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Protect Your Windows 11 Privacy: Settings to Check

A practical guide to Windows 11 privacy settings, including app permissions, diagnostic data, location, advertising ID, and security tradeoffs.
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To protect your privacy in Windows 11, open Settings > Privacy & security and review app permissions, diagnostic data, location, and personalization. Turn off access and optional data sharing you do not need, but keep security protections such as SmartScreen and virus and threat protection enabled. These settings do not control every desktop app, so check those apps separately.

Review which apps can use your camera, microphone, and other data

Go to Settings > Privacy & security and inspect the permissions under both Windows permissions and App permissions. The exact categories and labels can vary by Windows 11 version, and a work- or school-managed device may hide or lock some choices.

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For permissions such as camera, microphone, contacts, and calendar, allow access only where you have a reason to. Depending on the category, Windows may let you control access for individual apps as well as for the device. Turning off access can prevent an app from using that capability, but it may also disable a feature you rely on.

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Windows’ lists do not cover every program. Some desktop apps may not appear, and their access may be controlled by their own settings or privacy policies. Microsoft’s guidance on Windows privacy settings that apps use and app permissions explains these limitations. Review privacy controls in desktop software directly.

#1 Best Overall
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ProCase Privacy Screen Protector for 13" Surface Pro 11/10/9
  • Privacy screen protector exclusively designed for 13.0 inch Microsoft Surface Pro 11/ Pro 10 2024 / Pro 9 2022 released ONLY; Compatible with Surface Pen
  • Limits viewing angle to +/- 30 degrees, the privacy film guard will darken your screen when viewing from the side; (Please note that the privacy cover will darken the screen a little to prevent the peeking eyes near you, so please turn up your device display brightness for better viewing experience)
  • 9H hardness surface, protecting against accidental scratches and bumps
  • Easy to install, only take seconds; Advanced silicon adhesive, no residue when removing
  • Made from ultra thin tempered glass (0.33mm thickness), maintaining true touch sensitivity of your device

Choose what diagnostic data Windows sends

Open Settings > Privacy & security > Diagnostics & feedback. Microsoft distinguishes Required diagnostic data, which it says helps keep Windows devices up to date, from Optional diagnostic data, which is a separate choice. If you do not want to share optional diagnostics, turn that option off if it is available on your device.

The same page includes controls for Tailored experiences, a diagnostic data viewer, and deleting diagnostic data. Tailored experiences use diagnostic data to personalize tips, recommendations, and offers; turning them off means less tailoring, not necessarily fewer ads. The viewer can help you inspect diagnostic data, while the delete control has limits: it does not remove data associated with a Microsoft account or copies retained by an organization. For details, see Microsoft’s Diagnostics, feedback, and privacy in Windows.

Rank #2
Sale
Peslv Magnetic Privacy Screen for Surface Pro 12th/11/10/9/8/X -13 Inch
  • 【WIDELY APPLICABLE】Peslv Surface pro magnetic privacy filter designed for Surface, Compatible with 13" Microsoft Surface Pro 12th/11/10/9/8/X (released in 2026-2019). Removable design and comes with a Surface privacy screen protector storage clip that can be taken and used as needed, perfect for various occasions where screen privacy needs to be protected.Like offices, airports, cafes, trains, etc.
  • 【NEW 3RD GENERATION】 We have innovated the installation method of the privacy film, using the bottom magnetic suction and the top nano suction installation method, the installation will become super easy, It's done in a second.. The removable, washable design will allow the surface pro 13 inch privacy screen to be reused and look new every day.
  • 【STUNNING PRIVACY PROTECTION】To ensure that only the +-28° angle directly in front of the screen is visible, we have corrected the angle of the Surface Pro 9 privacy screen more than 5000 times to ensure that other angles of view are not visible. By getting the Peslv magnetic privacy screen Surface pro 13 inches, you can ensure that your computer data privacy is not peeked.
  • 【PROTECT SCREEN ALSO EYES】The high-quality materials imported from Japan and the process imported from Germany have greatly improved the performance of the magnetic privacy screen Surface pro 8. High-quality filter layer that can reduce 95% of blue light and 92% of UV light. Matte surface, anti-glare, effectively intercepts 95% of the reflected light. Anti-scratch layer to avoid scratches from daily use. Protect your screen while protecting your eyesight.
  • 【HIGH-GRADE MATERIALS AND CRAFTSMANSHIP】Modeled in accordance with the real screen size 1:1 restoration, the size is perfectly matched. The light-transmitting layer with advanced material has a super high light transmission rate. So all this will make you have a super high-definition Surface Pro X privacy screen with unparalleled picture quality close to the original picture.

App diagnostic data is a separate consideration. Microsoft says it can include running app names, package names, the account user name, and process information such as memory use. Windows does not show desktop apps in the individual-app list or govern their diagnostics through that control; check the software’s own settings and privacy policy. See Windows app diagnostics and privacy.

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Limit advertising personalization without expecting ads to disappear

On newer Windows 11 versions, check Settings > Privacy & security > Recommendations & offers. Microsoft notes that some devices may instead show older settings under General. Review the advertising ID and personalization options and disable those you do not want.

Rank #3
JiSiTeCai 11.6 Inch 16:9 Computer Privacy Screen Filter for Monitor - Privacy Shield and Anti-Glare Protector
  • Perfect fit 11.6" (16:9) diagonal measurement - Widescreen monitor - 16:9 aspect ratio - Filter size: Width: 10 1/8", Height: 5 11/16" (257mm x 144mm).
  • LEAVE VISUAL HACKERS IN THE DARK: Don't expose personal or business data to prying eyes. These filters darken your LCD screen if seen from the sides, while allowing clear vision for you. Keep your computers secure with these industry best protectors.
  • WE'VE GOT YOUR SCREEN COVERED: Our 11.6 inch (11.6" diagonally) desktop filter is 1 of 26 covering 1,000's of displays with the highest quality polymer film available. We cover both standard and widescreen monitors & the full range of aspect ratios.
  • EASY INSTALLATION: It's a snap to apply your Akamai privacy cover. We use the highest quality 3M adhesives to ensure long lasting protection. We've included full installation instructions so you'll have no problem applying the filter to your screens.
  • BLUE LIGHT & ANTI-GLARE EYE PROTECTION: Not only will your filter protect your login and other data from prying eyes, it reduces harmful blue light by 60%. And its 3H hardness rating also provides a layer of physical protection to your screen.

Turning off the Windows advertising ID limits how apps can use that identifier for personalized ads; it does not reduce the number of ads. Apps and other services may use separate advertising mechanisms, so this toggle is not a system-wide ad blocker. Microsoft’s guidance is in Privacy settings for Recommendations & offers in Windows 11 and General privacy settings in Windows.

Decide whether Windows location access is worth the convenience

Review Settings > Privacy & security > Location to control location services and, where offered, choose which apps can use location. Location can support features such as automatic time zone and Find my device. Disabling it may make those features unavailable or less useful.

Rank #4
Sale
Peslv Nano‑Suction Privacy Screen for Surface Pro 12th/11/10/9/8/X 13 Inch
  • 【COMPATIBILITY】Designed for the 13-inch Surface Pro 12th11/10/9/8/X released in 2019-2026, with precise dimensions and a perfect fit. If you have questions about product dimensions, please contact us or ask a question. We have 24-hour online professional pre-sales and after-sales customer service to ensure you have a satisfactory shopping experience.
  • 【EASY TO INSTALL】Peslv has innovatively designed a new installation method - MagicSuction. We designed nano-adsorption strips on the four sides of the Surface privacy screen. Just align it with the Surface screen frame and press it gently, and it can be installed in one second. With Peslv Privacy Screen Surface Pro 13 inch, you will never be in the embarrassing situation of not knowing how to install it!
  • 【ABSOLUTE PRIVACY PROTECTION】Peslv Surface Pro 13inch privacy screen uses the most advanced grating technology, and conducts quality inspection on every factory Surface pro privacy screen, so that the contents of the laptop are only visible from the front, filtering side views to ensure the security of your data.
  • 【PROTECT SCREEN AND EYES】Surface pro privacy screen 13 inch uses AG anti-glare technology imported from Germany and base material imported from Japan. The frosted surface layer effectively intercepts 95% of reflected light and glare; the high-quality filter layer can filter 92% of blue light; the anti-scratch layer prevents scratches during daily use. Protect your screen while protecting your eyesight.
  • 【SUPER PORTABLE】 The privacy screen Surface pro 10 13 inch adopts the most advanced nano-adsorption process, which has strong adsorption force and is removable, washable, and reusable. The four-sided adsorption perfectly solves the problem of the bottom lifting. Package contents include a storage clip for easy storage of the Surface screen protector. A great Surface accessory to protect your screen privacy in public.

Windows may estimate location using GPS, nearby wireless access points or routers, cellular towers, an IP address, or a default location. With a Microsoft account, a last-known location may be saved in the cloud for services you have allowed to use it. Desktop apps can behave differently from Store apps and may not appear in the app list, so turning off a listed app’s permission does not establish that every desktop program is covered. Microsoft’s explanation is at Windows location service and privacy.

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Keep privacy choices separate from security protection

Do not disable protective features simply to reduce data sharing. SmartScreen checks websites and downloads to help warn about unsafe content and malware; those checks involve sending related information to Microsoft. Turning it off can reduce that protection. Learn what it does in Microsoft’s General privacy settings in Windows.

Best Value
Sale
FILMEXT for Microsoft Surface Pro 11/10/9/8/X Privacy Screen Protector 13"
  • 【Surface Pro 11/10 /9 /8 /X 13 inch Privacy Screen 】FILMEXT high-grade Surface Pro 11/10 /9 /8/ X privacy screen 13 inch is perfectly fit 2024 Microsoft Surface Pro 11 13inch, Surface Privacy Screen filter shows a black edge with removable silicone seal, easy on and off, bubble free design.
  • 【Blocking Side-Snoopers】FILMEXT Surface Pro 11/10/9/8/ X -13 inch removable privacy angle is 30 degrees ±5, transparency is 60%±5, thickness is 0.35mm. Data is only visible in front of the display, appears a darkened or black screen from side view, with anti-glare and blocks 35% blue light feature, protects your eyes and prevents reflection from strong light, reduces stress on your eyes from daily glare & UV light and helps protect your screen from damage and dust.
  • 【Compability】FILMEXT Removable Privacy Screen for Surface Pro 11/10/9/8/X-13 inch is perfectly compatible with Microsoft Surface Pro 11 2024 Release/Surface Pro 10 2024 Release/ Surface Pro 9 -2022 Release/ Surface Pro 8 2021 Release /Surface Pro X - 13 inch 2019 Release ( Model: Model:1983 1982 2038 1996 2010 2079 2077 2078 2121 2076 2085 2103, the Model on the back of surface, Please check the model before purchase )
  • 【Anti-Glare & Anti Blue Light】Say goodbye to eye fatigue and sleepless. FILMEXT Surface Pro 11/10/9/8/X blue lIght screen protector can reduces stress on your eyes by blocking blue light and preventing reflection from strong light, daily glare & UV light.
  • 【Bubble Free Design】Surface Pro 11/10 /9 /8 / X screen protector 13 inch adopt the latest black frame silicone seal design, easy to install and remove, 100% bubble-free. The Privacy screen protector for surface Pro 11/ 10 / 9 / 8 / X 13 inch with fingerprint resistance, and excellent touching sensibility. Installation tips: clean screen and ensure it is dust-free, align the product to screen, gently press over on the frame to remove the bubbles and let the silicone adhered to the frame.

Also keep Windows Security’s virus and threat protection enabled unless you have a specific troubleshooting or device-management reason to change it. It is part of Windows’ built-in safety protections, including protection against ransomware. See Virus and Threat Protection in the Windows Security App.

Use a short review routine

  1. Open Settings > Privacy & security and review the permissions for device capabilities and personal data.
  2. Open Diagnostics & feedback to review optional diagnostics, Tailored experiences, the viewer, and the deletion control.
  3. Check Recommendations & offers on newer versions, or the available General privacy settings on devices that use the older layout.
  4. Review Location separately, weighing app access against features such as automatic time zone and Find my device.
  5. Check the privacy settings and policies of desktop apps that do not appear in Windows’ permission lists.

Microsoft’s Exploring Windows Settings provides a broader overview. Settings names and availability can change between Windows 11 builds, and an organization may manage them on work devices.

Quick Recap

SaleBestseller No. 1
ProCase Privacy Screen Protector for 13' Surface Pro 11/10/9
ProCase Privacy Screen Protector for 13" Surface Pro 11/10/9
9H hardness surface, protecting against accidental scratches and bumps; Easy to install, only take seconds; Advanced silicon adhesive, no residue when removing
$16.99

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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