Windows 10 is known to collect various types of data about your behavior using the operating system, such as the websites you visit, location, speech, apps, and device usage and health.
Although you’ve been able to control some of the data Microsoft collects about your device, there has been also concerns among users about a built-in “keylogger” as Windows 10 also collects typing data to improve next word prediction, spelling collection, and autocorrection.
Starting with Windows 10 version 1803 (April 2018 Update), Microsoft is updating the privacy settings, and it’s introducing an new option to disable inking and typing recognition that allows you to opt-out of this experience.
In this guide, you’ll learn the steps to stop Windows 10 from collecting handwriting and typing data that Microsoft uses to improve language recognition and word suggestions on the April 2018 Update.
How to disable inking and typing recognition on Windows 10
On Windows 10 version 1803, you can now disable the built keylogger feature to prevent your device from sending typing data to Microsoft. Here’s how to do it.
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Open Settings.
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Click on Privacy.
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Click on Diagnostic & feedback.
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Turn off the Improve inking & typing recognition toggle switch.
Diagnostic & feedback settings
Once you’ve completed the steps, Windows 10 will no longer collect and send your inking and typing data to Microsoft.
However, your device will continue to send other telemetry data to Microsoft. If you want to see the information that has been sent out, or you want to delete it, check out this guide.
If you don’t see these options, it’s likely because you’re not running the latest version of Windows 10. These privacy options available starting with version 1803 (April 2018 Update), which is expected to launch as a free update on April 30, 2018.
Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 15 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 21 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].