How To Keep Microsoft's Nose Out of Your Personal Data In Windows 10

MojoKid writes: Amid the privacy concerns and arguably invasive nature of Microsoft's Windows 10 regarding user information, it's no surprise that details on how to minimize leaks as much as possible are often requested by users who have recently made the jump to the new operating system. If you are using Windows 10, or plan to upgrade soon, it's worth bearing in mind a number of privacy-related options that are available, even during the installation/upgrade. If you are already running the OS and forgot to turn them off during installation (or didn't even see them), they can be accessed via the Settings menu on the start menu, and then selecting Privacy from the pop-up menu. Among these menus are a plethora of options regarding what data can be gathered about you. It's worth noting, however, that changing any of these options may disable various OS related services, namely Cortana, as Microsoft's digital assistant has it tendrils buried deep.

Comments

HOSTS file

[Anonymous Coward]

"How To Keep Microsoft's Nose Out of Your Personal Data In Windows 10"

How about a new HOSTS file? APK?

Re:HOSTS file

[ancientt]

Right, because keeping your browsing and application-utilization habits a secret is SO important.

OMG somebody might know you look at porn! Or that you play video games! Or that you are shopping online for a new printer!!!

The horror!

Okay, mostly I agree with you, and even if 99.9% of people were aware of what's shared, almost none of them would care. Of course, in reality, I'd be surprised if even 1% of people care enough to find out.

Lets just target that tiny fragment of the population that cares and wants to protect their privacy. Maybe you know the person behind the Ashley Madison hack, or want to blow the whistle on the NSA, or maybe you found out something terrible about Microsoft and want to email somebody about it, whatever. In this scenario, you're somehow also nuts enough that you are going to pass on your bombshell using your home Windows 10 PC.

Wireshark and a few tweaks to your router and there is now nothing goes out that you don't want going out. Problem solved. (It's not going to last ten seconds in keeping your identity secret from any of those entities, but hey, it's not Windows 10's fault at least.)

But wait, you must be saying, "my PC is connected without a router!" (How?) Don't worry your pretty little head about it. A couple host file edits and you're good. But "wait" you say, (complainer!) "these apps are still connecting!" So you add a handful of specific routes with the handy command line and boom (!) problem solved again. (For another ten seconds.)

"But ancientt," you say. "I'm posting and emailing stuff all the time that could get me in trouble and I don't want Microsoft to know!" To which I reply, "Tails and VPN my child." But you ignore my advice, because of course you do. "I must secure Windows 10 permanently!" I find you irritating, but alas, I cannot resist your wiles so I offer this further guidance. Edit your registry, run your own DNS server, set the default route to localhost and only allow an IP connection to sites you've intentionally pre-configured with the route command, and now my stupid but persevering student, you have a Windows 10 configuration which will communicate with nothing undesired.

I will not post bail.

Re:HOSTS file

[rastos1]

do you already have ipv6 at home and work?

Yes.

ipv6 does not route automagically

Oh, really?. Leave your geek card at the door.

Re:Beside the point

[Anonymous Coward]

Right, the next installer I write will have a "Don't fuck everything up" checkbox, checked by default, just for you!

I've seen this on here a few times

[Anonymous Coward]

I'm just waiting for the coffee table book now.

"And nothing of value was lost"

[davidwr]

It's worth noting, however, that changing any of these options may disable various OS related services, namely Cortana, as Microsoft's digital assistant has it tendrils buried deep.

And nothing of value was lost.