Windows 10 privacy fix
Содержание:
Is Windows 10 Still a Privacy Nightmare?
I think the answer to that question very much depends on who you ask. This writer expressed some serious concerns about Windows 10 security issues when the latest version was released. The language surrounding some of the seemingly invasive settings felt purposefully vague; Microsoft did little to allay the fears expressed by concerned users.
Microsoft did listen to the users—to an extent, at least. Adding additional control while simultaneously streamlining the number of privacy settings has helped users better understand Windows 10. And providing an overview of exactly what information Windows 10 is collecting, where it is going, and the data decryption tool further empowers users.
But by gathering information on users by default, by building profiles, by assuming we’d like to be part of a peer-to-peer system, and simply by removing direct user control from some operating system elements, Microsoft has regressed toward accommodating the broad spectrum of Windows 10 users while eroding customer trust.
However, will all that said, Windows 10 is still a very secure operating system, and that is what most users need; privacy demands of the individual fall by the wayside to protect the security of the many. It seems that in the age of data gathering and intelligence, Microsoft makes clear choices: act first and never ask for forgiveness.
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About The Author
Gavin is a Senior Writer for MUO. He is also the Editor and SEO Manager for MakeUseOf’s crypto-focused sister site, Blocks Decoded. He has a BA (Hons) Contemporary Writing with Digital Art Practices pillaged from the hills of Devon, as well as over a decade of professional writing experience. He enjoys copious amounts of tea.
More About Gavin Phillips
Windows 10 Privacy Settings: Location
This page contains your location-based privacy settings.
Location
When the location service is turned on «Windows, apps, and services can use your location, but you can still turn location off for specific apps.» Meaning you’ll receive more accurate localized information. In certain apps, especially for those using mobile versions of Windows 10, this can be handy, e.g. if you search for something general, the search returns localized results.
However, to do this, the location service may share your location results with «Trusted Partners.» I’m firmly in the off camp, but countless other apps and websites are doing this otherwise, so it is up to you.
Default Location
This is another handy extension to the location service. Enter your default location here, and Windows 10 will provide these criteria when requested by apps or other services. It saves constantly having to turn location services off, or updating your details when you move around, and ensures the broadcast of only one set of data.
Location History
If the location service is turned on, this option will maintain a short history of your recently visited places. During the limited period—«24 hours in Windows 10»—other apps installed on your system may be able to access this history. Those with access will be labeled Uses location history on your location settings page.
Geofencing
This means, if turned on, an app might use specific location information to turn on and provide you relevant information. Think along the lines of a weather report from a new location.
If any apps are using geofencing, you’ll see One or more of your apps are currently using geofencing displayed on your locations settings page.
Location Privacy Options Roundup
Microsoft has sneakily hidden another important location-related privacy menu: Cortana location services. Microsoft has streamlined Cortana settings into its own settings menu, but this is separate from the privacy options listed here.
Cortana «works best when she has access to your device location and location history,» although you can now safely turn those location settings off and the Windows 10 assistant remains functional. However, you won’t receive location-based contextual information.
To manage Cortana, head to Settings > Cortana > Permissions & History, then select Manage the information Cortana can access from this device.
Wi-Fi Sense and peer-to-peer
Now let’s handle two features of Windows 10 that are innovative, but also concerning to privacy-minded people.
The first is Wi-Fi Sense. This is turned on by default, but it doesn’t do anything unless you explicitly use it. Wi-Fi Sense lets you share access to password-protected Wi-Fi routers. The passwords are shared silently in the background over encrypted connections. People with whom you share network access never see the actual passwords, and they cannot grant sharing permissions for their friends.
The idea is that if your friends or family come over to your house, they don’t have to ask for your password. Instead, anyone who uses a Windows 10 device and is a digital friend of yours is automatically logged in. This is arguably more secure than sharing your password—once a person knows your Wi-Fi password they can easily share it with others, after all.
To make sure Wi-Fi Sense is off and stays off, go to Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi > Manage Wi-Fi Settings. Then slide the two options that say ‘Connect to suggested open hotspots’ and ‘Connect to open networks shared by my contacts’ to Off.
Moving on, Windows 10 shares system files and updates downloaded to your PC with others by default. This peer-to-peer networking feature turns you into what you might call an unwitting good Windows citizen by helping others get updates and system files faster. In return, your PC also receives update bits via other people’s PCs. It’s like using a BitTorrent client, essentially.
If you don’t like the sound of that, go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > Advanced options > Choose how updates are delivered. By default, ‘Updates from more than one place’ is enabled and set to both local sources and other PCs on the Internet. You have two additional choices, however: You can distribute updates only to PCs on your local network, or shut off the P2P updates entirely and stick to using Microsoft’s servers alone.
If you want to shut off everything, just turn the slider on this screen to Off. If you want to share with PCs on your local network, leave the slider in the On position and select the radio button that says ‘PCs on my local network.’ For more detailed instructions, check out our primer on stopping P2P Windows 10 updates.
Windows 10 Privacy Settings: Activity History
Your Activity History details the things you do on your PC. The activity history keeps track of the files you open, services you use, websites you browse, and more. Activity history stores the information locally, but if you are signed in to your Microsoft account and have given permission, that information is shared across Microsoft’s services.
Your activity history can allow you to pick up work from another computer. For instance, if you were working on a Microsoft Word document on another PC, but had to leave the computer, the activity would appear in your history for a few days afterward. If the activity appears on the list, you can select and continue it.
The activity history feed is aggregated with data from other users and is used to improve Microsoft products and services.
The upgrade
It took about two or three hours, with the whole ‘lean back and relax’ thingie. Once the upgrade was done, some
of my privacy options had been reset to the liberal defaults, despite the claim the build ought not to do it.
In fact, the update has been pulled off the shelves to address exactly this kind of regression, and then
restored, but even so, I was forced to wade through all and every single options and mark things as off or
offline. So annoying when you know the first couple of hours of actual work are spent on needless tweaking.
Windows 10 Build 1511 does bring a few small changes. It fixes the theme color nonsense that I complained
about, and naturally, since I’m always 100% right, Microsoft
gave back the missing functionality. Then, something that really annoyed me is the presence of a new applet
called Microsoft WiFi, a tool to buy WiFi. Sort of like credits to get Internet connectivity when there’s no
free alternative available. Why? Why push this useless thing? How the hell do you expect to win user trust
(again) when you keep peddling all these aggressive advertisement offers all the time?
Let’s not forget the app suggestions in the Start Menu. I didn’t personally get to see any of these, as I’m
using a local account, but it is yet another moronity feature. Other than that, I don’t recall any other major
changes that are visible to the user. Oh yes, Windows Defender was running once again, even though I had it
neutered the last time. Well, time for another exercise in freedom.
Windows Privacy Tweaker
Еще одна программа, которая сканирует ваш компьютер при старте и сообщает вам какие настройки приватности желательно изменить.
Windows Privacy Tweaker отображает все настройки в 4 вкладках (Службы, Планировщик задач, реестр и защита USB). Все настройки, которые угрожают вашей приватности, выделены красным. Также программ поддерживает работу с командной строкой и предлагает создать точку восстановления при старте. Также вносит изменения в реестр систему (вы контролируете какие). В целом, не рекомендую начинающему пользователю, так как программа на английском и не содержит пояснений к функциям.
W10Privacy Changes
The developer has released four application updates that introduce new features to it.
Version 1.8.0.1
Network > Disable changeable Wi-Fi services (for Windows 10 10.0.10586, November Update 1511)
This takes care of the three Wi-Fi options «Connect to suggested open hotspots», «connect to networks shared by my contacts» and «paid Wi-Fi services». The last option is new in Windows 10 Build 10586.
You can change the settings in the official Settings application as well. Open Settings and go to Network & Internet > Wi-Fi > Manage Wi-Fi Settings for that.
The update corrects several hostnames on top of that.
Version 1.8.0.0
The new applications that Microsoft shipped with the November update of Windows 10 are integrated. You find Candy Crush, Sway, Skype Video and Phone listed there now next to all other applications already supported by W10Privacy. Apps can be uninstalled from the tab.
Windows 10 seems to re-install system applications near instantly on recent systems. This is triggered by the Windows Store application which runs in the background. You can prevent it from running in the background by deactivating it under background apps in the interface.
The IP addresses that you can block using the application have been updated.
Version 1.7.0.0
This release introduces the cache.ini file which records preferences which the program uses for comparison after updates and to indicate new preferences in its interface after updates.
It furthermore added two Office 2016 preferences, and French and Spanish interface translations,
Version 1.6.2.0
New Windows Defender options under Privacy:
- Disable sending of information about potentially identified safety problems.
- Disable the transmission of examples of malicious software.
- Disable the transmission of potentially determined malicious software.
New setting to turn off smart multi-homed name resolution under «Tweaks». This prevents that DNS requests are sent to all available network interfaces.
Check out our comparison of privacy tools for Windows 10 for additional suggestions.
Now You: do you use a privacy tool to tweak operating systems?
Summary
Article Name
W10Privacy update brings even more privacy options to Windows 10
Description
Recent updates of the software W10Privacy for Windows 10 introduce new privacy tweaks for Microsoft’s operating system Windows 10.
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Ghacks Technology News
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Overview of Windows 10 Privacy Issues
Windows 10 has long come under attack for its approach to user privacy. When Windows 10 hit the shelves back in 2015, numerous features came under immediate attack from privacy advocates and Microsoft critics alike. However, Microsoft stuck to its guns in regard to alleged privacy infringements, adding greater control over individual elements but not completely removing any of the perceived privacy infringing features.
The major issue leveled at Windows 10 concerns data collection. Is Microsoft overstepping the boundaries of operating system data collection? Misleading stories regarding integrated keyloggers and spyware certainly do not help. However, nor does Microsoft’s addition of advertising within File Explorer (this is easily turned off) and vaguely worded EULAs that worry users about constant system scanning (the EULA in question is not permitting this behavior).
Don’t Bother Reading Terms of Use: This Site Summarizes Them for You
With most fine print being exceedingly wordy, it can be a challenge to wade through all the legalese and understand what it all means.
It boils down to one question: does Microsoft violate your privacy by default? Unfortunately, there is no clear answer as your relationship with Windows 10 privacy varies from your neighbors, friends, family, and so on. The Electronic Frontier Foundation strongly asserts that Windows 10 violates your privacy. The French government agrees, too, as does the European Union’s data protection watchdog and the Netherlands’ Data Protection Authority.
But data gathering within your Windows operating system isn’t a startling new revelation. Microsoft has been gathering information in Windows since at least 2009, and maybe even before that.
Windows 10 Update and Privacy Settings
If Windows 10 privacy settings do concern you, you’re in for a long battle. Microsoft is more open with its data collection and privacy settings. Users now have more direct control over how apps and other services interact.
You can spend time turning every privacy off or restricting access to your data. But in a serious slight against all users, each major Windows 10 update resets your privacy settings to default. At this point, it isn’t just privacy advocates suffering; all Windows 10 users must sift through their privacy settings because Microsoft yearns for data.
Windows 10 Privacy Settings: General
Advertising ID
Your advertising ID is linked to your Microsoft account, acting much like the trackers that follow you around the internet to deliver personalized adverts. This is a matter of personal preference. You’re likely to see adverts if you use the internet: do you want those ads personalized to your viewing and purchasing decisions?
These refer to the adverts displayed throughout Microsoft services, such as your Start menu or Universal Apps. Read more about opting-out right here.
Access My Language
Microsoft and Windows can use your language settings to ensure locally served content matches up. If you’re English, this isn’t much of a problem, given that the internet defaults to English. However, if you’re not, this can be handy in ensuring site content matches your language of choice. If you’d prefer not to broadcast a list of languages installed on your system, turn it off.
Track App Launches
Windows 10 can track the apps you launch to arrange your Start menu and search results better. Turning this feature on will streamline Start menu results and tile suggestions with your most frequent choices, with similar results for the Start menu search bar.
Suggest Settings Content
Microsoft can suggest new settings and other content that you might find interesting. The new and interesting settings, content, and app suggestions can manifest in several ways. If you’re an infrequent or new user, this isn’t an entirely terrible way to learn about new features you might otherwise miss out on. However, if you are in any way familiar with Windows 10 and other Windows operating systems, you can toggle this off.
Удаление шпионов Windows 10
Все описанные в данной статье утилиты нами протестированы, но мы не можем гарантировать их исправную работу, поэтому я настоятельно рекомендую перед использованием программ сделать бекап и точки восстановления системы!
Для вашего удобства я собрал все приведенные в этой статье утилиты в один архив. В конце статьи я выложу ссылку.
Destroy Windows 10 Spying
Начнем с утилиты Destroy Windows 10 Spying. Кроме стандартных опций, таких как удаление кейлоггера, очистка файла hosts от лишних адресов, на которые стучит винда, удаление телеметрии, остановка сервисов, утилита имеет разные твики: удаление штатных приложений и т.д.
Есть один большой плюс — программа умеет работать с командной строкой. Хелп по командам находится в ридми файле. Из минусов могу отметить только то, что утилита не умеет создавать бекап.
Destroy Windows 10 Spying
Скачать утилиту со страницы разработчика вы можете по этой ссылке Destroy Windows 10 Spying.
Disable Windows 10 Tracking
Это самая маленькая утилита. На борту имеет только инструменты для удаление шпионских модулей, таких как: телеметрия, сервисы и т.д.
Disable Windows 10 Tracking
Скачать Disable Windows 10 Tracking с сайта разработчика можете здесь Disable Win Tracking.
DoNotSyp 10
Этот софт оснащен огромным количество всевозможных твиков. Имеет подсказки по каждому твику и патчу. Умеет делать бекапы и откатывать изменения обратно.
Из минусов, кроме большого количества полезных фишек, имеет на борту рекламную бяку Adware Open Candy, которую предлагает установить во время установки. Эта фигня почти вирус, так что будьте внимательны и убирайте все галочки во время установки!
DoNotSyp 10
Windows 10 Privacy Fixer
Windows 10 Privacy Fixer — это еще одна утилита для удаления шпионов Windows 10. Имеет все важные твики удаляющие телеметрию, изменяющие файл hosts и так далее. Кроме этого данный инструмент позволяет удалять штатные приложения. Бекапы не создает.
Windows 10 Privacy Fixer
Скачать утилиту с сайта разработчика вы можете по этой ссылке Windows 10 Privacy Fixer
W10 Privacy
Тоже самое только на немецком языке. Немецкого я не знаю, так как в школе учил английский, знаю лишь несколько немецких слов по советским военным фильмам типа «Хендехох» и по немецким… типа «Я..я.. дас ис фантастиш». Кому-то последнее может показаться забавным. Поэтому решайте сами. И кстати, бекап не создает, придется ручками!
W10 Privacy
Shut Up 10
Утилита создана специально для удаления всех шпионских модулей. Имеет подробные подсказки по каждому пункту.
Shut Up 10
Настоятельно не рекомендую скачивать все эти утилиты с других источников! Скаченные с других мест программы для защиты от шпионских модулей Windows могут сами содержать вредоносные программы!
Все господа! Больше статей на тему удаления шпионов виндовс 10 не будет. Эти две статьи должны полностью решить все связанные с данной темой ваши проблемы.
Windows 10 Privacy Fix
There is no easy way of completely disabling the tracking features of Windows. Even if you disable all the tracking features in the Privacy applet of the new Control Panel, Windows 10 will still keep collecting and transmitting many types of data.
To help you fix Windows 10 privacy issues, we developed an all-in-one tool. Windows 10 Privacy Fix Tool allows you to disable select or all tracking services found in Windows 10 and delivered to Windows 8.1, 8 and Windows 7 with updates. Privacy Protector for Windows 10 does the following things to stop Windows 10 tracking:
- Deletes or disables Telemetry
- Clears and disables DiagTrack Log
- Stops, blocks or removes over 37 tracking services, including tracking activities discovered in the following Windows services:
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- Cortana background tracking services
- Media Center
- Customer Experience Improvement Program
- Power Efficiency Diagnostics
- Family Safety Monitor
- Office ClickToRun Service Monitor
- Application Experience
- Office Telemetry
- Disk Diagnostic
- Media Center
- Windows Search
- Disables Keylogger, preventing Microsoft from collecting information you type on your keyboard
- Disables Windows Defender.
- Disables Cortana to prevent background collection and transmission of data recorded with your microphone and webcam
- Disables Windows Update, allowing you blocking unwanted updates
- Selectively rolls back certain Windows Updates enabling tracking features (for Windows 10, 8.1, 8, and Windows 7)
- Disables certain Telemetry and tracking modules in Microsoft Office 2016
- Optionally blocks Microsoft Office updates
- Enables users to uninstall OneDrive
- Enables disabling Bing Search
- Enables uninstalling built-in and non-removable Metro and Universal applications, releasing RAM and effectively stopping additional tracking performed by these applications
- Enables the ability to remove all Metro and Universal applications, effectively bringing your Windows 10 installation as close to Windows 7 as at all possible (you’ll have to download the old Calculator app though)
- Allows reinstalling Windows 7-8 Picture Viewer
- Blocks more than 60 Microsoft IP addresses engaged in user activity tracking on host level (by modifying the hosts file)
- Blocks IP addresses from the tracking network by creating Windows Firewall rules
- Automatically creates a Restore Point before making changes to the system
- Most Privacy Fixes can be reverted if required
- Some Privacy Fixes cannot be reversed even via System Recovery
Privacy Protector for Windows 10 7.0
Apps permissions under Privacy settings
Under ‘Apps Permissions’ sections in the Windows 10 Privacy settings, you can set permissions for various in-built apps on a Windows 10 PC. You can change the privacy settings for the following apps:
- Location
- Camera
- Microphone
- Voice Activation
- Notifications
- Account Info
- Contacts
- Calendar
- Phone calls
- Call history
- Tasks
- Messaging
- Radios
- Other devices
- Background apps
- App diagnostic
- Automatic file downloads
- Documents
- Pictures
- Videos
- File systems.
Let us see some of these apps’ settings and how to set permissions for these apps.
1] Location
If you see Your location is currently in use icon, you might want to turn OFF the Location of your device because keeping it ON may allow your apps to access your location. Also, your PC Stores your Location history if the option is turned ON, but you can clear the history just by clicking on Clear.
In this Windows 10 Privacy Settings, you can let Windows access your device’s capabilities to determine your location as well as your location data. With this information, Microsoft can improve location services. You can set your default location. Your PC stores your Location history if the option is turned ON. However, you can clear the history just by clicking on ‘Clear’.
In this setting, you can also choose if apps can access your location. There is a list of Windows apps for which you can set permission whether these can access your precise location. Scroll down to set if the apps like the 3D viewer, App connector, Weather, Cortana, Camera and Windows Maps can have access to your location or not.
2] Camera
In this section, you can allow Microsoft apps and most desktop apps to access the camera. You can also set permission for accessing the camera for individual apps.
3] Microphone
In this section, you can allow Microsoft apps and most desktop apps to access the microphone of your device. However, it does not allow Windows Hello. You can also set permission for accessing the camera for individual apps.
4] Account Info
In this section, you can select which apps can access your account info like your name, photo, and other account details.
5] Contacts, Calendar, Messaging, Radio
In these sections, you can allow or disallow the apps to access your contacts, calendar, and events, messaging and control your radios. Allowing the apps to access your message may let them read or send messages.
6] Other Devices
Here you can allow your apps to share and sync info with the wireless devices that aren’t paired with your PC. You can also choose apps that can sync with other devices. All your connected devices will appear under this section. Let your apps use Trusted Devices.
6] File System
In the privacy settings, you can allow people to choose if your apps have access to all your files. This includes access to documents, pictures, videos, and local OneDrive files.
There are several settings included in Windows 10 Privacy Settings. With these settings, you can set permissions whether your personal data and files should be shared or not. Thus, you get complete control over your data and privacy.
We offer additional suggestions below.
3] Cortana settings
If you do not use Cortana, you can turn Cortana off. Click inside the taskbar search box. The Cortana settings box will appear as shown below. Move the slider to Off position. Now to delete all that Cortana knows about you, click on the Manage what Cortana knows about me in the cloud link, sign in to your Microsoft Account and then do the needful.
4] Adjust Bing Privacy settings, Opt-out of personalized ads
This post will show you how to opt-out of and stop Personalized ads in Windows 10. There are more suggestions here – Opt-out of Data Tracking & Targetted ads.
It is always recommended to check and adjust these privacy settings carefully once so that you can maintain your online privacy.
6] Use Ultimate Windows Tweaker tool
Our Ultimate Windows Tweaker 4 will let you easily tweak Windows 10 Privacy settings & more. The Privacy tab lets you disable Telemetry, Biometrics, Advertising ID, Bing search, Cortana, Windows Update sharing, Feedback requests, Password Reveal button, Steps Recorder, Inventory Collector and Application Telemetry.
Here is a list of some more Windows 10 Privacy Tools & Fixers that help you harden your privacy.
Now read: How to configure or disable Windows 10 Telemetry.
Tags: Privacy
FixWin for Windows 10
The fixes have been categorized under 6 tabs:
File Explorer: Offers fixes to resolve problems relating to Windows 10 File Explorer.
Internet & Connectivity: Lets you fix Internet problems which you be facing after upgrading to Windows 10
Windows 10: This new section for Windows 10 offers several new fixes like:
- Reset Settings app. Settings don’t launch or exit with an error
- Start Menu doesn’t work or doesn’t open in Windows 10
- Wi-fi doesn’t work after upgrading to Windows 10
- Windows Updates stuck downloading updates after upgrading
- Windows Store apps not opening. Re-register all apps
- Office documents do not open after upgrading to Windows 10
- WerMgr.exe or WerFault.exe Application Error.
System Tools: Offers to fix built-in tools that may not be working properly. A new Advanced System Information tab displays some specific advanced information about your system, like the number of threads in processor, number of logical processors, maximum display resolution, maximum refresh rate, etc.
Troubleshooters: This section provides direct links to bring up the built-in 18 Windows Troubleshooters and download links to 4 troubleshooters release recently by Microsoft.
Additional Fixes: Offers several other fixes for Windows 10.
To see all the fixes offered by FixWin 10, go here.
You can see all the screenshots of FixWin for Windows 10 here.
How to use FixWin 10
1. We first suggest that you run the System File Checker. The button provided on the Welcome page, will ‘run sfc /scannow‘ and will check for and replace any corrupted Windows system files. It is expected to take anywhere from 5-10 minutes. If asked to, reboot your computer.
2. If you are facing problems relating to the Windows Store or the Store apps, re-register the Store apps. A 1-click button has been provided on the Welcome page that lets you do so easily.
3. If you are facing major issues with Windows 10, running the DISM utility to repair your Windows System Image, might be a really good idea. A button for this too has been conveniently placed on the Welcome page.
4. Next, we insist that you create a System Restore Point. The provided button will create one. We always recommend that you create one before making any changes to your system. Should you wish or need too, you can always go back to this Restore Point.
5. Having done that, apply at most one fix at a time and restart your computer. Please check if things are to your satisfaction; and if not, you have the option of restoring back immediately.
6. If you want to know first, what each fix does, click on the ‘?‘ Help button next to the Fix button. A pop-out will tell you what exactly the fix does. Double-clicking on it will copy the command to your clipboard, which will be helpful if you want to run the fixes manually.
7. Some problems cannot be fixed with a click. So if you do not find your fix here, click on the Search For More Fixes button on FixWin’s Welcome page, and search and see if you find what you want.
Some security software may give out false positives, but rest assured that it is clean. If you wish to give feedback, suggestions or request some help, you can visit The Windows Club Forums.
FixWin 10.2.2 for Windows 10, has been developed Paras Sidhu, for The Windows Club. It has been tested on Windows 10, 32-bit and 64-bit versions. FixWin may, however, fail to run if you have modified Windows Image using third-party tools, as it may miss some core components required for FixWin to run and thus be the cause of failure.
Windows 8.1 and Windows 8 users should continue to use FixWin 2.2. Windows 7 and Windows Vista users should use FixWin v1.2.
Feel the need to tweak Windows 10? Our Ultimate Windows Tweaker 4 for Windows 10 will let you do so easily.
