չ∂αяквℓσω
Member
|========================================================|
|COMPLETE GUIDE TO TOTAL PRIVACY ON WINDOWS (10/11)|
|========================================================|
INTRODUCTION
------------
This guide shows you step-by-step how to configure Windows (both 10 and 11) to achieve **the highest level of privacy possible** by preventing unwanted data collection, minimizing telemetry, disabling “spying” services, and monitoring all outgoing connections.
Include:
* native Windows settings
* Use of specialized software: WPD (https://wpd.app/), W10Privacy (https://www.w10privacy.de/english-home), Ultimate Windows Tweaker 4.8 (https://news.thewindowsclub.com/ultimate-windows-tweaker-4-8-for-windows-10-released-105017/)
* network monitoring tools such as SmartSniff (https://www.nirsoft.net/utils/smsniff.html)
* general tips and practical advice
---
PART 1 — BASIC SETTINGS IN WINDOWS
------------------------------------------
1) OPEN PRIVACY SETTINGS
* Press WIN + I → **Privacy & Security**
* Here you will find options like Location, Camera, Microphone, Contacts, Calendar etc.
* For each entry, disable access for apps you don't use or that don't require those permissions. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
2) GENERAL SETTINGS
* Open **Privacy & Security → General**
* Disable **Ad ID** (will not block ads but will prevent targeted advertising) :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
* Turn off **App Launch Tracking** and any unnecessary features.
3) TELEMETRY AND DIAGNOSTIC DATA
* Go to **Privacy & Security → Diagnostics and Feedback**
* Set "Diagnostic Data" to **Required / Basic**
* Turn off **Personalized Experiences**
* In Windows 10 Home, some items cannot be completely disabled from the default settings. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
4) ACCOUNT SYNCHRONIZATION
* In **Settings → Accounts → Sync your settings**
* Turn off automatic syncing of settings, passwords, themes, etc.
NOTE: If you use a Microsoft account, many settings will be synced to the cloud. If you want complete privacy, consider a local account.
---
PART 2 — ADVANCED PRIVACY SOFTWARE
---------------------------------------
Note: For all deep changes, it is recommended that you **create a restore point** before applying them.
### WPD (Windows Privacy Dashboard) [https://wpd.app/]
Free and portable software that allows you to disable:
* telemetry
* data collection services
* tracking functions
* automatic integrations
It's lightweight, requires no installation, and comes with pre-configured profiles for maximum privacy.
INSTRUCTIONS:
1) Download the version from the official WPD website
2) Run as administrator
3) Select desired privacy settings
4) Apply the changes and **restart** your PC
---
### W10Privacy (Win10Privacy) [https://www.w10privacy.de/english-home]
Free tool focused on:
* telemetry and diagnostics
* app permissions
* system services
* hidden advanced settings
INSTRUCTIONS:
1) Download from the official website
2) Run with administrator privileges
3) Always read the description of each option
4) Apply changes with caution (some tweaks may affect system functions) :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
---
### Ultimate Windows Tweaker 4.8 [https://news.thewindowsclub.com/ultimate-windows-tweaker-4-8-for-windows-10-released-105017/]
Comprehensive utility for easily changing dozens of system options:
* Privacy & Security
* Telemetry deactivation
* Advanced customization
* System tweaks
INSTRUCTIONS:
1) Download and open UWT
2) Go to the “Privacy & Security” section
3) Enable/disable options as per your needs
4) Always create a restore point before applying tweaks
---
PART 3 — CHECK CONNECTIONS (SmartSniff) [https://www.nirsoft.net/utils/smsniff.html]
-------------------------------------------------
SmartSniff is a tool that captures network traffic and shows you all outgoing and incoming connections.
It is ideal for:
* understand which processes connect to the internet
* analyze suspicious traffic
* verify that there are no “spies” sending data
INSTRUCTIONS:
1) Download SmartSniff
2) Select the network interface to monitor
3) Start the capture
4) Analyze outgoing targets and IPs
Alternative to commands like netstat but with a **more readable interface**.
---
PART 4 — PRACTICAL ADVICE
---------------------------
1) DISABLE EVERYTHING YOU DON'T NEED
* Location, camera, microphone, etc.
* Microsoft account synchronization
* Auto-suggestion features
* Telemetry
2) USE A LOCAL ACCOUNT
If you don't need the cloud, avoid your Microsoft account to reduce data collection.
3) CHECK THE SERVICES
Some services like “Connected User Experiences” may send data in the background.
4) FIREWALL E DNS
Use an advanced firewall (Simplewall, TinyWall) and encrypted DNS to block unwanted traffic.
5) CONSTANT MONITORING
After Windows updates, some settings may be reset. Check back periodically.
---
WINDOWS 10 vs WINDOWS 11 FOR PRIVACY
----------------------------------------
* **Windows 11** has a more modern and intuitive privacy settings panel
* **Windows 10** with the right tools can be *more customizable* and offer more granular controls
Both must be configured with external tools if you want **(almost) total privacy**.
---
