Windows 11 Telemetry
The Hidden Windows 11 Privacy setting that stops 90% of Telemetry.
Google gets a lot of flak for tracking everything you do, and rightly so. But many people don’t realize that Windows 11 also sends a huge amount of diagnostic and telemetry data back to Microsoft by default.
The good news? Microsoft actually gives you a simple way to turn off most of it. That is far more than Google allows with Chrome or Android.
After 35 years in banking IT, where data privacy is non-negotiable, this is the first thing I do on every new Windows 11 installation.
What Is Telemetry in Windows 11?
Telemetry is the data Microsoft collects about how you use Windows.
Which apps you open and how often.
Crash reports and error logs.
Device performance info.
Typing and inking data (for personalization).
Feedback and diagnostics.
Inking refers to handwriting input, anything you write or draw on the screen using a pen/stylus. Like on a Surface tablet, 2-in-1 laptop, or touchscreen with an active pen.
Why it’s called inking
Microsoft uses the term inking for digital pen input, similar to how physical ink flows from a pen onto paper. It includes:
Handwritten notes in apps like OneNote or Whiteboard.
Drawing or sketching.
Handwriting-to-text conversion (Windows recognizes your handwriting and turns it into typed text).
Annotations on PDFs, screenshots, or web pages.
What improve inking and typing actually does.
When this setting is turned ON (default):
Windows sends samples of your handwriting and typing patterns to Microsoft.
The data is used to improve:
Handwriting recognition (better convert your script to text).
Touch keyboard predictions.
Autocorrect and suggestions tailored to how you write/type.
It’s part of Microsoft’s personalization features, similar to how your phone learns your typing habits.
Privacy impact
Even if you never use a pen, this setting still collects some typing data for the touch keyboard.
Turning it OFF (recommended) stops that collection, no negative effect if you don’t rely on handwriting features.
In short: inking = digital pen/handwriting input. It sends samples of your handwriting (and some typing) to Microsoft for improvement, turn it off if privacy matters more than personalized handwriting recognition.
Back to Telemetry
Some of these settings are useful for improving Windows, but most of it is optional, and you can safely turn it off without breaking anything.
Microsoft even admits that setting diagnostics to Required only sends the bare minimum needed for security updates and basic functionality.
The one setting that changes everything
Go to Settings → Privacy & security → Diagnostics & feedback
This page controls almost all telemetry collection in Windows 11.
Here’s exactly what to do:
Optional diagnostic data → Turn OFF.
This stops the bulk of telemetry (Microsoft says this alone reduces data sent by ~90%).
Improve inking and typing → Turn OFF
Stops sending your typing patterns and handwriting data.
The following has been removed, but if you still see it:
Tailored experiences → Turn OFF.
Stops personalized tips based on your diagnostic data.
Delete diagnostic data → Click Delete
Clears everything Microsoft already has from your device.
Diagnostics & feedback settings page, all optional settings turned OFF
That’s it. Just a few clicks and you’ve dramatically reduced what Microsoft knows about your PC usage.
Does this break anything?
No.
Windows Update still works
Security features still work
Apps still work
You still get driver updates
I’ve run Windows 11 this way on all my machines for years, no issues.
Why this matters more than you think
In banking, we had strict rules about data leaving the network. Even anonymous telemetry was often not allowed.
At home, you might think it’s just Microsoft, but this data is used to build your advertising profile, train AI models, and more.
And unlike Google, Microsoft actually lets you turn most of it off, you just have to know where to look.
This brings us to the end of my post on Windows 11 Telemetry.
Thank you for taking the time to read my post on Windows 11 Telemetry.
I hope you found it enjoyable and insightful.
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Disclaimer
All tips and methods mentioned in this blog are tested on Windows 11. Please note that results may vary on other operating systems or versions of Windows. Adapt the instructions accordingly.
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