Microsoft has often been accused of collecting data about users and other unacceptable behaviors like forcing an update. The company, however, has taken up the task of clearing the air and thus it has come forward with the details about the Telemetry data that it collects. Windows Chief Terry Myerson said that the Microsoft hoped the transparency would help customers make an informed choice.
Telemetry & Diagnostic Data collected
When Microsoft made the previously optional Telemetry compulsory in Windows 10 is started brewing a storm of doubt in Windows users minds. As of now, Windows users can either opt for basic or full telemetry in the telemetric settings. Regulatory bodies were perturbed and were apprehensive about the individual’s privacy.
Microsoft, however, claims that it uses the diagnostic data to get more relevant tips and recommendations which will eventually help them tailor make the Windows 10 experience for individuals. By default Windows 10 has a full telemetry mode while the “basic” setting is optional. Microsoft has cleared the doubt in a recent blog post and says that it collects device, connectivity, configuration, product and service usage, software setup and inventory, content consumption, browsing, search and query, inking, typing, the speech utterance, licensing, and purchasing data.
By default Windows 10 has a full telemetry mode while the “Basic” setting is optional. The Basic level gathers a limited set of information that is critical for understanding the device and its configuration including, basic device information, quality-related information, app compatibility, and Windows Store. When the level is set to Basic, it also includes the Security level information. You can read the full details about the basic data collected here on Technet.
Microsoft has cleared the doubt and says that it collects device, connectivity, configuration, product and service usage, software setup and inventory, content consumption, browsing, search and query, inking, typing, the speech utterance, licensing, and purchasing data.
Personal information collected includes the one used for product purchases made on the device, payment type, browsing history, voice calls, voice mail usage and specific media consumption including movies, music, and TV. However,
In the Basic level, Microsoft collects “limited set of information that is critical for understanding the device and the configuration.” Myerson further added that “Our commitment to you is that we only collect data at the basic level that is necessary to keep your Windows 10 device secure and up to date.” In the Creators update, Microsoft has included a new feature that will let users review their privacy settings.
According to this Technet article, the Diagnostic Data collected can be grouped into the following categories:
- Common Data (diagnostic header information)
- Device, Connectivity, and Configuration data
- Product and Service Usage data
- Product and Service Performance data
- Software Setup and Inventory data
- Content Consumption data
- Browsing, Search and Query data
- Inking, Typing, and Speech Utterance data
- Licensing and Purchase data.
In the Windows 10 Creators Update, Microsoft has included a new feature that will let users review their privacy settings.
