Windows 10 is considered the best and most secure version from Microsoft, but it has not risen to be a perfect system. Unfortunately, Windows 10 is still a compilation of all versions of Windows from Microsoft and includes many services used since the launch of Windows 7. This massive amount of services runs in the background, slowing down the user experience, especially on devices with modest specifications, and many users have expressed their frustration with this data collection policy under the pretext of improving the user experience, seeing it as a violation of privacy at times.
When installing Windows 10, many options are pre-configured to collect data remotely from you. If you do not want Microsoft to have access to your calendar, email messages, location, and other personal information, you may need to install an external tool that will give you easy access to all the settings so you can allow what you want and disable the rest. These five tools give you easy access to remote settings for your computer.
1. O&O ShutUp10
One of the most popular programs for controlling the data collected by the Windows 10 operating system, it displays all remote settings options in a long, categorized list. To disable data collection options, all you have to do is switch the toggle switch next to the service you do not want to run in the background. Of course, sometimes disabling some services may mean giving up on certain related functions.
This small and simple program helps you avoid this by suggesting options that can be disabled without causing any problems in the way your computer operates. It also gives you the option to export and import settings, allowing you to share your settings with other users. You can also back up your settings so you don’t have to review them again if all options are reset to their default state.
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2. W10Privacy
A powerful tool designed to give you intensive control over the telemetry devices you want to enable and disable. There are literally over a hundred different remote tracking and telemetry options that you can specify. Fortunately, the application categorizes all these options into tabbed groups, making it easier to select options for changes by hovering the mouse over the options. When you do this, the program displays a brief description of what each option does. The program also uses colors to indicate which options can be safely disabled.
This program is designed for those who want a direct interface that allows them to disable remote tracking services. DisableWinTracking can shut down some services, disable some Windows Defender features, turn off WifiSense, uninstall OneDrive, block some remote tracking devices, and stop other tracking events. When you open the app for the first time, the Windows Smart Screen will prevent it from running, just click on “More information,” then click on the “Run anyway” button.
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This program gives you an overview of all important system settings and allows you to disable each one by clicking on the toggle switches. The program includes two presets, one of which will disable all data reporting to Microsoft. While this may seem extreme and somewhat risky, you are not sure of the best options for disabling telemetry. You can use a preset that relies on security experts’ recommendations.
Another popular program for managing remote telemetry settings for Windows is Windows Privacy Tweaker. It has a user-friendly interface with each telemetry option color-coded to inform you of which safe options can be disabled. Some options have descriptions, so you can get a better idea of whether you want to disable everything or not. Another useful feature of this program is that it allows you to enable or disable entire sections by clicking on the category title, and also includes the ability to restore your system in case you change your mind.
