Windows 10 brought a lot of upgrades to the table, faster performance, slicker design, and better app support. But let’s be honest: it also opened the floodgates to background data collection and system-level tracking. The first time I saw how many features like personalized ads, location tracking, and feedback collection were turned on by default, I felt like my system was less mine and more on loan from Microsoft.
Most users don’t even realize how much of their information is being quietly gathered in the background. And when you do go hunting for Windows 10 privacy settings, it’s like navigating a maze. I’ve been there, frustrated and wondering if it’s even possible to wrestle back control without breaking something.
That got me thinking: Which privacy settings actually matter the most? Which ones will genuinely shut down tracking and protect my personal data without ruining the Windows experience?
In this guide, I’ll show you the five essential Windows 10 privacy settings you should change right now. These are the same ones I adjusted on my own machines, simple, effective steps that will help you reclaim your digital footprint without sacrificing functionality.
How to Adjust Windows 10 Privacy Settings for Ad Tracking
When I first opened up the Privacy settings on Windows 10, the General section felt like a secret menu where tracking was happening by default. Honestly, I had no idea so many little switches were quietly working. If you want to take back control over your data, this is the first spot you should check. Here’s what you need to do:
Step 1: First, click on the Start Menu (that's the Windows icon in the bottom-left corner of your screen), then select Settings.
Step 2: After the Settings window opens, look for “Privacy” and open it.
Step 3: Find and click on General. You’ll see a bunch of toggles here. Go ahead and turn off these two:
Let apps use advertising ID
Let websites show me locally relevant content.
Once you turn these off, you’ll notice your apps and browser feel a lot less “creepy.” You won’t see those weirdly specific ads anymore, and it won’t feel like your computer is spying on you.
Windows 10 Privacy Settings to Limit Location Access
I couldn’t believe how many apps were quietly keeping tabs on where I was. It felt like carrying around a digital tracker without even knowing it! If you want your laptop to stop acting like a GPS, here’s what you need to do:
Step 1: First, click on the “Start Menu” (that’s the Windows icon in the bottom-left corner of your screen), then click on “Settings”.
Step 2: After the Settings window pops up, find Privacy in the list and click on it. If you don’t see it, use the little search bar at the top to type “Privacy” and select it.
Step 3: Now, click on “Location” under the Privacy section. It should be somewhere on the left side menu.
Step 4: You’ll see there will be an option to change location access, click on it. On the window that pops up, there will be a toggle; click it and it will turn your location off.
Step 5: Scroll down a little bit, and you’ll see a list of apps under "Choose which apps can access your precise location". Turn off location access for any app you don’t want spying on you, like Edge, Weather, and whatever else you don’t trust.
After I did this, I noticed fewer apps popping up asking for my location. Plus, my laptop’s battery actually started lasting a little longer. It’s one of the Windows 10 privacy options you should change immediately if you care about your security.
Best Windows 10 Privacy Settings to Stop Background Apps
Background apps in Windows 10 are sneaky. I had no idea so many apps were running behind my back, using up my internet, draining my battery, and possibly sending out my data. Cleaning this up made my computer way faster and gave me a lot more peace of mind. If you’re serious about speeding things up and locking down your privacy, this is the next thing you should fix.
Step 1: First, click on the “Start Menu” (that’s the little Windows logo in the bottom-left corner), then click on “Settings”.
Step 2: Once the Settings window opens up, click on “Privacy”. If you can’t spot it right away, type “Privacy” into the search bar at the top and click on it.
Step 3: Now, scroll down a bit and find “Background apps” in the Privacy menu. Go ahead and click on it.
Step 4: Here’s where the magic happens. You’ll see a big list of apps that are allowed to run in the background. You can either turn them all off with one switch (which I recommend) or only leave on the ones you really, really need, like Mail or Calendar.
Step 5: After you’ve switched things off, restart your computer. This helps Windows remember your changes and stops the apps from quietly starting up again.
When I did this, my laptop actually booted up faster and didn’t get as warm when I was using it. Plus, I found out weird apps like Xbox Game Bar were running without me even opening them!
Windows 10 Privacy Settings for Diagnostic & Feedback Control
Step 1: First, click on the “Start Menu” (that’s the Windows icon in the bottom-left corner of your screen), then tap on “Settings”.
Step 2: After the Settings window opens, look for “Privacy and Security”. If you don't see it right away, just use the little search bar at the top and type in “Privacy” to find it quickly.
Step 3: Now, scroll down and click on “Diagnostics & Feedback”.
Step 4: Under Diagnostic Data, pick the option that says ‘Send required diagnostic data only’. This tells Windows to collect the bare minimum amount of info about your device.
Step 5: Next, scroll down a little and find the switch for “Tailored experiences”. Go ahead and turn that off, too. This stops Windows from using your data to send you personalized ads, tips, and suggestions.
Step 6: While you’re here, you should also clear out anything they've already collected. Find the button that says “Delete Diagnostic Data” and click it.
Once you do this, your computer will stop popping up with random suggestions or weird “helpful” tips based on your activity. Honestly, my Windows 10 felt a lot more neutral after making these changes, less like it was trying to "guess" what I needed and more like it just let me work in peace.
Manage App Permissions with These Windows 10 Privacy Settings
Most people don’t realize just how many apps have permission to use things like their microphone, camera, or even contacts. I know I was surprised, like, why would a random game need to listen through my mic? Taking a few minutes to fix these settings can make your computer feel way more secure. Here’s what you need to do:
Step 1: First, click on the “Start Menu” (that’s the Windows icon at the bottom left of your screen) and open “Settings”.
Step 2: Once you're in Settings, click on “Privacy and Security”. If you can’t find it easily, you can also type "Privacy" into the search bar at the top.
Step 3: Scroll down until you find the desired permission you would like to change. There you can find the allowed apps to access your location, turn off location access for all apps here.
Step 4: Alternatively, you can also scroll down and toggle off the app you would like not to have your location. For example, I closed Mail from not using my location here.
Step 5: Similarly, you can change other app permissions like camera, microphone.
After tightening up my app permissions, I immediately felt more at ease. I turned off microphone and camera access for apps like Mail, Xbox, and a few random games I barely used. Honestly, it was a huge relief knowing that only the apps I trust can reach sensitive parts of my system. It made my whole computer feel a lot more private. especially when you follow the best privacy settings for Windows 10 users.
WPS Office — A Productivity Suite That Respects Your Privacy
Why WPS Office Fits in a Privacy-Conscious Workflow
If you’re serious about protecting your privacy, it’s not enough to just tweak Windows settings, you have to think about the apps you use every day, too. Let’s be real, Microsoft Office isn’t exactly known for putting user privacy first. Between the mandatory logins, cloud syncing, and constant background data collection, it feels less like a tool you control and more like a service that's quietly keeping tabs on you.
That’s why switching to WPS Office is such a smart move. Unlike other office suites, WPS Office actually respects your personal space. Here’s what you get:
You can work completely offline without being forced to sign in.
You can save your files either locally on your device or securely in the encrypted WPS Cloud, your choice.
You can even use AI features like document summarization without worrying about your data being harvested.
And if you go for the Premium version, you get a truly telemetry-free experience with no silent tracking in the background, which is 5 times less of a cost with many more features.
Plus, WPS takes your privacy seriously at a deeper level, too. All user data, including emails, IDs, passwords, and even your document activity, is encrypted automatically. No third party can sneak a peek at your information. You can check out the full details here: WPS Privacy Policy.
If you’ve been tightening up your Windows privacy settings, using WPS Office is the natural next step. It’s the difference between hoping your data is safe and knowing it is.
FAQs
Q1: Are Windows 10’s default privacy settings safe?
No. Many are set to maximum tracking by default. Customization is recommended.
Q2: Do I need special software to protect my Windows 10 privacy?
Not necessarily. Most critical settings can be managed manually in Settings.
Q3: Will changing privacy settings affect my Windows 10 performance?
In most cases, adjusting privacy settings actually improves performance by reducing background activity and unnecessary data collection.
Q4: Can I revert these privacy settings later if needed?
Yes. All changes made in the Privacy section of Windows Settings are reversible at any time. You can easily toggle them back on if desired.
Summary
Taking the time to adjust your Windows 10 privacy settings gives you stronger security without taking away any important features. You stay fully in control of your system while keeping your personal information safe from unnecessary tracking.
If you want to extend that same level of privacy to your documents, WPS Office is a fantastic choice. It’s a free, fully compatible alternative to traditional office suites, designed with robust privacy protections. With WPS Office, you can edit and manage your files securely, knowing your data stays private.
