Prevent Windows 10 Spying – Privacy & Security Matter


Published on Nov 20, 2015 by Barnacules Nerdgasm

In this version episode of #TechTip I show you how to disable all of the spying features of Windows 10 and get your privacy back. I think Windows 10 is a great operating system once you disable all the data gathering mechanisms and return it back to a pure operating system.

▼ Be sure and watch the updated version of this video after Anniversary update ▼
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wgKJM…

▼ Time Indexes ▼
8:42 – Already have Windows 10 installed, Start here!

▼ Download Spybot Anti Beacon ▼
http://bit.ly/StopWindows10Spying

▼ UPDATES ▼
1) “some settings are managed by your organization” is displayed because Spybot Beacon changes some group policy settings. I didn’t realize this while shooting the video but it makes sense.

2) If you notice Skype Group Chats stop working open up the HOSTS file and remove all of the entries containing MSN. I’ve had one report of this fixing the problem.

▼ Questions & Answers ▼
Q) I like Cortana so I don’t want to disable that feature.
A) That is fine, but just realized that Microsoft intentionally made Cortana dependent on the cloud meaning you have to give up your information, searches, contacts, calendar entries, etc to use her. You can’t pick and chose what gets sent to Microsoft and still use the feature. It’s all or nothing and I think this sends a bad message from Microsoft on what they are actually doing with that data. #TinfoilHat

Q) Why do you hate Microsoft so much?
A) I don’t hate Microsoft, I worked there for 15 years as a Senior Software Developer. Windows is still my preferred platform that I use daily. What I don’t like is the direction Microsoft is taking with regards to advertisement and marketing being the focus over the core operating system and innovation.

Q) You should just run Linux!
A) I like Linux but it’s not in any position to be a replacement for an operating system like Windows. There is no Adobe support on Linux and it’s not ideal for mainstream content creators and software developers. But who knows what the future holds if Microsoft keeps going down this dark street.

Q) What is telemetry?
A) It’s Microsoft collecting data on your computer, what you search for, usage patterns, application usage, etc so they can analyze the data or use it for marketing.

** Full Disclosure: I worked at Microsoft for 15 years as a Software Developer and was laid off well over a year ago when Microsoft decided to get rid of the entire Windows test organization that I worked in. My goal is educate people on the best way to protect themselves while using Microsoft Windows because I still think it’s the best operating system out there and I don’t want to see Microsoft ruin that reputation by spying on all it’s customers – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lRV6P…

5 thoughts on “Prevent Windows 10 Spying – Privacy & Security Matter

  1. You can find a cracked version of Windows 7 via thrpiratebay.org, Microsoft will not sell you a license for W7 no matter how many ways you try to go about it. Learn how to backup your drivers, then install and enjoy the OS that Microsoft abandoned.

    If all you pretty much do is browse the web and move some files around consider giving Linux Mint a try, I’ve used it on some of my machines since 2009, I highly recommend it.

  2. I prevent Windows spying by not using Windows. Linux all the way. Even Mac is probably a lot better than Windows.

    Even if the Windows spying features appear to be disabled, I wouldn’t trust that to actually be the case.

  3. Linux is so simple to use and getting more user friendly every month, there is no excuse not to use it. But if you want to continue feeding bill gates all your personal information, have at it.

  4. I agree linux is better coded, utilizes hardware better, free of the windows bloat and actually works very well all without phoning home to the mother ship…for the most part.

    If you’re worried about script kiddies, tracking cookies, and high school hackers then switching to linux makes a difference

    If your worried about intelligence agencies all bets are off. They have all access anytime. Short story, they have access to the hardware underneath any OS.

    Plus Intel and AMD processors are compromised as well.

    -flek

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