include everything from general permissions to specific access for things like your microphone, camera, location, and more.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"margin-bottom: 15px; margin-top: -5px; border: 1px solid #aaa;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Privacy-hub.png\" alt=\"Windows 10 Privacy hub in Settings.\" class=\"wp-image-35820\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-1-disable-general-permissions-you-don-t-need\">1. Disable General Permissions You Don\u2019t Need<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Before jumping to any other category, you should turn off the general privacy settings in Windows 10. These settings are a huge invasion of your privacy, without much benefit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Go to the General tab\u00a0 <a href=\"#ht\">in the Privacy hub<\/a>, and disable the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"margin-bottom: 15px; margin-top: 15px; border: 1px solid #aaa;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Privacy-hub_-General.png\" alt=\"Changing the General privacy settings in Windows 10.\" class=\"wp-image-35821\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Let apps use advertising ID:<\/strong> This creates a unique profile tied to your device and is used to show you targeted ads across apps. Turning it off resets the ID and prevents new tracking.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Let Windows track app launches to improve Start and search results: <\/strong>This tells Microsoft how often you use each app and adjusts your search results, so instead of getting the best results, you get what it thinks are the best results based on your behavior.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Let websites show locally relevant content by accessing my language list:<\/strong> This is minor, but it allows websites to adjust content based on your system settings. You can safely turn this off.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Show me suggested content in the Settings app: <\/strong>This is basically Microsoft\u2019s way of promoting features you may not use. It adds clutter and sends usage data back to their servers.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Windows 10 doesn\u2019t need any of these settings to run properly. By turning them off, you reduce your exposure to unnecessary data collection without breaking anything important.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-2-turn-off-inking-and-typing-personalization\">2. Turn Off Inking and Typing Personalization<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Windows 10 gets to know you by recording your typing history and writing patterns. Its published goal is to create a local user dictionary and predictive text for making more accurate suggestions for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is another way for your personal data to leave your device. If you don\u2019t rely on predictive text or handwriting on your computer, it\u2019s safer to disable it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Click on the <em>Inking &amp; Typing personalization <\/em>option <a href=\"#ht\">in the Privacy hub<\/a> from the left-hand menu. Then toggle the option off.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"margin-bottom: 15px; margin-top: 15px; border: 1px solid #aaa;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Inking-Typing-personalization.png\" alt=\"Disabling Inking and Typing personalization in Windows 10.\" class=\"wp-image-35817\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-3-switch-off-location-settings\">3. Switch Off Location Settings<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Location tracking is one of the most invasive default features in Windows 10. It allows your device and the apps you install to collect and store your physical location over time. Of course, there are some apps where you want this enabled, such as weather or maps, but if there\u2019s no logical reason why an app needs your location, it\u2019s better to turn it off.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To change the default location, go to the <em>Location<\/em>tab <a href=\"#ht\">in the Privacy hub<\/a> and change the setting to restrict access to location on this device.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"margin-bottom: 15px; margin-top: 15px; border: 1px solid #aaa;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Location-settings.png\" alt=\"Turning off Location tracking on Windows 10\" class=\"wp-image-35819\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p><div style=\"background-color: #cfe2f3; padding: 1em; border-radius: 1em;\"><p><strong>Expert Tip:<\/strong> Browsers you use can also gather this location data, especially Microsoft Edge. Turning off Windows-level location tracking is a solid start, but it is also a good idea to review privacy settings in your browser separately. If you\u2019re not sure what browser to use, check out <a href=\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/best-browser-for-windows\/\">the best Windows browsers<\/a> here.<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"ua\">4. Uncheck Activity History and Timeline<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Windows 10 includes a feature called <em>Timeline<\/em>, which helps you keep track of past activities. For example, you might start editing a presentation on your PC, then switch to a laptop later and continue without having to reopen everything manually. Timeline also syncs with Android phones that use the Microsoft Launcher.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To make this feature work across devices, Windows collects and uploads your activity data to Microsoft\u2019s servers. That includes app usage, browsing history, and documents you have accessed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If that sounds too intrusive, you can turn off syncing and keep your activity history local or disable it entirely.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">From the Privacy Hub, open the <em>Activity History<\/em> and do the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Uncheck \u201cStore my activity history on this device\u201d:<\/strong> This stops your PC from logging what apps you open and when.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Under \u201cShow activities from these accounts\u201d: <\/strong>Uncheck all accounts to hide their activities from the timeline.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"margin-bottom: 15px; margin-top: -5px; border: 1px solid #aaa;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Activity-history.png\" alt=\"Opening the Activity History on WIndows 10.\" class=\"wp-image-35811\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While Timeline may sound useful in theory, it is rarely used. Disabling it helps reduce data stored on your device and sent to the cloud. For most people, there is no downside to turning this off.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-5-review-app-permissions-nbsp\">5. Review App Permissions\u00a0<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Reviewing and limiting what apps can see and gather is a quick way to take back control.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To check, go to <em>Settings<\/em> and select the <em>Apps<\/em> options.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"margin-bottom: 15px; margin-top: 15px; border: 1px solid #aaa;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/App-settings.png\" alt=\"Opening the Apps setting on WIndows 10.\" class=\"wp-image-35812\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For each app, focus on these areas first:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Camera and microphone:<\/strong> Unless you regularly use video calls or voice chat, disable access for most apps. Only allow it for tools you trust, like <em>Zoom<\/em> or <em>Teams<\/em>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Contacts and calendar:<\/strong> Many apps ask for access to your personal data, even if they never use it. Turn off permissions unless you know the app requires it.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Call history and email:<\/strong> These are rarely needed on a standard PC. Disable access completely unless you use your device for calling or email through built-in apps.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Other sensitive permissions:<\/strong> Check <em>File System<\/em>, <em>Messages<\/em>, and <em>Radios<\/em> if they appear. Most users can turn these off without noticing any change.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-6-diagnostics-and-feedback\">6. Diagnostics and Feedback<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Windows 10 collects diagnostic data continuously in the background to improve performance and security. You can decide how much of it Microsoft can collect.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">From <a href=\"#ht\">the Privacy hub<\/a>, open <em>Diagnostics and Feedback,<\/em> and you\u2019ll see two options:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Required diagnostic data:<\/strong> This only sends the required information about your device, such as device settings and whether it\u2019s performing up to its standard.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Optional diagnostic data:<\/strong> This sends all the basic diagnostic data along with your browsing history, app usage, the features you use, additional data about the device health, and some extra error reporting.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"margin-bottom: 15px; margin-top: -5px; border: 1px solid #aaa;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Diagnostic-feedback.png\" alt=\"The Diagnostics &amp; feedback tab in Windows 10 settings.\" class=\"wp-image-35815\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If privacy is important, choose the first option. It won\u2019t stop Microsoft from collecting some data, but it greatly reduces the amount of information that\u2019s being sent out.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-7-use-a-local-account-instead-of-a-microsoft-account\">7. Use a Local Account Instead of a Microsoft Account<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you use a Microsoft account, Microsoft can track your activity across devices \u2013 even if you <a href=\"#ua\">disable Timeline<\/a> and restrict other device-related data. This includes settings, browser history, app usage, and even some personal files if OneDrive is enabled.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For better privacy, it\u2019s best to switch to a local account. This keeps your data on your device and limits background syncing with Microsoft\u2019s servers. To switch:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Go to <em>Settings<\/em> and select <em>Accounts<\/em>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Click on <em>Your info<\/em>.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Select Sign in with a local account instead. You will be prompted to create a new username and password.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Once complete, you will no longer need to sign in with your email address or stay connected to Microsoft\u2019s services unless you choose to.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-8-limit-background-apps\">8. Limit Background Apps<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">By default, Windows 10 allows many apps to run in the background even when you aren\u2019t using them. These apps can access your internet connection, collect data, send notifications, and drain system resources. For privacy and performance, it\u2019s a good idea to shut most of them down.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">From <a href=\"#ht\">the Privacy hub<\/a>, select <em>Background Apps<\/em> and do the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Turn off \u201cLet apps run in the background\u201d:<\/strong> This is the quickest way to stop all background activity from apps you do not open directly.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Or disable individual apps one by one:<\/strong> If you prefer more control, scroll through the list and switch off background access for anything you do not need running behind the scenes.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"margin-bottom: 15px; margin-top: -5px; border: 1px solid #aaa;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Background-apps.png\" alt=\"Choose which background apps can run in the Windows 10 settings\" class=\"wp-image-35813\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Most users do not need apps like <em>Feedback Hub<\/em>, <em>Weather<\/em>, or <em>Xbox Game Bar<\/em> running in the background. If you aren\u2019t sure about an app, it\u2019s safe to turn it off. You can always turn it back on later if something stops working.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Reducing background activity also limits how much data apps can collect when you are not using them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-9-control-cortana-nbsp\">9. Control Cortana\u00a0<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Cortana has been scaled back in recent Windows 10 updates, but significant parts of it still exist in the system. You can disable cloud-based voice input, which is tied to Cortana and some search features.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">From <a href=\"#ht\">the Privacy Hub<\/a>, go to the <em>Speech<\/em> section. Open the setting, go to <em>Search permissions, <\/em>and turn off online speech recognition.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"margin-bottom: 15px; margin-top: 15px; border: 1px solid #aaa;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Speech-Cortana.png\" alt=\"Speech settings page in Windows 10.\" class=\"wp-image-35823\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If Cortana still appears in your system and you want to remove it fully, you can do so using PowerShell or the Group Policy Editor, but most users won\u2019t need to go that far.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-10-reduce-search-permissions\">10. Reduce Search Permissions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The search bar in the taskbar can also collect and sync your activity across devices. If you want to minimize how much your device listens, learns, or stores, it is worth turning off the remaining features.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To turn off search history on your device, type \u201cPermissions and History\u201din the Windows search bar to open the search settings. Then toggle the switch off. This stops Windows from remembering your past searches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"margin-bottom: 15px; margin-top: 15px; border: 1px solid #aaa;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Permissions-history_-History.png\" alt=\"Manage search settings on Windows 10.\" class=\"wp-image-35816\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In the same tab, scroll down and turn off cloud content search. This prevents Windows Search from accessing your OneDrive, Outlook, or other online Microsoft services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"margin-bottom: 15px; margin-top: 15px; border: 1px solid #aaa;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Permissions-history_-Cloud-content-search.png\" alt=\"Turn off cloud content search in Windows 10.\" class=\"wp-image-35814\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Shutting down these features helps keep your device from logging your voice, searches, and personal files automatically.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"ap\">Advanced Privacy Tools and Power User Tips<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For users who want more control than Windows settings allow, there are third-party tools and advanced system options that can further reduce tracking. You don\u2019t need these for everyday privacy, but they\u2019re useful if you want to go a step further.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p><div style=\"background-color: #cfe2f3; padding: 1em; border-radius: 1em;\"><p><strong>Expert Tip:<\/strong> Make a full system backup or create a restore point before applying advanced tweaks. Privacy is important, but stability matters too.<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-use-the-group-policy-editor\">Use the Group Policy Editor<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you have Windows 10 Pro or Enterprise, open the <em>Group Policy Editor <\/em>by typing \u201cgpedit.msc\u201d into the Start menu. From here, you can configure deeper privacy rules, including telemetry, Cortana behavior, and automatic data uploads. It requires caution, but it gives you full system control.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"margin-bottom: 15px; margin-top: 15px; border: 1px solid #aaa;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Local-Group-Policy-Editor.png\" alt=\"Local Group Policy Editor in Windows 10.\" class=\"wp-image-35818\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-try-o-amp-o-shutup10-plus\">Try O&amp;O ShutUp10 Plus<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This free tool lets you adjust Windows 10 privacy settings with a few clicks. It groups settings by risk level and includes quick recommendations for maximum privacy. Make sure to always review each option and back up your system before making major changes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-edit-the-hosts-file\">Edit the Hosts File<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Advanced users can block known tracking domains by editing the Windows hosts file. This prevents the system from connecting to specific Microsoft tracking servers. Be careful here, because mistakes or incorrect entries can break important functions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" style=\"margin-bottom: 15px; margin-top: 15px; border: 1px solid #aaa;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Host-files-1.png\" alt=\"Editing the Hosts file\" class=\"wp-image-35825\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-faq\">FAQ<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block\"><div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1769698476686\"><h3 class=\"schema-faq-question\">How do I stop Windows 10 from spying?<\/h3> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">You can reduce most tracking by adjusting your privacy settings in the <a href=\"#ht\">Privacy hub<\/a>. Start by visiting <em>Settings and Privacy<\/em>, then turn off app permissions, diagnostic data collection, location tracking, and activity history. Using a local account instead of a Microsoft account also limits data syncing. <br><br><\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1769698492016\"><h3 class=\"schema-faq-question\">How do I turn off Windows AI tracking?<\/h3> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Unfortunately, there\u2019s no single switch to turn off all AI tracking in Windows. You can reduce or disable most AI-driven tracking features in Windows 10 by <a href=\"#ht\">turning off a combination of settings<\/a> related to activity history, speech recognition, Cortana, inking and typing data, and personalized ads.<br><br><\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1769698501847\"><h3 class=\"schema-faq-question\">How do I remove unnecessary things from Windows 10?<\/h3> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Uninstall unwanted apps by opening the settings menu and selecting <em>Apps, <\/em>then opening <em>Apps and Features<\/em>. Here you can remove apps individually. You can also disable background apps in the <em>Background Apps<\/em> section. To go further, use <a href=\"#ap\">advanced tools<\/a> like O&amp;O AppBuster to remove preinstalled apps that don\u2019t show up in the standard list.<br><br><\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1769698511507\"><h3 class=\"schema-faq-question\">Which is more secure: Windows 10 or 11?<\/h3> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Windows 11 includes stronger built-in security features such as secure boot and trusted platform module support. Windows 10 was pretty secure when it came out, but since Microsoft announced the end-of-life for Windows 10, it can\u2019t be considered secure anymore. If you still plan to use it, <a href=\"#ht\">follow these steps to maximize your privacy on Windows 10<\/a>. <br><br><\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1769698520221\"><h3 class=\"schema-faq-question\">Can I still use Windows 10 after 2025?<\/h3> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">You can still use it, but it\u2019s best that you upgrade to Windows 11 because Microsoft stopped releasing new security updates for Windows 10. That means your device may be more vulnerable to new threats. If you plan to keep using it, make sure you configure all of your <a href=\"#ht\">privacy and security settings<\/a>.<br><br><\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1769698530069\"><h3 class=\"schema-faq-question\">Why is Windows 10 ending support?<\/h3> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Microsoft follows a product life cycle. Windows 10 reached the end of its support on October 14, 2025, as the company shifted its focus to Windows 11 and future versions. Microsoft now only provides updates to organizations that pay for it through Microsoft\u2019s Extended Security Updates (ESU) program. If you still use Windows 10, here are some <a href=\"#ht\">privacy tips you should know<\/a>.<br><br><\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1769698538365\"><h3 class=\"schema-faq-question\">What are the risks of Windows 10?<\/h3> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">The biggest risks come from data collection, background tracking, and, after 2025, lack of security patches. Without regular updates, your system could be exposed to malware, phishing attacks, and system vulnerabilities. To keep your Windows 10 private, <a href=\"#ht\">follow these Windows 10 privacy practices<\/a>.<br><br><\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1769698548131\"><h3 class=\"schema-faq-question\">Is Windows 12 coming out?<\/h3> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Yes, Microsoft is expected to release Windows 12 in the near future. It will likely focus more on cloud services and artificial intelligence. In the meantime, you can <a href=\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/update-to-windows-11\/\">upgrade to Windows 11<\/a> if you\u2019re not already using it.<br><br><\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1769698556385\"><h3 class=\"schema-faq-question\">What happens to my Windows 10 PC after October 2025?<\/h3> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Your computer will still work, but it will stop receiving security updates. Over time, you may lose compatibility with apps and services. If you continue using Windows 10, you should limit internet exposure, use antivirus software, and use <a href=\"http:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/buy-vpn-online\">PIA VPN<\/a> to protect your privacy and secure your online traffic.<\/p> <\/div> <\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>When Windows 10 was released, it was a forward-thinking operating system that was supposed to learn about your habits to increase productivity and make your life easier. To that end, it collects a significant amount of data about how you use your device by default. Windows 10 keeps an eye on your typing patterns, app &hellip; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/how-to-improve-your-privacy-on-windows-10\/\" class=\"more-link\">Continue reading<span class=\"screen-reader-text\"> &#8220;Windows 10 Privacy Settings: What To Turn Off and Why&#8221;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":111,"featured_media":35826,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_stopmodifiedupdate":false,"_modified_date":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[845],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-8575","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-guides"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v26.9 (Yoast SEO v26.9) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>The Windows 10 Privacy Settings You Need to Know About<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Learn how to take control of your digital privacy on Windows 10. This guide walks you through the best Windows 10 privacy settings to reduce tracking.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/how-to-improve-your-privacy-on-windows-10\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Windows 10 Privacy Settings: What To Turn Off and Why\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Learn how to take control of your digital privacy on Windows 10. This guide walks you through the best Windows 10 privacy settings to reduce tracking.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/how-to-improve-your-privacy-on-windows-10\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"PIA\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/privateinternetaccess\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2018-09-04T19:00:27+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-02-02T09:11:18+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/featured-image-Windows-10-privacy-settings.png\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"2400\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"1600\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/png\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Shauli Zacks\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@buyvpnservice\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@buyvpnservice\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Shauli Zacks\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"14 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/how-to-improve-your-privacy-on-windows-10\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/how-to-improve-your-privacy-on-windows-10\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Shauli Zacks\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/7c7096e719972ef142423d7c59e3aaa6\"},\"headline\":\"Windows 10 Privacy Settings: What To Turn Off and Why\",\"datePublished\":\"2018-09-04T19:00:27+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-02-02T09:11:18+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/how-to-improve-your-privacy-on-windows-10\/\"},\"wordCount\":2391,\"commentCount\":0,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/how-to-improve-your-privacy-on-windows-10\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/featured-image-Windows-10-privacy-settings.png\",\"articleSection\":[\"Guides\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"CommentAction\",\"name\":\"Comment\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/how-to-improve-your-privacy-on-windows-10\/#respond\"]}]},{\"@type\":[\"WebPage\",\"FAQPage\"],\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/how-to-improve-your-privacy-on-windows-10\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/how-to-improve-your-privacy-on-windows-10\/\",\"name\":\"The Windows 10 Privacy Settings You Need to Know About\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/how-to-improve-your-privacy-on-windows-10\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/how-to-improve-your-privacy-on-windows-10\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/featured-image-Windows-10-privacy-settings.png\",\"datePublished\":\"2018-09-04T19:00:27+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-02-02T09:11:18+00:00\",\"description\":\"Learn how to take control of your digital privacy on Windows 10. This guide walks you through the best Windows 10 privacy settings to reduce tracking.\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/how-to-improve-your-privacy-on-windows-10\/#breadcrumb\"},\"mainEntity\":[{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/how-to-improve-your-privacy-on-windows-10\/#faq-question-1769698476686\"},{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/how-to-improve-your-privacy-on-windows-10\/#faq-question-1769698492016\"},{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/how-to-improve-your-privacy-on-windows-10\/#faq-question-1769698501847\"},{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/how-to-improve-your-privacy-on-windows-10\/#faq-question-1769698511507\"},{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/how-to-improve-your-privacy-on-windows-10\/#faq-question-1769698520221\"},{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/how-to-improve-your-privacy-on-windows-10\/#faq-question-1769698530069\"},{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/how-to-improve-your-privacy-on-windows-10\/#faq-question-1769698538365\"},{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/how-to-improve-your-privacy-on-windows-10\/#faq-question-1769698548131\"},{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/how-to-improve-your-privacy-on-windows-10\/#faq-question-1769698556385\"}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/how-to-improve-your-privacy-on-windows-10\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/how-to-improve-your-privacy-on-windows-10\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/featured-image-Windows-10-privacy-settings.png\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/featured-image-Windows-10-privacy-settings.png\",\"width\":2400,\"height\":1600},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/how-to-improve-your-privacy-on-windows-10\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Windows 10 Privacy Settings: What To Turn Off and Why\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/\",\"name\":\"PIA\",\"description\":\"Online privacy news from around the world.\",\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/#organization\"},\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/#organization\",\"name\":\"Private Internet Access\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/\",\"logo\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/pialogowhitekglogo.png\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/pialogowhitekglogo.png\",\"width\":1200,\"height\":1200,\"caption\":\"Private Internet Access\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/\"},\"sameAs\":[\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/privateinternetaccess\/\",\"https:\/\/x.com\/buyvpnservice\",\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/piavpn\/\",\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UClyJZ47Rizb1xnwuKXDI0_w\"]},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/7c7096e719972ef142423d7c59e3aaa6\",\"name\":\"Shauli Zacks\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/cropped-Shauli-Zacks-Headshot-1-96x96.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/cropped-Shauli-Zacks-Headshot-1-96x96.jpg\",\"caption\":\"Shauli Zacks\"},\"description\":\"Shauli Zacks is a writer and cybersecurity enthusiast with a passion for helping people navigate the online world. He doesn't just write about VPNs; he uses them constantly in his day-to-day life, both for security and entertainment purposes. When he's not writing, Shauli likes to spend time with his family, watch TV, play sports, and relax.\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/author\/shauli-zacks\/\"},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/how-to-improve-your-privacy-on-windows-10\/#faq-question-1769698476686\",\"position\":1,\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/how-to-improve-your-privacy-on-windows-10\/#faq-question-1769698476686\",\"name\":\"How do I stop Windows 10 from spying?\",\"answerCount\":1,\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"You can reduce most tracking by adjusting your privacy settings in the <a href=\\\"#ht\\\">Privacy hub<\/a>. Start by visiting <em>Settings and Privacy<\/em>, then turn off app permissions, diagnostic data collection, location tracking, and activity history. Using a local account instead of a Microsoft account also limits data syncing. <br\/><br\/>\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/how-to-improve-your-privacy-on-windows-10\/#faq-question-1769698492016\",\"position\":2,\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/how-to-improve-your-privacy-on-windows-10\/#faq-question-1769698492016\",\"name\":\"How do I turn off Windows AI tracking?\",\"answerCount\":1,\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Unfortunately, there\u2019s no single switch to turn off all AI tracking in Windows. You can reduce or disable most AI-driven tracking features in Windows 10 by <a href=\\\"#ht\\\">turning off a combination of settings<\/a> related to activity history, speech recognition, Cortana, inking and typing data, and personalized ads.<br\/><br\/>\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/how-to-improve-your-privacy-on-windows-10\/#faq-question-1769698501847\",\"position\":3,\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/how-to-improve-your-privacy-on-windows-10\/#faq-question-1769698501847\",\"name\":\"How do I remove unnecessary things from Windows 10?\",\"answerCount\":1,\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Uninstall unwanted apps by opening the settings menu and selecting <em>Apps, <\/em>then opening <em>Apps and Features<\/em>. Here you can remove apps individually. You can also disable background apps in the <em>Background Apps<\/em> section. To go further, use <a href=\\\"#ap\\\">advanced tools<\/a> like O&amp;O AppBuster to remove preinstalled apps that don\u2019t show up in the standard list.<br\/><br\/>\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/how-to-improve-your-privacy-on-windows-10\/#faq-question-1769698511507\",\"position\":4,\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/how-to-improve-your-privacy-on-windows-10\/#faq-question-1769698511507\",\"name\":\"Which is more secure: Windows 10 or 11?\",\"answerCount\":1,\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Windows 11 includes stronger built-in security features such as secure boot and trusted platform module support. Windows 10 was pretty secure when it came out, but since Microsoft announced the end-of-life for Windows 10, it can\u2019t be considered secure anymore. If you still plan to use it, <a href=\\\"#ht\\\">follow these steps to maximize your privacy on Windows 10<\/a>. <br\/><br\/>\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/how-to-improve-your-privacy-on-windows-10\/#faq-question-1769698520221\",\"position\":5,\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/how-to-improve-your-privacy-on-windows-10\/#faq-question-1769698520221\",\"name\":\"Can I still use Windows 10 after 2025?\",\"answerCount\":1,\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"You can still use it, but it\u2019s best that you upgrade to Windows 11 because Microsoft stopped releasing new security updates for Windows 10. That means your device may be more vulnerable to new threats. If you plan to keep using it, make sure you configure all of your <a href=\\\"#ht\\\">privacy and security settings<\/a>.<br\/><br\/>\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/how-to-improve-your-privacy-on-windows-10\/#faq-question-1769698530069\",\"position\":6,\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/how-to-improve-your-privacy-on-windows-10\/#faq-question-1769698530069\",\"name\":\"Why is Windows 10 ending support?\",\"answerCount\":1,\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Microsoft follows a product life cycle. Windows 10 reached the end of its support on October 14, 2025, as the company shifted its focus to Windows 11 and future versions. Microsoft now only provides updates to organizations that pay for it through Microsoft's Extended Security Updates (ESU) program. If you still use Windows 10, here are some <a href=\\\"#ht\\\">privacy tips you should know<\/a>.<br\/><br\/>\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/how-to-improve-your-privacy-on-windows-10\/#faq-question-1769698538365\",\"position\":7,\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/how-to-improve-your-privacy-on-windows-10\/#faq-question-1769698538365\",\"name\":\"What are the risks of Windows 10?\",\"answerCount\":1,\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"The biggest risks come from data collection, background tracking, and, after 2025, lack of security patches. Without regular updates, your system could be exposed to malware, phishing attacks, and system vulnerabilities. To keep your Windows 10 private, <a href=\\\"#ht\\\">follow these Windows 10 privacy practices<\/a>.<br\/><br\/>\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/how-to-improve-your-privacy-on-windows-10\/#faq-question-1769698548131\",\"position\":8,\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/how-to-improve-your-privacy-on-windows-10\/#faq-question-1769698548131\",\"name\":\"Is Windows 12 coming out?\",\"answerCount\":1,\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Yes, Microsoft is expected to release Windows 12 in the near future. It will likely focus more on cloud services and artificial intelligence. In the meantime, you can <a href=\\\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/update-to-windows-11\/\\\">upgrade to Windows 11<\/a> if you\u2019re not already using it.<br\/><br\/>\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/how-to-improve-your-privacy-on-windows-10\/#faq-question-1769698556385\",\"position\":9,\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/how-to-improve-your-privacy-on-windows-10\/#faq-question-1769698556385\",\"name\":\"What happens to my Windows 10 PC after October 2025?\",\"answerCount\":1,\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Your computer will still work, but it will stop receiving security updates. Over time, you may lose compatibility with apps and services. If you continue using Windows 10, you should limit internet exposure, use antivirus software, and use <a href=\\\"http:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/buy-vpn-online\\\">PIA VPN<\/a> to protect your privacy and secure your online traffic.\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO Premium plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"The Windows 10 Privacy Settings You Need to Know About","description":"Learn how to take control of your digital privacy on Windows 10. This guide walks you through the best Windows 10 privacy settings to reduce tracking.","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/how-to-improve-your-privacy-on-windows-10\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"Windows 10 Privacy Settings: What To Turn Off and Why","og_description":"Learn how to take control of your digital privacy on Windows 10. This guide walks you through the best Windows 10 privacy settings to reduce tracking.","og_url":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/how-to-improve-your-privacy-on-windows-10\/","og_site_name":"PIA","article_publisher":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/privateinternetaccess\/","article_published_time":"2018-09-04T19:00:27+00:00","article_modified_time":"2026-02-02T09:11:18+00:00","og_image":[{"width":2400,"height":1600,"url":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/featured-image-Windows-10-privacy-settings.png","type":"image\/png"}],"author":"Shauli Zacks","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_creator":"@buyvpnservice","twitter_site":"@buyvpnservice","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"Shauli Zacks","Est. reading time":"14 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/how-to-improve-your-privacy-on-windows-10\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/how-to-improve-your-privacy-on-windows-10\/"},"author":{"name":"Shauli Zacks","@id":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/7c7096e719972ef142423d7c59e3aaa6"},"headline":"Windows 10 Privacy Settings: What To Turn Off and Why","datePublished":"2018-09-04T19:00:27+00:00","dateModified":"2026-02-02T09:11:18+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/how-to-improve-your-privacy-on-windows-10\/"},"wordCount":2391,"commentCount":0,"publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/#organization"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/how-to-improve-your-privacy-on-windows-10\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/featured-image-Windows-10-privacy-settings.png","articleSection":["Guides"],"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"CommentAction","name":"Comment","target":["https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/how-to-improve-your-privacy-on-windows-10\/#respond"]}]},{"@type":["WebPage","FAQPage"],"@id":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/how-to-improve-your-privacy-on-windows-10\/","url":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/how-to-improve-your-privacy-on-windows-10\/","name":"The Windows 10 Privacy Settings You Need to Know About","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/how-to-improve-your-privacy-on-windows-10\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/how-to-improve-your-privacy-on-windows-10\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/featured-image-Windows-10-privacy-settings.png","datePublished":"2018-09-04T19:00:27+00:00","dateModified":"2026-02-02T09:11:18+00:00","description":"Learn how to take control of your digital privacy on Windows 10. This guide walks you through the best Windows 10 privacy settings to reduce tracking.","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/how-to-improve-your-privacy-on-windows-10\/#breadcrumb"},"mainEntity":[{"@id":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/how-to-improve-your-privacy-on-windows-10\/#faq-question-1769698476686"},{"@id":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/how-to-improve-your-privacy-on-windows-10\/#faq-question-1769698492016"},{"@id":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/how-to-improve-your-privacy-on-windows-10\/#faq-question-1769698501847"},{"@id":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/how-to-improve-your-privacy-on-windows-10\/#faq-question-1769698511507"},{"@id":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/how-to-improve-your-privacy-on-windows-10\/#faq-question-1769698520221"},{"@id":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/how-to-improve-your-privacy-on-windows-10\/#faq-question-1769698530069"},{"@id":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/how-to-improve-your-privacy-on-windows-10\/#faq-question-1769698538365"},{"@id":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/how-to-improve-your-privacy-on-windows-10\/#faq-question-1769698548131"},{"@id":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/how-to-improve-your-privacy-on-windows-10\/#faq-question-1769698556385"}],"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/how-to-improve-your-privacy-on-windows-10\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/how-to-improve-your-privacy-on-windows-10\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/featured-image-Windows-10-privacy-settings.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/featured-image-Windows-10-privacy-settings.png","width":2400,"height":1600},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/how-to-improve-your-privacy-on-windows-10\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Windows 10 Privacy Settings: What To Turn Off and Why"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/#website","url":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/","name":"PIA","description":"Online privacy news from around the world.","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/#organization","name":"Private Internet Access","url":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/pialogowhitekglogo.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/pialogowhitekglogo.png","width":1200,"height":1200,"caption":"Private Internet Access"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"},"sameAs":["https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/privateinternetaccess\/","https:\/\/x.com\/buyvpnservice","https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/piavpn\/","https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UClyJZ47Rizb1xnwuKXDI0_w"]},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/7c7096e719972ef142423d7c59e3aaa6","name":"Shauli Zacks","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/cropped-Shauli-Zacks-Headshot-1-96x96.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/cropped-Shauli-Zacks-Headshot-1-96x96.jpg","caption":"Shauli Zacks"},"description":"Shauli Zacks is a writer and cybersecurity enthusiast with a passion for helping people navigate the online world. He doesn't just write about VPNs; he uses them constantly in his day-to-day life, both for security and entertainment purposes. When he's not writing, Shauli likes to spend time with his family, watch TV, play sports, and relax.","url":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/author\/shauli-zacks\/"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/how-to-improve-your-privacy-on-windows-10\/#faq-question-1769698476686","position":1,"url":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/how-to-improve-your-privacy-on-windows-10\/#faq-question-1769698476686","name":"How do I stop Windows 10 from spying?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"You can reduce most tracking by adjusting your privacy settings in the <a href=\"#ht\">Privacy hub<\/a>. Start by visiting <em>Settings and Privacy<\/em>, then turn off app permissions, diagnostic data collection, location tracking, and activity history. Using a local account instead of a Microsoft account also limits data syncing. <br\/><br\/>","inLanguage":"en-US"},"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/how-to-improve-your-privacy-on-windows-10\/#faq-question-1769698492016","position":2,"url":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/how-to-improve-your-privacy-on-windows-10\/#faq-question-1769698492016","name":"How do I turn off Windows AI tracking?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Unfortunately, there\u2019s no single switch to turn off all AI tracking in Windows. You can reduce or disable most AI-driven tracking features in Windows 10 by <a href=\"#ht\">turning off a combination of settings<\/a> related to activity history, speech recognition, Cortana, inking and typing data, and personalized ads.<br\/><br\/>","inLanguage":"en-US"},"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/how-to-improve-your-privacy-on-windows-10\/#faq-question-1769698501847","position":3,"url":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/how-to-improve-your-privacy-on-windows-10\/#faq-question-1769698501847","name":"How do I remove unnecessary things from Windows 10?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Uninstall unwanted apps by opening the settings menu and selecting <em>Apps, <\/em>then opening <em>Apps and Features<\/em>. Here you can remove apps individually. You can also disable background apps in the <em>Background Apps<\/em> section. To go further, use <a href=\"#ap\">advanced tools<\/a> like O&amp;O AppBuster to remove preinstalled apps that don\u2019t show up in the standard list.<br\/><br\/>","inLanguage":"en-US"},"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/how-to-improve-your-privacy-on-windows-10\/#faq-question-1769698511507","position":4,"url":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/how-to-improve-your-privacy-on-windows-10\/#faq-question-1769698511507","name":"Which is more secure: Windows 10 or 11?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Windows 11 includes stronger built-in security features such as secure boot and trusted platform module support. Windows 10 was pretty secure when it came out, but since Microsoft announced the end-of-life for Windows 10, it can\u2019t be considered secure anymore. If you still plan to use it, <a href=\"#ht\">follow these steps to maximize your privacy on Windows 10<\/a>. <br\/><br\/>","inLanguage":"en-US"},"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/how-to-improve-your-privacy-on-windows-10\/#faq-question-1769698520221","position":5,"url":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/how-to-improve-your-privacy-on-windows-10\/#faq-question-1769698520221","name":"Can I still use Windows 10 after 2025?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"You can still use it, but it\u2019s best that you upgrade to Windows 11 because Microsoft stopped releasing new security updates for Windows 10. That means your device may be more vulnerable to new threats. If you plan to keep using it, make sure you configure all of your <a href=\"#ht\">privacy and security settings<\/a>.<br\/><br\/>","inLanguage":"en-US"},"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/how-to-improve-your-privacy-on-windows-10\/#faq-question-1769698530069","position":6,"url":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/how-to-improve-your-privacy-on-windows-10\/#faq-question-1769698530069","name":"Why is Windows 10 ending support?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Microsoft follows a product life cycle. Windows 10 reached the end of its support on October 14, 2025, as the company shifted its focus to Windows 11 and future versions. Microsoft now only provides updates to organizations that pay for it through Microsoft's Extended Security Updates (ESU) program. If you still use Windows 10, here are some <a href=\"#ht\">privacy tips you should know<\/a>.<br\/><br\/>","inLanguage":"en-US"},"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/how-to-improve-your-privacy-on-windows-10\/#faq-question-1769698538365","position":7,"url":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/how-to-improve-your-privacy-on-windows-10\/#faq-question-1769698538365","name":"What are the risks of Windows 10?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"The biggest risks come from data collection, background tracking, and, after 2025, lack of security patches. Without regular updates, your system could be exposed to malware, phishing attacks, and system vulnerabilities. To keep your Windows 10 private, <a href=\"#ht\">follow these Windows 10 privacy practices<\/a>.<br\/><br\/>","inLanguage":"en-US"},"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/how-to-improve-your-privacy-on-windows-10\/#faq-question-1769698548131","position":8,"url":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/how-to-improve-your-privacy-on-windows-10\/#faq-question-1769698548131","name":"Is Windows 12 coming out?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Yes, Microsoft is expected to release Windows 12 in the near future. It will likely focus more on cloud services and artificial intelligence. In the meantime, you can <a href=\"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/update-to-windows-11\/\">upgrade to Windows 11<\/a> if you\u2019re not already using it.<br\/><br\/>","inLanguage":"en-US"},"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/how-to-improve-your-privacy-on-windows-10\/#faq-question-1769698556385","position":9,"url":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/how-to-improve-your-privacy-on-windows-10\/#faq-question-1769698556385","name":"What happens to my Windows 10 PC after October 2025?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Your computer will still work, but it will stop receiving security updates. Over time, you may lose compatibility with apps and services. If you continue using Windows 10, you should limit internet exposure, use antivirus software, and use <a href=\"http:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/buy-vpn-online\">PIA VPN<\/a> to protect your privacy and secure your online traffic.","inLanguage":"en-US"},"inLanguage":"en-US"}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8575","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/111"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=8575"}],"version-history":[{"count":17,"href":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8575\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":36207,"href":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8575\/revisions\/36207"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/35826"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=8575"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=8575"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=8575"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}