Recommended Free Tools
To audit Windows 11 privacy without installing anything, review Diagnostics & feedback, Recommendations & offers, app permissions, Location, and your Microsoft privacy dashboard. Each controls a different kind of data or access: no single switch stops all collection, advertising, or location estimates.
How to change Windows 11 privacy settings
Open Settings > Privacy & security and review the controls below. Windows updates can move or rename settings; if a path does not match your screen, search for the setting by name in Settings. On a work or school device, an administrator may hide or manage some controls.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
What diagnostic data can you control?
Go to Settings > Privacy & security > Diagnostics & feedback. Required diagnostic data supports Windows security, updates, and basic operation. Optional diagnostic data provides additional information about device use and helps Microsoft improve Windows; its availability and the choices shown can depend on device management and Windows configuration. Microsoft outlines these controls in its Windows 11 diagnostics and feedback documentation.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Inspect what is available to the viewer
Diagnostic Data Viewer lets you inspect diagnostic data available while the viewer is running. It is not a historical archive of everything Windows has sent.
#1 Best Overall
- 1.1 GHz (boost up to 2.4GHz) Intel Celeron N5030 Quad-Core
Manage tailored experiences and deletion
The Diagnostics & feedback page also includes tailored experiences and an option to delete device diagnostic data. Deleting data there does not delete data associated with your Microsoft account, and it does not stop future diagnostic data from being sent. These are separate actions, so deletion is not a substitute for changing the diagnostic data choices.
What do Personalized offers and advertising ID control?
On newer Windows 11 versions, Microsoft is replacing the former General privacy page with Recommendations & offers. The page and labels may differ on devices that have not received the same update. Search Settings for “Recommendations & offers” or “advertising ID” if needed. Microsoft describes the relevant controls in its personalized offers documentation.
Rank #2
- 256 GB SSD of storage.
- Multitasking is easy with 16GB of RAM
- Equipped with a blazing fast Core i5 2.00 GHz processor.
Personalized offers
Personalized offers may draw on device and activity information, Windows diagnostic data, account information, and information from other Microsoft products and services. Some personalization can happen locally on the device. Turning this option off affects those offers; it is not a general switch for every kind of personalization or data use.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteAdvertising ID
Windows advertising ID is an identifier that apps can use to tailor advertising. Turning it off does not reduce the number of ads. It affects apps that use this Windows identifier, not website cookies, all Microsoft advertising, or third-party advertising systems. Ads may be less relevant in apps that rely on the identifier, but other mechanisms can still personalize them.
Rank #3
- 14" diagonal, 1366x768 resolution, HD BrightView LED, Glossy NON-TOUCH Display
Which app permissions should you review?
Under Settings > Privacy & security, open the capabilities that matter to you. Common ones include Location, Camera, Microphone, Contacts, Calendar, and App diagnostics. Review each list and disable access for apps that do not need it. Microsoft documents the scope and limits of these controls in its Windows app-permissions guidance.
These pages primarily govern listed apps, especially Microsoft Store apps. Traditional desktop software may not appear in a list or follow the same permission prompts, so the absence of an app does not prove it has no access. Check desktop software’s own privacy settings and privacy policy; Windows cannot be assumed to block every app through these switches.
Rank #4
- EFFORTLESS EVERYDAY PERFORMANCE: Powered by Intel Celeron N4020 processor and Windows 11 Home system, delivering reliable, low-power efficiency for daily tasks like document editing, email, online classes, and web browsing
- 15.6-INCH FULL HD DISPLAY: Enjoy immersive visuals on the 15.6" FHD (1920x1080) anti-glare screen with micro-edge bezels. Delivers clear details and comfortable viewing for long study sessions, working on spreadsheets, and video playback
- RESPONSIVE MULTITASKING & STORAGE: Built with 4GB LPDDR4 RAM and 128GB eMMC storage for smooth daily essential use. Expand your storage by up to 1TB via the integrated TF card slot to easily store movies, photos, and working files
- ADVANCED CONNECTIVITY: Outfitted with 2x Full-Featured Type-C ports for data transfer, fast charging, and dual-monitor output, alongside 2x USB 3.2 Gen1 ports and a 3.5mm audio jack for complete peripheral compatibility
- LIGHTWEIGHT & SILENT OPERATION: Slim and portable for effortless travel or commuting. Features a 1MP HD webcam for remote meetings, 38Wh battery with 45W Type-C fast charging, and a fanless silent design for peaceful work environments.
Should you turn off Windows location?
Go to Settings > Privacy & security > Location to manage device location and app access. Location can support maps and nearby services, automatic time zone, and Find my device. Turning it off may reduce access through Windows location services, but it can also disable or limit those features. Microsoft explains how the service works in its Windows location and privacy documentation.
Depending on the device and service, location can be estimated using GPS, nearby wireless access points and routers, cell towers, IP address, or a default location. Other apps or services may use other signals, so disabling Windows location does not guarantee that no software can estimate where you are. With a Microsoft account, last-known location may be saved to the cloud when an app or feature uses location.
Best Value
- 【Efficient Performance】 Powered by Intel Core i3 processor (2 cores, 4 threads, up to 3.4GHz) with 12GB RAM and 256GB SSD. Handles multitasking, office software, online classes, and HD video streaming smoothly. Integrated Intel UHD Graphics 620
- Backlit Keyboard & Complete Package】Comes with a cool backlit keyboard. Comes with awebcam, dual stereo speakers (8Ω/1.0W each), DC charger, and user manual – ready for late-night studying, online classes, video conferencing, and daily productivity
- 【Vibrant Display】 15.6-inch Full HD (1920x1080) anti-glare screen with 16:9 aspect ratio delivers crisp images and vivid colors – perfect for studying, watching lectures, or entertainment. Thin-bezel design maximizes viewing area
- 【Fast Connectivity & Expansion】 Equipped with WiFi 6 (802.11ax) and Bluetooth 5.2 for stable, high-speed wireless. Features 3 x USB 3.0, HDMI 2.1, Type-C (supports PD3.0 fast charging), and a TF card slot expandable up to 2TB – easily connect external monitors, mice, drives, or expand storage for all your files
- 【Long Battery Life & Portable】 Built-in 11.55V 5000mAh/57.75Wh high-capacity battery delivers approximately 7 hours of mixed-use battery life – enough for a full day of classes and assignments. Lightweight at just 1.63kg (3.6 lbs) and 19.5mm thin, plus a compact packing size – easily slips into a backpack for campus, library, or coffee shop
Local location-history storage and its associated settings were removed in March 2025, according to Microsoft’s location documentation. If you see older instructions describing a local location-history switch, they may no longer match current Windows 11.
What does the Microsoft privacy dashboard show?
Use the Microsoft privacy dashboard to review account-associated activity, which can include Bing or Cortana searches, Edge browsing, location, voice, media, and apps-and-services activity. What appears depends on the account and services used.
The dashboard complements rather than replaces Windows’ local settings. Clearing activity in the dashboard and clearing browser cookies are separate actions; changing a device permission does not itself clear account activity.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Quick Recap
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.
