In May of 2021, the latest Windows 10 update was released. Like its predecessor, it inspired a lot of conversation around privacy concerns for consumers. Experts cited that Windows was collecting too much personal information from users who utilized the OS.  No matter your level of concern, there are a few simple steps you can take to protect your personal data while using Windows 10.

Windows 10 update 2021

    1. Web Browsing: One of the most prevalent privacy concerns is related to how much information is collected while browsing the internet. That data is used to create a profile of an individual’s interests, which is then forwarded to a diverse list of companies looking to target their advertising. Windows 10 accomplishes this by using an advertising ID. The ID gathers data when web browsing or using Windows 10 apps. But the advertising ID can be manually turned off by going into Windows Settings and navigating to Privacy > General. Under “Change privacy options”, slide the toggle for advertising ID from On to Off.  Ads will still pop up, but they will be generic and not targeted, as your interests will no longer be monitored by the OS. To guarantee that you are browsing without being tracked, you can also go to the Ad Settings section of Microsoft’s Privacy Dashboard, and change “See ads that interest you” from On to Off.
    2. Location Tracking: Windows 10 knows where you are at all times. This is considered a convenience for some as relevant information (such as weather updates or nearby restaurants) is provided in real-time. But for those who don’t want Windows 10 to track their location at all times, you can stop it from doing so. Go to Settings > Privacy > Location.  Look for “Allow access to location on this device,” click Change and then move the slider from On to Off. This will turn off location tracking, but you can also choose to turn off tracking on an app-by-app basis. If you want your location to be known for some applications and not others, scroll to  “Choose apps that can use your precise location” and move the slider to On for the apps you want to allow to use your location and to Off for the apps you don’t. For your final step, clear your location history by going to the Privacy Dashboard > Location Activity > View and Clear Location Activity, then delete all or some of your location history.
    3. Timeline: Timeline is a Windows 10 update feature that allows you to review and resume activities and open files, switching between a desktop and a laptop. Each machine has the ability to resume activities you’ve begun on either PC. In order to provide that capability, Windows needs to collect information about all your activities on each of your machines. If that concerns you, you can turn Timeline off by going to Settings > Privacy > Activity history and uncheck the boxes next to Store my activity history on this device and Send my activity history to Microsoft.
    4. Limit Cortana: Cortana is a digital assistant that requires knowledge about your personal information in order to do its job. Cortana collects information about home location, workplace, your commuting route, your personal schedule. If you don’t want this invasion of privacy, you can limit the data Cortana is gathering about you.  Start by clicking the Cortana icon, then the three-dot icon in the upper left of the screen, settings icon.  Click Privacy and choose your privacy options for Cortana. Click Revoke permission and sign out, and you’ll be signed out of Cortana. This will also clear your chat history. If you sign back in, however, Cortana will once again begin tracking the data.
    5. Revise App Permissions: Windows 10 update apps have the ability to invade your privacy, with access to your location, pictures and videos, camera, and microphone. But users can opt for how much access to give each app. To do this, go to Settings > Apps. Below “Apps & features” you’ll see a list of your installed apps. Click the app whose permissions you want to control, then click Advanced options and set the app’s permissions by toggling them either on or off.

    The Alliance IT team are IT security experts well-positioned to help your organization to protect your data, whether user to use or network-wide. If you have questions about securing your client data in these challenging times, call us today.