🔒How to Disable Telemetry in Windows 11: The Complete Privacy Guide

Windows 11 is a powerful operating system, but it is designed to track your usage patterns through a process called Telemetry. While the intent is to improve the system, many users prioritize their privacy. This detailed guide from Utility Vaults will show you the safest and most effective methods to completely minimize Telemetry and data collection in Windows 11.

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1. Understanding Windows Telemetry and Privacy Concerns

Telemetry is the system that sends data about your device's performance, crash reports, usage habits, and error logs back to Microsoft.

1.1. Telemetry Levels

Microsoft offers four data collection tiers. Our goal is to stick to the bare minimum:

• Full: Sends extensive details about your device usage (Privacy Risk).
• Enhanced: Detailed information about how you use apps.
• Basic: Limited data required to keep the OS secure and updated.
• Security: The lowest level, essential for critical updates (Our Goal).

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2. 🛡️ Method 1: Using the Settings App (The Easiest Way)

This method allows you to set the Telemetry level to its absolute minimum.

• Open Settings: Press the **Windows key + I**.
• Navigate: Go to **Privacy & Security**.
• Select Diagnostics: Click on **Diagnostics & Feedback**.
• Turn Off Optional Data: Ensure the toggle for **"Send optional diagnostic data"** is set to **Off**.
• Review History: You can also click **"Delete diagnostic data"** to clear any previously collected data stored locally.

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3. ⚙️ Method 2: Group Policy Editor (For Pro/Enterprise Users)

The Group Policy Editor (GPE) provides granular control over Telemetry settings and is highly recommended for Windows 11 Pro and Enterprise users.

3.1. Disabling the Telemetry Service

• Open GPE: Press **Windows key + R**, type gpedit.msc, and hit Enter.
• Navigate to Path: Go to:
  Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Data Collection and Preview Builds
• Edit Setting: Double-click on **"Allow Telemetry"**.
• Set Value: Select **Disabled**. This forces the system to stop sending optional diagnostic data.
• Apply and Reboot: Click **Apply** and **OK**, then restart your PC.

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4. 🔑 Method 3: Registry Editor (For All Windows 11 Users)

This is the most powerful method, necessary for Windows 11 Home users. **Caution is advised** as incorrect edits can damage your system.

Warning: Always back up your registry before making changes. Follow the steps exactly as written.

4.1. Creating the Telemetry Key

• Open Registry: Press **Windows key + R**, type regedit, and hit Enter.
• Navigate to Path: Go to this location:
  HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\
• Create Key: Right-click on the **Windows** folder, select **New > Key**, and name it **DataCollection**.
• Create DWORD Value: Right-click on the new DataCollection folder, choose **New > DWORD (32-bit) Value**.
• Name the Value: Name the new DWORD **AllowTelemetry**.
• Set Value Data: Ensure its value data is set to **0** (zero).
• Final Step: Close the Registry Editor and **Restart** your computer.

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5. 🛑 Stopping Other Data Collection Points

Telemetry is not the only source of data collection. Maximize your privacy by turning off these related settings:

• Activity History: Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Activity History and uncheck both options to stop syncing your local activity to Microsoft's cloud.
• Targeted Ads: In Settings > Privacy & Security > General, switch **Off** the setting that allows apps to show you personalized ads.

Utility Vaults Expert Tip: After applying these changes, occasionally check your system logs. If Microsoft updates Windows, these settings can sometimes be reverted.