Tune Windows down to the essentials: telemetry reduced, ads disabled, and usability preserved. This guide focuses on safe registry and system-level changes that respect the operating system’s integrity.
Step 01
Audit data collection
Review diagnostic data levels and disable any non-required telemetry options, balancing privacy and functionality.
Step 02
Disable ads & suggestions
Turn off features like Start menu suggestions, Spotlight, and targeted ads to maintain a clean, distraction-free interface.
Telemetry Quick Cut
- Set diagnostics level to Basic (or Required on Windows 11 23H2+).
- Disable “Tailored experiences” for all users.
- Turn off advertising ID usage for apps.
# privacy-hardening.ps1 reg add "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\DataCollection" /v AllowTelemetry /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /f reg add "HKCU\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\AdvertisingInfo" /v Enabled /t REG_DWORD /d 0 /f Get-AppxPackage -AllUsers Microsoft.XboxGamingOverlay | Remove-AppxPackage