To secure privacy settings in Windows 11, open Start > Settings > Privacy & security and review access by capability, then check diagnostics, personalization, and Microsoft-account activity. These controls reduce particular kinds of access or data use; they do not create one switch that controls every desktop app, website, or signed-in service.
Start with app permissions
In Settings > Privacy & security, choose a capability such as Location, Camera, Microphone, Contacts, or Calendar. Review the overall access control and the individual app switches shown on each page. Turn off access for apps that do not need the capability, while leaving it on where disabling it would break a feature you use.
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These lists mainly govern Microsoft Store apps. Microsoft notes that desktop apps may not appear and may not be controlled by the general switch for Store apps. Check a desktop app’s own privacy settings where available; this distinction matters for browsers and video-call software. (Microsoft: Windows privacy settings that apps use.)
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Secure camera and microphone access
Open Settings > Privacy & security > Camera or Microphone. Check device access, app access, and the switches for individual listed Store apps. Desktop applications may instead be covered by a broader desktop-app control, rather than a separate per-app switch.
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Website permissions are another layer: a site opened in Microsoft Edge has its own permission, even when Edge can access the camera or microphone in Windows. Windows may show a camera or microphone indicator when access is active, depending on your device and interface. (Microsoft: Windows camera, microphone, and privacy.)
Choose how Windows uses location
Go to Settings > Privacy & security > Location. There you can control location services, review which listed apps have access, and see recent access for apps shown on the page. The location icon in the notification area can help you spot current use. Turning location services off may affect features such as automatic time-zone setting and Find my device.
Desktop apps may not appear in the location app list or request permission in the same way as Store apps. Disabling Windows location services also cannot guarantee that every third-party app or service is unable to estimate location using information such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, cellular, GPS, or IP data.
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Microsoft says location activity may be saved to the cloud when you are signed in and location services are enabled. Local location-history storage and its settings were removed in March 2025; account-associated cloud activity can be cleared through your Microsoft account page. (Microsoft: Windows location service and privacy.)
Review diagnostic data and feedback
Open Settings > Privacy & security > Diagnostics & feedback. Windows distinguishes required diagnostic data from optional data; this page lets you choose whether to send optional data. Microsoft says optional data can include app-use and device-health information, as well as enhanced error reporting or crash-dump details.
You can enable the Diagnostic Data Viewer to see diagnostic data available while it is running. The Delete diagnostic data control deletes device diagnostic data, but it does not stop future data from being sent or erase data associated with your Microsoft account. An organization may also retain information on a work- or school-managed device. Turn off Improve inking and typing if you do not want typing and handwriting information used to improve those services. (Microsoft: Diagnostics, feedback, and privacy in Windows.)
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Adjust recommendations, offers, and advertising ID
On newer Windows 11 versions, look under Settings > Privacy & security > Recommendations & offers. The page may have replaced controls previously found under General. With personalized offers enabled, Microsoft says it may use Windows diagnostic data, account information, and information from other Microsoft products or services to provide tips, ads, and recommendations. The choice is about personalization, not whether Windows displays any ads.
The advertising ID is a per-user device identifier that Windows apps and advertising networks can use to personalize in-app ads. Turning it off affects apps that use this Windows identifier; it does not reduce the number of ads and does not disable other interest-based advertising methods, website cookies, or third-party advertising practices. (Microsoft: Privacy settings for Recommendations & offers in Windows 11; General privacy settings in Windows.)
Other General privacy controls cover whether websites can access your preferred language list, app-launch tracking used to personalize Start and Search, and suggested content in Settings. SmartScreen is different: it is a Windows Security feature under Windows Security > App & browser control that sends some information to Microsoft to help warn about unsafe sites or files. Treat it as a security protection, not an advertising preference.
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Review Microsoft-account activity separately
Windows device permissions do not replace privacy controls for activity associated with a Microsoft account. Use the Microsoft privacy dashboard to review activity data and privacy settings for Microsoft products and services you use while signed in. It complements, rather than replaces, the controls on the Windows device. (Microsoft: Get help with Windows privacy.)
Use the level of restriction that fits your needs
There is no single privacy configuration that suits everyone. Choose controls by the data involved and the feature you are willing to give up: camera and microphone restrictions can prevent an app from working, location can support useful device features, and disabling personalization can make recommendations or ads less tailored without removing them. Review the relevant app, website, device, and account layer rather than assuming one toggle covers them all.
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