Windows 10 accounts for about 60% of the total operating system used worldwide. Even if you’re a devoted Mac and Linux fanatic, chances are you have to use Windows somewhere — at work, at home, or on a public computer.
Compared to earlier versions, Windows 10 is more secure, faster and much easier to use. But many of these improvements in the process have compromised privacy.
Do not worry; you can still have your cake and eat it too. Here’s how to minimize Windows tracking and improve privacy in a few simple steps.
1. Turn off customized ads
You should be concerned about what information Microsoft and other parties collect about you as you browse the Internet. This information typically helps companies build a profile about you in order to push targeted ads.
You may already know how to stop this on Chrome or Facebook. It’s time to do the same with Edge and Windows. Microsoft not only collects information about you when you browse the web, but also when you use Windows 10 apps.
You can disable Advertising ID in settings:
- Type “Privacy” into the Windows search box and select “Privacy Settings.”
- At the top is your “Advertising ID”. Move the slider to the left to disable it.
You will still receive some ads, but they will not be targeted, and Windows will no longer track your browsing activity.
2. Disable Cortana
Cortana is the Windows version of Alexa and Siri. It is useful and you can use it to perform many things like searching, mathematical equations and more. But it also collects information about you.
You have two options. You can limit permissions or disable Cortana entirely. The best middle ground is to turn off “Hey Cortana” to disable active listening and remove personalization. Then you can still have some voice functions, but only when you turn on the microphone.
Or you can go all the way and remove Cortana. You can still type the same queries into the search bar that Cortana can answer.
To change Cortana:
- Type “Cortana” in the search bar.
- Select “Settings”.
- Disable “Hey Cortana.”
- Configure “Control what Cortana can access” according to your preferences.
3. Enable VPN
Not only Microsoft, but every other website and application you use can track what you do online by tracking your IP address. Your IP address is essential for using the Internet. But that doesn’t mean you should keep it outdoors.
To see how easy it is to find it, immediately type “what is my IP address” into Google. Not only will it show you the device’s unique ID, but also other personal information like your ISP and location. Click here for more information: https://nordvpn.com/what-is-my-ip/
Fortunately, you can use a VPN to hide your IP address. VPNs replace your IP address with one of their servers so that no one can track your internet activity on your device. At the same time, they also encrypt your connection to provide even more security.
Again, you have two options. Choose a reliable VPN and use their app on your computer. Or you can set up a VPN directly in the network settings. If you enable VPN in settings, you won’t need a VPN client (you still need a VPN subscription). But it takes a little more technical knowledge to change servers or take advantage of other VPN features.
Nord VPN
4. Disable network sharing
Windows 10 has a great feature called WiFi Sense. It allows you to share access keys for WiFi networks with your contacts without revealing the password. But it allows someone to access your network, and you don’t want outsiders to be able to do that.
It is much safer to disable this feature and create a separate guest WiFi network for friends and visitors. To turn it off on your computer, follow these steps:
- Open “Network and Internet” settings.
- Select “WiFi” and “Manage WiFi Settings”.
- Disable WiFi Sense as well as “Connect to suggested open hotspots” and “Connect to a network shared by my contacts.”
5. Use the Microsoft Privacy Dashboard
Most people don’t realize that Microsoft, along with Google, Facebook and other platforms, have privacy dashboards. There you can fine-tune all the data they collect about you.
To access your Microsoft dashboard, sign in to your account here and review your privacy settings.
You can limit the data collected, view and delete internet history, location activity and much more. Note that Microsoft only tracks browsing activity in Edge or Internet Explorer. If you use Chrome, Firefox, or other browsers, it’s time to review their privacy settings as well.
Windows 10 is a fantastic operating system that gets better with every release. But there are also privacy issues. Be sure to check your settings after each Windows update to stop or limit Microsoft tracking.
Read More Author: Khushboo Chhibber “My aim is to create technical awareness, you can call me a technophile. I am passionate about writing reviews about various gadgets and other informative content that can have a direct impact on the audience or can prove useful to them. Moreover, technology like mobile devices, gadgets, android devices, Google, streaming media and other online services inspires me to write and review and make my audience aware of what might be best for them.
Categories: How to
Source: HIS Education