6 Ways to Disable Telemetry and Data Collection in Windows 11 and 10
Reduce the diagnostic data Windows sends using Settings, Group Policy, and the Registry.
Overview
Windows collects diagnostic (telemetry) data to improve the OS. If you prefer to minimise it, you can reduce or disable collection through Settings, Group Policy, the Registry, and services. This guide covers the main methods.
Managing telemetry and data collection in Windows.
Note: Some diagnostic data is used for security and update delivery. Reducing it to the minimum is fine; be aware that fully disabling it can affect certain feedback and troubleshooting features.
Key Takeaways
- Set diagnostic data to the minimum in Settings.
- Group Policy/Registry can enforce the lowest telemetry level.
- Disabling the DiagTrack service reduces collection.
- Home edition relies on Settings + Registry (no gpedit).
Method 1: Settings
1. Open Settings > Privacy & security > Diagnostics & feedback.
2. Turn off "Send optional diagnostic data".
3. Disable tailored experiences and clear diagnostic data.
4. Set Feedback frequency to Never.
Method 2: Group Policy (Pro)
1. Run gpedit.msc.
2. Go to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Data Collection and Preview Builds.
3. Set "Allow Diagnostic Data" (or "Allow Telemetry") to Enabled and choose the lowest level (Security/0).
4. Run gpupdate /force.
Method 3: Registry
Warning: Editing the Registry incorrectly can cause problems. Back up the Registry first.
1. Go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\DataCollection.
2. Set the DWORD "AllowTelemetry" to 0 (Security) — 1 is Basic.
3. Restart to apply.
Method 4: Disable the DiagTrack Service
1. Run services.msc.
2. Find "Connected User Experiences and Telemetry" (DiagTrack).
3. Stop it and set Startup type to Disabled.
Reducing telemetry through multiple settings.
Method 5: Disable the Compatibility Appraiser Task
1. Open Task Scheduler > Microsoft > Windows > Application Experience.
2. Disable "Microsoft Compatibility Appraiser".
3. This reduces background telemetry collection.
Troubleshooting
Problem: AllowTelemetry won’t go below Basic.
Solution: The "Security" (0) level fully applies mainly on Enterprise/Education; Home/Pro have a Basic minimum via the OS, but the policy still reduces collection.
Problem: DiagTrack restarts.
Solution: Ensure it’s set to Disabled (not Manual); a policy or update can re-enable it.
Problem: gpedit.msc missing.
Solution: Use the Registry method on Windows Home.
Problem: Something stopped working.
Solution: Re-enable diagnostic data/services if a feedback or troubleshooting feature you need is affected.
Conclusion
You can meaningfully reduce Windows telemetry via Settings, Group Policy/Registry, and by disabling the DiagTrack service and Compatibility Appraiser task. Aim for the minimum level rather than assuming everything is off, and keep security-related diagnostics in mind.
