Microsoft today introduced a new tool and changes to quell privacy concerns aimed at its latest operating system.
That includes a new Web-based dashboard that lets you see and control your Microsoft activity data and a new "privacy set up experience" in Windows 10, Windows Chief Terry Meyerson announced in a blog post.
"We are working hard to make sure Windows 10 is the most secure Windows ever and a product you love and trust," Meyerson wrote. "Many of you have asked for more control over your data, a greater understanding of how data is collected, and the benefits this brings for a more personalized experience." The new tools were designed with that feedback in mind, he added.
This emphasis on privacy comes after the Electronic Frontier Foundation this summer blasted Microsoft over Windows 10 privacy, arguing that the operating system "sends an unprecedented amount of usage data back to Microsoft." The French government has also voiced serious concerns about Windows 10 privacy, and in July ordered Microsoft to make changes to the OS or face sanctions.
Now, you can sign in to the privacy dashboard with your Microsoft account to view and clear information such as your browsing and search history, location activity, and Cortana Notebook.
"This is our first step in expanding the tools that give you visibility and control over your data spanning Microsoft products and services, and we will continue to add more functionality and categories of data over time," Meyerson wrote.
Meanwhile, Microsoft is also planning to roll out some simplified privacy settings for Windows 10 as part of its Creators Update dropping this spring. A new setup experience aims to "clearly show you simple but important settings," which you'll need to choose before you can move forward with setup. Those moving from Windows 7 or 8 for the first time, or doing a fresh install of Windows 10, will encounter this new set up experience. If you're already using Windows 10, Microsoft will prompt you to choose your privacy settings.
Related
- Windows 10: How to Protect Your PrivacyWindows 10: How to Protect Your Privacy
Microsoft is also narrowing down its Diagnostic data collection from three levels to two: Basic and Full, eliminating the Enhanced level. The company is also reducing the amount of data collected at the Basic level.
"We want you to be informed about and in control of your data, which is why we're working hard on these settings and controls," Meyerson wrote. "And regardless of your data collection choices, we will not use the contents of your email, chat, files, or pictures to target ads to you.
In other Windows 10 news, Microsoft also this week released a new Insider Preview Build, which, among other changes, gives users more control over updates. You can now pause updates on your machine for up to 35 days, and decide whether or not to include driver updates when you update Windows.