The Internet has grown so much these days, and it is involved in your lives more than you know. Every application within your Windows system or you download from the Microsoft Store collects data anonymously from your computer. It might seem benign, as most of this data collection is meant to improve user experience and software performance. However, for those who prioritize privacy and want to exercise more control over what information is shared, the telemetry function exists. Telemetry gathers a range of information from the behavior of users to improve product features and performance. However, if you wish to stop these applications from collecting data, this risewindows article will guide you through the steps to disable telemetry. Keep reading to find out how.
What is Microsoft Application Telemetry?
In today’s digital age, as software becomes more intricate and user experiences need to be seamless, understanding how users interact with applications becomes pivotal. Generally, when you download an application on your computer, it begins a silent operation in the background, compiling data about your usage. This includes metrics such as how long you engage with the app, the types of errors you encounter, your general interaction patterns, and more. This data compilation is done anonymously, meaning the information gathered doesn’t directly identify you as an individual.
Developers and software companies, including Microsoft, argue in favor of this system. Their rationale? By collecting these data points, they can enhance the performance of applications, iron out glitches, and deliver a smoother user experience tailored to user behaviors and preferences. At its core, this is what Microsoft Application Telemetry is all about. According to Microsoft’s definition, Application Telemetry is a mechanism that tracks the anonymous usage of specific Windows system components.
While this might sound beneficial, and in many cases it is, there’s a flip side to consider, especially for privacy-conscious individuals. If your computer is a repository of sensitive data, the idea of any information, even if anonymous, being extracted and sent elsewhere might be discomforting. It’s for this reason that some users opt to turn off Application Telemetry in Windows 11 or 10, leaning towards caution and ensuring they remain on the safer side of data privacy.
How to Turn Off Application Telemetry on Windows 11 or 10 using Registry Editor?
Follow these steps to disable the Application Telemetry on Windows 11 or 10 using Registry Editor:-
Step 1: First, go to the Registry Editor on your computer.
Step 2: Next, browse through the following in the Registry Editor:-
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows
Step 3: Find the Windows key in the left sidebar. Right-click on it and select New > Key.
Step 4: Name the newly created key as AppCompat.
Step 5: Right-click on the AppCompat key and choose New > DWORD (32-bit) Value.
Step 6: Name the newly created REG_DWORD as AITEnable.
Application Telemetry will be disabled once you complete all the above steps. It means you do not have to worry about your data being collected from your system.
In case you want to revert to the previous settings, go to the Registry Editor and browse the following:-
Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\AppCompat
Find the AITEnable REG_DWORD on the opposite side of the “AppCompat” folder. Right-click on it and select the Delete option. If a prompt window shows, click on Yes.
How to Disable Application Telemetry in Windows 11 or 10 through Local Group Policy Editor?
To turn off Application Telemetry in Windows 11 or 10 through Local Group Policy Editor, use these steps:-
Step 1: First, go to the Local Group Policy Editor.
Step 2: In the left sidebar of the Local Group Policy Editor window, browse the following:-
Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Application Compatibility
Step 3: Find the policy name Turn off Application Telemetry on the opposite sidebar. Double-click on it.
Step 4: Click on Enabled.
Step 5: Click on Apply.
Step 6: Click on OK.
It will turn off Application Telemetry on your Windows 11 or 10 after you complete the above steps.
In case you want to revert to the previous settings, repeat the above steps, and in step 4 above, choose the Not Configured or Disabled option.
Conclusion
The advancement of technology has allowed software companies to improve their products based on user interactions continuously. One such method is through Application Telemetry, which collects anonymous user data to enhance software performance and user experience. However, privacy concerns have led many to look for ways to disable this feature. The guide above offers detailed steps for turning off Application Telemetry on Windows 11 or 10 through two methods: using the Registry Editor and the Local Group Policy Editor. By following these steps, users can ensure a heightened sense of privacy and control over their data.
