Third-party tools can help you disable Windows 10's telemetry

Windows 10 is known for a variety of things, both good and bad, but depending on who you ask, the cons more than outweigh the pros.

For example, Windows 10 isn’t in a very good spot when it comes to privacy. The telemetry services that it uses have always been the source of scandal when it comes to user privacy.

Users want more control over what data Microsoft collects

The efforts of privacy watchdogs have started paying off, as they continuously rally against Microsoft in an effort to make them surrender more control over to users when it comes to what data they can offer.

One good example is that of the Bayerischen Landesamts für Datenschutzaufsicht. This German watchdog regulates data protection in the country and found a way to disable the telemetry completely on Windows 10.

The only catch is that it needs to be done in version 1909. Additionally, the method only works on the Enterprise and Education editions of the OS.

You can finally disable Windows 10’s telemetry

Tests done by the agency showed that Windows 10‘s telemetry could be completely disabled. The only catch is that this cannot be done using Windows 10‘s native tools.

However, some control can be gained over the telemetry if users make use of third party applications. These apps give you several options that would technically make it possible to reduce the data collection to a minimum level.

Additionally, certain PowerShell commands can also be used to block telemetry data.

Microsoft even attempted to add some telemetry features in Windows 7 back in 2019, but those features were soon disabled by users who cared about their data.

Microsoft defends the telemetry feature stating that it is necessary to run in the background. Its main purpose is to gather information on bugs and crashes.

More so, they stated that the feature is crucial for allowing Microsoft to further refine and improve Windows 10. As for the safety of their data, Microsoft claims that they gather no personal information. Finally, they said that all the data collected is safely transferred to their servers.

Do you think Microsoft’s telemetry is good or is it something that needs disabling as soon as possible? Let us know what you think in the comments section below.