How to disable telemetry on Windows 11

You can limit Microsoft’s data collection by disabling optional diagnostic data, personalization, feedback, and cloud-based tracking features in Settings.
Some telemetry cannot be fully disabled, especially on Insider Program devices, and certain apps may still collect their own data.
Adjusting these settings helps protect your privacy while keeping Windows 11 secure and fully functional.

On Windows 11, if you value privacy, restricting (or stopping) Microsoft from collecting telemetry data from your computer should be a top priority, and in this guide, I’ll show you how.

When I talk about telementry, I mean the automated collection and transmission of system data (such as usage and crash data, diagnostic information, and other types of information) from your computer to Microsoft. While the company describes it as a way to keep the operating system secure, up to date, and performing as expected, it’s a frequent point of contention among privacy-conscious users.

According to the software giant, telemetry is categorized into two levels, including “Required Diagnostic Data” and “Optional Diagnostic Data.”

Required Diagnostic Data includes device information (processor, memory), settings, connectivity details, and confirmation that updates are working correctly. On the other hand, “Optional Diagnostic Data” sends everything in “Required,” plus your Microsoft Edge browsing history, your usage on specific apps and features, and enhanced error reports.

Although it may not be possible to completely block the company from collecting any data, you can certainly restrict the amount of data sent to Microsoft without using the Registry.

In this guide, I’ll explain how to disable (most of the) telemetry on Windows 11.

Disable telemetry on Windows 11

To prevent Microsoft from collecting as much telemetry data as possible from your computer, follow the steps:

Open Settings on Windows 11.
Click on Privacy & security.
Click the Diagnostics & feedback setting.
Click the Diagnostic data setting.
Turn off the “Send optional diagnostic data” toggle switch.
Click the “Improve inking and typing” setting.
Turn off the toggle switch.
Select the Tailored experiences setting
Turn off the Detele toggle switch.
Click the “Delete diagnostic data” setting.
Click the Delete button.
Choose the Never option for the Feedback frequency setting.
Click on Privacy & security one more time.
Click the General setting.
Turn off the “Let apps show me personalized ads by using my advertising ID” toggle switch.
Turn off the “Let websites show me locally relevant content by accessing my language list” toggle switch.
Turn off the “Let Windows improve Start and search results by tracking app launches” toggle switch.
Turn off the “Show me suggested content in the Settings app” toggle switch.
Click on Personalization.
Click the Start setting.
Turn off the “Show commendations for tips, shortcuts, new apps, and more” toggle switch.
Click on Personalization.
Click the Device Usage.
Turn off all toggles to prevent Windows 11 from sending usage data to Microsoft.

Once you complete the step, the device will stop sending some telemetry data to Microsoft.

If you have a device enrolled in the Windows Insider Program, you won’t be able to disable telemetry, as it’s part of the requirements to participate in the program.

By adjusting these settings, you can take control of your Windows 11 experience and significantly reduce the amount of data sent to Microsoft. While some essential telemetry cannot be fully disabled, these steps ensure that optional diagnostic data, personalization features, and cloud-based activity are limited to the minimum necessary. With these changes, your system can remain secure, functional, and more private, giving you peace of mind while using Windows 11.

However, it’s important to note that you cannot fully disable telemetry on Windows 11. Also, some applications may collect some additional data. If this is the case, you’ll have to control data collection from the application itself.