Privacy issues with Windows 10 April 2018 update

Curious · 03 Jul 2018

As part of my automatic updates settings, I just got updated with the Windows 10 April 2018 update. With all the new "features" I worry about the privacy issues these features must create. Can someone more knowledgeable than me tell me what additional privacy risks these new features are creatng and - more importantly - how do I prevent whatever new data they leak to Microsoft?

Also is the update known to change any of the settings present before the update?

Thank you.

Masterchiefxx17 · 03 Jul 2018

No matter how hard you try, Windows 10 will be collecting something from your computer. It's apart of using Windows nowadays as well as most other apps.

What you can choose to do is download a Privacy Tool such as the one linked below and alter the privacy settings of Windows 10:

https://www.winprivacy.de/english-home/

dalchina · 04 Jul 2018

You're going to leak far more data by using social media (if you do) than by using Windows.

eLPuSHeR · 04 Jul 2018

I do not care for those "privacy/antispy" tools anymore. They tend to break some things in your system. Do a full system backup before playing with them. Besides, as Dalchina has said, using social networks is a great source of invading privacy.

Steve C · 04 Jul 2018

dalchina said:

You're going to leak far more data by using social media (if you do) than by using Windows.

And who know what the intelligence agencies are obtaining by spying on your PC should they take an interest in you.

Curious · 04 Jul 2018

I never use Facebook and the like. I know it's an almost hopeless task and privacy is an illusion today but I don't want to totally give up. Might as well do what I can to mitigate the damage.

dalchina · 04 Jul 2018

The assumption is that MS is collecting personal data. I recall someone commenting on this idea and wondering if MS was really interested in the colour of one's underwear, assuming one ever commented on such. (I found that somewhat amusing having just accidentally washed some with a red T shirt whilst on holiday).

Rather they are collecting statistics- and we would like to think some of those result in product quality improvements through updates. Note in particular, for example, how when something crashes, a WER (windows error report) is made to MS. That's made obvious through informative dialogues.

In the early days I tried programs like O&O Shutup and Spybot antibeacon- and ended up creating a problem that took a long time to resolve.

Finally it's always your choice.. depending on what your level of concern is.

I don't use MS tools or services for email, for example. Some useful hints and commentary here:

Understanding Windows 10s Privacy Settings
What Do Windows 10s Basic and Full Telemetry Settings Actually Do?
How to Protect Your Privacy in Windows 10 - PCMag UK
The Windows 10 privacy issues you should know about

Following the line at the bottom is interesting:

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I'm kind of glad I've not used Cortana or left Hey Cortana on.. and a few more things..

margrave55 · 04 Jul 2018

Would it help to know the IP addresses that Windows uses to phone home?
If you were to block those at the firewall would that not end the ~~spying~~ data-sharing?

f14tomcat · 04 Jul 2018

margrave55 said:

Would it help to know the IP addresses that Windows uses to phone home?
If you were to block those at the firewall would that not end the ~~spying~~ data-sharing?

And probably everything else.

Curious · 04 Jul 2018

dalchina said:

I'm kind of glad I've not used Cortana or left Hey Cortana on.. and a few more things..

We're of like minds. I too have never used Cortana, etc. Or Microsoft account, gmail, facebook, etc.
But I know I can't beat the big guys. Just trying to limit the damage, futile as that might be.