Windows 11 Privacy Settings You Should Change Today
Windows 11 is chattier than any Windows before it — tailored ads in the Start menu, diagnostic data, activity history. All of it is controllable from one place: Settings → Privacy & security. Here are the seven switches worth flipping, in order of impact.
1. Turn off the advertising ID
Settings → Privacy & security → General — switch off "Let apps show me personalised ads by using my advertising ID", plus the other three toggles on that screen (website language access, app launch tracking, suggested content).
2. Limit diagnostic data
Privacy & security → Diagnostics & feedback: turn off Send optional diagnostic data, then "Improve inking and typing" and "Tailored experiences". Scroll down and hit Delete diagnostic data while you're there.
3. Clear and disable activity history
Privacy & security → Activity history: untick storing history on the device and click Clear history.
4. Audit app permissions
Under Privacy & security, scroll to App permissions: review Location, Camera and Microphone. Desktop apps in particular retain access indefinitely once granted.
5. Rein in the lock screen and Start menu
Personalisation → Lock screen: switch the background to Picture and untick "fun facts, tips and tricks". Personalisation → Start: turn off "Show recommendations for tips, shortcuts, new apps and more".
6. Use a local search index only
Privacy & security → Search permissions: turn off cloud content search for your Microsoft account if you don't need OneDrive/Outlook results mixed into Start-menu searches, and disable "Search highlights" at the bottom.
7. Check OneDrive backup intent
Windows 11 often turns on OneDrive folder backup during setup without much ceremony. Settings → Accounts → Windows backup shows what's syncing; manage folders under OneDrive's own settings if you'd rather keep Documents and Pictures local.
Troubleshooting
A toggle is greyed out? On a work or school PC, your organisation controls it via policy. On a personal PC, run Windows Update and check you're signed in as an administrator.
Frequently asked questions
Will these changes slow down or break Windows?
No. Every setting here controls data sharing and suggestions, not core functionality. Windows Update and security features are unaffected.
Is optional diagnostic data required for updates?
No. Required diagnostic data (which you cannot disable) is enough for updates to work; optional data adds browsing and app-usage detail.
Do I need third-party "debloat" tools?
Be careful with them — many break future updates. The built-in settings above cover the meaningful privacy wins safely.