Since simplewall allows you to configure and control what goes on within the WFP, you can effectively control the majority of your Windows machine's network activity. The WFP in turn configures the various network activity on your system. This is a lightweight tool that enables easy and simple configuration of the Windows Filtering Platform (WFP). This includes disabling Cortana, search suggestions, keystroke logging, and anything related to advertising. Please be sure to weigh the pros and cons of what these tools can do in accordance if your personal threat models.īefore moving forward with these tools, avoidthehack highly recommends users to disable what they can from within the Windows settings. However, you should be aware that some things can break - especially if you are 'going hard' on neutering Windows' ability to collect data.

Understand that all of these tools are third party, but they can be reasonably trusted. Controlling Windows data collection Forewarning With that said, I also understand that not using Windows for personal, work, or school-related reasons is in itself not an option for some people out there. (Some of our recommendations are specifically geared for those migrating from Windows specifically!)

You'll likely never achieve and maintain the same level of privacy, and in some aspects security, as a system running a Linux distribution - even with all the Windows privacy tweaks/tools enabledĪre you both willing and able to make the switch? We have operating system recommendations here for you.

Other developed options besides Windows (or even macOS ) exist - Linux has gotten phenomenally more refined and, dare-I-say user, friendly over the past few years.I fully understand that this is not the answer that most reading this post probably want to hear or read, but it's important to understand that: Specifically meaning switching to a Linux/Unix operating system.Īs you may, or may not know, most Linux/Unix (but most often we are referring to the various Linux distributions and flavors out there) are far more privacy-respecting out of the box than Windows or macOS for that matter. Without beating around the pixelated bush, the absolute quickest and easiest way to be free of Windows' extensive data collection is to switch operating systems.

Oo windows shut up