Windows 10 has been gradually introducing privacy changes, and now even more tweaks are coming with the Fall Creators Update. Building on the changes Microsoft made to the Windows 10 privacy settings with the Creators Update, the company is now trying to fine-tune the settings again to make it easier to access information and provide control over the information is collected.
Starting with the Windows 10 Fall Creators Update during the setup process users will now have direct access to the Privacy Statement. Although most people never read the entire statement anyway, on this new update you’ll find a “learn more” section to better understand how Windows 10 handles location, speech recognition, diagnostics, tailored experiences, and ads without having to go through the complete statement.
In addition, going forward, apps you install from the Windows Store will pop a dialog if they need access to the camera, microphone, contacts, calendar, and other information just like in mobile devices (e.g., Android and iPhone). However, the dialog will only appear for new apps and after the new version of Windows 10 is installed.
Unfortunately, you can’t completely block Windows 10 (unless you disconnect your device from the internet) to send data to Microsoft, but it’s good to hear that the company is improving and becoming more transparent about the information it collects. These privacy settings changes are just some of the best features you’ll find on the Windows 10 Fall Creators Update.
Microsoft is expected to bring the new changes to testers in upcoming Windows Insider Preview builds before the Windows 10 Fall Creators Update releases on October 17, 2017.
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 14 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 20 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].