According to the Internet Storm Center (ISC), Windows 10 is the safest Windows version out of the box ever. The organisation, that monitors internet security, also provides some privacy tips for Windows 10 users, so less data is sent to Microsoft.
The ISC is run by volunteers who dedicate their time to detect and analyze anomalies on the internet. One of them, Rob VandenBrink has written a post about Windows 10 on the ISC website. In his post he states that Windows 10 is the safest Windows version. He also writes that he often receives questions about limiting the amount of data the operating system sends to Microsoft. Therefore he has collected some features that can be disabled.
First VandenBrink targets limiting the amount of Windows Telemetry that is sent to Microsoft. This is basic information on what applications are run, the user's search history, Cortana activity, gaming patterns and so on. It's not possible to disable this feature entirely but on the lowest level only security data is sent.
Another feature VandenBrink mentions is the SmartScreen filter that warns users for malcious websites or downloads. According to VandenBrink it's unclear how the features works and what kind of data is sent to Microsoft.
The ISC volunteer also advises to disable WiFi Sense, a feature that makes it possible to easily provide contacts access to the user's WiFi network. Users running Windows 10 Anniversary Update don't have to take action, Microsoft disabled the feature for them already.
VandenBrink also advises to not search the Start Menu as this also generates a telemetry stream because Microsoft provides 'search suggestions'.
He further warns for Cortana, location tracking and Windows Feedback, all features that aren't really essential for most Windows 10 users.
Read the entire post from VandenBrink to find out which registry keys and settings to change to limit the amount of data Windows 10 sends to Microsoft.
