Windows is great and all, but there are some serious issues when it comes to privacy. Luckily, these issues can be solved pretty easily. This is my quick guide on how to do that and stay private while using Windows in 10 steps:
1. Disable Wi-Fi Sense - Stop automatically connecting to unknown networks and prevent potential MITM or phishing attempts
(Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi)
2. Use Random MAC addresses - Makes it harder for you to be tracked across networks
(Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi)
3. Disable Feedback and Diagnostic Reports - Limits the amount of info sent from your computer to Microsoft
(Settings > Privacy > Feedback & Diagnostics)
4. Turn off Location Tracking - Stops apps from accessing your current location
(Settings > Privacy > Location)
5. Download Windows Privacy Software - Automatically enable important privacy settings that may otherwise be hard to edit
(I personall use Opticole which is relatively new, comes with some awesome features like file encryption, and is a whole lot cheaper than other privacy software)
6. Encrypt Important Files - Keep your personal data locked and protected from prying eyes. Make your own password manager by encrypting password files yourself
(You can use the same software mentioned above)
7. Disable Syncing - Syncing may allow may devices to steal your data without you even knowing about it, disable it unless you really need it!
(Settings > Privacy > Other devices)
8. Disable Cortana - Stop Cortana from collecting personal data or monitoring mic speech
(Edit Group Policy > Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Search > Allow Cortana > Disabled)
9. Turn off Ad Tracking - Delete your "advertising ID" which allows advertisers to track you across platforms
(Settings > Privacy > General > Let apps use my advertising ID for experiences across apps)
10. Control Camera and Mic - Limit the apps that are allowed to use your camera
(Settings > Privacy > Camera || Settings > Privacy > Microphone)
Hope these 10 steps help you stay private!
1. Disable Wi-Fi Sense - Stop automatically connecting to unknown networks and prevent potential MITM or phishing attempts
(Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi)
2. Use Random MAC addresses - Makes it harder for you to be tracked across networks
(Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi)
3. Disable Feedback and Diagnostic Reports - Limits the amount of info sent from your computer to Microsoft
(Settings > Privacy > Feedback & Diagnostics)
4. Turn off Location Tracking - Stops apps from accessing your current location
(Settings > Privacy > Location)
5. Download Windows Privacy Software - Automatically enable important privacy settings that may otherwise be hard to edit
(I personall use Opticole which is relatively new, comes with some awesome features like file encryption, and is a whole lot cheaper than other privacy software)
6. Encrypt Important Files - Keep your personal data locked and protected from prying eyes. Make your own password manager by encrypting password files yourself
(You can use the same software mentioned above)
7. Disable Syncing - Syncing may allow may devices to steal your data without you even knowing about it, disable it unless you really need it!
(Settings > Privacy > Other devices)
8. Disable Cortana - Stop Cortana from collecting personal data or monitoring mic speech
(Edit Group Policy > Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Search > Allow Cortana > Disabled)
9. Turn off Ad Tracking - Delete your "advertising ID" which allows advertisers to track you across platforms
(Settings > Privacy > General > Let apps use my advertising ID for experiences across apps)
10. Control Camera and Mic - Limit the apps that are allowed to use your camera
(Settings > Privacy > Camera || Settings > Privacy > Microphone)
Hope these 10 steps help you stay private!
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