You agreed to Windows 10's EULA when you installed it, if you realize that you do not agree with it, legally speaking, you shouldn't be using it.
But I know that a lot of users here don't care about that for whatever reason there is. I don't want to start yet another thread that debates about Windows 10's EULA and Microsoft Privacy policies, we have enough of them already. This thread will be used to compile tips and tricks you can use to attempt to protect your privacy as much as possible under Windows 10.
Be aware that some of the tweaks here can break your Windows installation and/or remove certain of its features. It's recommended to either create a System Image of your system prior to applying these modifications, and/or creating a System Restore Point (or backing up your Registry). I am not responsible for what you do with the tips and tools posted here.
Now, there's currently two programs that you can use in order to adjust the privacy settings under Windows 10.
The first one is DoNotSpy10 by pXc-coding. This tool offers a GUI to enable/disable many settings and features related to privacy under Windows 10. Be aware that this program is detected by many Antivirus programs because it bundles OpenCandy with it. You can read what quietman have to say about OpenCandy here to make a decision on whether you want to keep it or not. Programs like Malwarebytes and Emsisoft will remove the bundled OpenCandy on installation.
There's also Destroy Windows 10 Spying which is another tool that allows you to control privacy-related settings under Windows 10, but with a bit less options.
The user C-Ron on reddit posted a small guide that guides you throught the settings to disable when you first configure Windows 10, and also what to do after the installation if you want to disable more settings that would send data to Microsoft. This article was first reported by the member Condobloke here.
https://www.reddit.com/r/Windows10/comments/3f38ed/guide_how_to_disable_data_logging_in_w10
The website WinAero also offers a small tutorial on how to disable the Telemetry and Data Collection under Windows 10.
http://winaero.com/blog/how-to-disable-telemetry-and-data-collection-in-windows-10/
The following entries can be added to the hosts file (C:\Windows\system32\drivers\etc) to block the transmission of data to Microsoft from your Windows 10 system. I expect this list to grow more in the future and I'll add the entries as they are being posted online.
0.0.0.0 vortex.data.microsoft.com 0.0.0.0 vortex-win.data.microsoft.com 0.0.0.0 telecommand.telemetry.microsoft.com 0.0.0.0 telecommand.telemetry.microsoft.com.nsatc.net 0.0.0.0 oca.telemetry.microsoft.com 0.0.0.0 oca.telemetry.microsoft.com.nsatc.net 0.0.0.0 sqm.telemetry.microsoft.com 0.0.0.0 sqm.telemetry.microsoft.com.nsatc.net 0.0.0.0 watson.telemetry.microsoft.com 0.0.0.0 watson.telemetry.microsoft.com.nsatc.net 0.0.0.0 redir.metaservices.microsoft.com 0.0.0.0 choice.microsoft.com 0.0.0.0 choice.microsoft.com.nsatc.net 0.0.0.0 df.telemetry.microsoft.com 0.0.0.0 reports.wes.df.telemetry.microsoft.com 0.0.0.0 wes.df.telemetry.microsoft.com 0.0.0.0 services.wes.df.telemetry.microsoft.com 0.0.0.0 sqm.df.telemetry.microsoft.com 0.0.0.0 telemetry.microsoft.com 0.0.0.0 watson.ppe.telemetry.microsoft.com 0.0.0.0 telemetry.appex.bing.net 0.0.0.0 telemetry.urs.microsoft.com 0.0.0.0 telemetry.appex.bing.net:443 0.0.0.0 settings-sandbox.data.microsoft.com 0.0.0.0 vortex-sandbox.data.microsoft.com 0.0.0.0 survey.watson.microsoft.com 0.0.0.0 watson.live.com 0.0.0.0 watson.microsoft.com 0.0.0.0 statsfe2.ws.microsoft.com 0.0.0.0 corpext.msitadfs.glbdns2.microsoft.com 0.0.0.0 compatexchange.cloudapp.net 0.0.0.0 cs1.wpc.v0cdn.net 0.0.0.0 a-0001.a-msedge.net 0.0.0.0 statsfe2.update.microsoft.com.akadns.net 0.0.0.0 diagnostics.support.microsoft.com 0.0.0.0 corp.sts.microsoft.com 0.0.0.0 statsfe1.ws.microsoft.com 0.0.0.0 pre.footprintpredict.com 0.0.0.0 i1.services.social.microsoft.com 0.0.0.0 i1.services.social.microsoft.com.nsatc.net 0.0.0.0 bingads.microsoft.com 0.0.0.0 www.bingads.microsoft.comFor those who knows the Local Group Policy Editor and the Registry, here's two pictures that sums up all the privacy, telemetry and data collection settings in the GPO and Registry that you can disable if you wish. Those who are highlighted are the ones that brings the more controversy.
Next is a PowerShell script that was posted on /g/ that claims to "debloat" Windows 10 and patch the privacy settings as well. I haven't tested it yet so use it at your own risks. For those who can read PowerShell, you can revise the script and see if there's stuff you want to take care of manually.
http://pastebin.com/rkJ8Xcvx
I'll try to keep this thread (the first post) as updated as possible, and possible format it in the future if you guys find it a bit messed up. This is not a thread to debate about Windows 10's EULA and Microsoft Privacy policies, use NickAu's thread for that. This thread is used to share tips, tricks, advices and programs that can be used to boost the privacy of your Windows 10 system. So you can post articles, programs, tutorials, guides, etc. here and when I can, I'll add them all in the first post.
Thank you.
Edited by Aura, 16 August 2015 - 04:20 PM.
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