In this guide, I’ll explain how to disable all telemetry in Windows 11 using readily available methods, as well as two tools that automate much of the process. I’ll also show you which options you can adjust without installing anything and when it makes sense to go a step further and use specialized applications. Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
What is Windows 11 telemetry?
Windows 11 telemetry is the set of usage, diagnostic, and performance data that the system collects and sends to Microsoft. Its objective is clear: to detect errors, identify the most frequently used features, improve system stability, and fix bugs before they spread to more computers.
The problem is that, while the official purpose may be reasonable, as a user you often don’t know exactly how all that data is interpreted or to what extent it intersects with other system usage signals. This isn’t something unusual or exclusive to Microsoft, because telemetry is very common in the software world, but that doesn’t mean everyone wants to keep it active.
Therefore, disabling telemetry remains an attractive option if you’re looking for more privacy and less tracking within Windows 11. However, it’s also worth clarifying that you’ll rarely notice a performance improvement by doing so. The main benefit here is more related to controlling your data than to increasing your computer’s speed.
So, should I disable Windows telemetry?
If you’re looking for maximum privacy , then minimizing telemetry makes sense. However, if you use Windows 11 as is and aren’t overly concerned about this, there’s no need to obsess over it. Most likely, much of that data will be used to improve development or detect usage patterns, although this can’t be fully verified externally. What you should be aware of is that turning off telemetry won’t miraculously speed up your PC.
All the options for turning off telemetry in Windows 11 without apps
Before using external tools, it’s best to start with the options already provided by the system. In Settings > Privacy and security > Recommendations and offers, you can disable several switches related to ads, suggestions, personalized content, and usage tracking . It’s advisable to turn everything off here.
- Personalized offers.
- Allow websites to access my language list.
- Improve homepage and search results.
- Enable notifications in settings.
- Recommendations and offers in Settings and Advertising Identifier.
Turning all of this off doesn’t eliminate all telemetry, but it does significantly reduce the trace you leave within the system and also the ads that appear in Windows.
Next, go to Settings > Privacy and security > Feedback and diagnostics . The most important setting here is Send optional diagnostic data , which should be set to Off . You can also disable options like Improve handwriting and typing and delete collected information by clicking Delete diagnostic data .
This menu is important because it separates optional data from data that Microsoft considers necessary for Windows to function and stay up to date.
With all this, you’ll have already reduced a significant portion of the telemetry and marketing recommendations in Windows 11. Even so, you must understand one thing: it’s not possible to completely disable all telemetry through the normal system settings . There’s certain data that Windows considers necessary and that can’t be turned off with a simple switch.
How to remove Windows telemetry with apps
If you want to go further, then it makes sense to use external tools. These applications allow you to tweak parameters that Windows 11 doesn’t display as clearly and consolidate many changes into a single interface. However, it’s advisable to use them with caution, because they don’t just disable telemetry: they also modify suggestions, AI features, interface elements, search history, and other system settings.
Win11Debloat
Win11Debloat is one of the best-known utilities for cleaning up Windows 11 and reducing telemetry. According to its documentation, it allows you to disable diagnostic data, activity history, application startup tracking, personalized ads, suggestions, and much more.
To run it, open PowerShell or Terminal as administrator and paste this command:
& ([scriptblock]::Create((irm "https://debloat.raphi.re/")))
When you open the tool, you’ll see blocks of obvious options. In the Privacy & Suggested Content section , you’ll find exactly what we’re most interested in here: options to disable telemetry, tracking, targeted ads, tips, suggestions, and promotional content .
You can also adjust settings related to Copilot, Recall, Bing web searches, widgets, or Microsoft Store suggestions. The good thing is that you don’t have to go through each menu individually. The bad thing is that you should carefully review your selections before applying the changes. It’s also a useful tool for removing all AI from Windows 11 .
The Ultimate Windows Utility by Chris Titus
The other alternative is The Ultimate Windows Utility , also known as Winutil. As in the previous case, it is run from PowerShell with administrator privileges using this command:
irm christitus.com/win | iex
This tool goes far beyond privacy, but in the Tweaks tab you’ll find many useful options for this article. Among the most interesting are Disable Telemetry , Disable Activity History , Disable Consumer Features , removing recommendations from the Start menu, hiding widgets, and removing integrations you don’t need. Furthermore, the utility creates a restore point before applying changes, which is always appreciated when you’re about to tweak sensitive settings.
As if that weren’t enough, Chris Titus’s The Ultimate Windows Utility includes a second tool called O&O ShutUp10++ , which also surgically activates Windows 11 privacy options. You can use both or just one of them, but they come in the same package.
Of the two, Win11Debloat is perhaps the most straightforward if your main goal is to reduce telemetry and clean up annoying elements in Windows 11. Chris Titus’s tool, on the other hand, has a broader focus and can also be used to install programs, repair system functions, or change the behavior of Windows Update. In both cases, my advice remains the same: only apply what you understand and avoid impulsively selecting options.
Have you managed to reduce Windows 11 telemetry using any of these methods? Leave a comment below and tell me which options you’ve disabled. This will also help other readers looking for a more private system.
