Is there a way to stop Microsoft spying without turning off Cortana?

zablablukas · 02 Aug 2016

So the question is in the title. Right from the start of Windows 10 Cortana was one of my favourite features but then the Web started to fill up with articles saying that Cortana is a Microsoft tool that sends all your data to them and the only way to stop them is by turning it off. I've been using third party software such as W10Privacy to keep me safe but I still don't feel that way. So is there anything I can do to stop all the spyware without getting rid off my digital assistant?

TairikuOkami · 02 Aug 2016

You can not have both, you can try to compromise, but Cortana needs your personal info in order to work.

Cortana and privacy

BTW, if you disable DiagTrack service, which is the core of privacy leaks, Cortana, Store, MS account fail to work properly.

lopedoggie · 02 Aug 2016

There are registry hacks that work but, you will shut down cortana doing so. Sorry. The way it is.

Edwin · 02 Aug 2016

zablablukas said:

So the question is in the title. Right from the start of Windows 10 Cortana was one of my favourite features but then the Web started to fill up with articles saying that Cortana is a Microsoft tool that sends all your data to them and the only way to stop them is by turning it off. I've been using third party software such as W10Privacy to keep me safe but I still don't feel that way. So is there anything I can do to stop all the spyware without getting rid off my digital assistant?

K, it's not spying, for Pete's sake!

If you ask Cortana to send your buddy Mike, (for example), an email, then MS needs to store that information.
If you don't want MS storing that information then call Mike on the telephone!

CountMike · 03 Aug 2016

Edwin said:

K, it's not spying, for Pete's sake!

If you ask Cortana to send your buddy Mike, (for example), an email, then MS needs to store that information.
If you don't want MS storing that information then call Mike on the telephone!

And than the telephone will store that data !!

DeaconFrost · 03 Aug 2016

I'd love to know why or where people are getting their information...to make them feel "unsafe" using Windows 10, but completely safe with any other device, like a smartphone, constantly connected to the internet.

Barman58 · 03 Aug 2016

The why is quite simple - It makes your website more valuable to advertisers if it is visited by more people. Bad news attracts more people that good, so unscrupulous people make up false News to attract more people and therefore sell more advertising

CountMike · 03 Aug 2016

Barman58 said:

The why is quite simple - It makes your website more valuable to advertisers if it is visited by more people. Bad news attracts more people that good, so unscrupulous people make up false News to attract more people and therefore sell more advertising

Right, I can see a lot of Click-bait articles around. Judging by the comments on them it's good thing internet is in between, otherwise blood would be on the streets.

Kari · 03 Aug 2016

I have often thought what is it that makes people think they are so important that they believe MS has people hired to spy on them? That their importance is on such a high level that all their keystrokes, personal information and such is stored and analysed.

Why do people rather believe unconfirmed bad news and rumours than confirmed facts?

CountMike · 03 Aug 2016

Kari said:

I have often thought what is it that makes people think they are so important that they believe MS has people hired to spy on them? That their importance is on such a high level that all their keystrokes, personal information and such is stored and analysed.

Why do people rather believe unconfirmed bad news and rumours than confirmed facts?

Because it's more interesting ? Many are still disputing holocaust, moon landings and hunt for Hitler is still afoot.