Skip to main content

Windows 10 will collect half as much diagnostic data after Creators Update

microsoft building tab support into windows 10 upgrade popup
In the wake of President Donald Trump’s decision to repeal privacy laws preventing ISPs from collecting and sharing user data without consent, Microsoft has detailed new privacy options coming to Windows 10. These enhancements are set to be introduced to the operating system via the Creators Update, which is scheduled to release on April 11.

First off, the update will introduce more information to help users educate themselves about their privacy. Privacy settings will accompanied by short descriptions of what various options mean, with a “Learn More” button linking to more detailed documentation.

The Microsoft privacy statement is also being updated, with more information on how the company collects data, and what it’s used for. There are also plans to release more information about the kind of data that’s collected for diagnostic purposes.

There are also some changes being applied to the way that Microsoft collects data for diagnostics. Windows 10 users can choose between two levels of reporting; Basic, which only supplies the company with enough information to keep a user’s device secure and up to date, and Full, which shares information that could be used to improve Windows 10 for all users.

Apparently, Microsoft has made a major effort to ensure that the Basic level of diagnostic reporting only collects the bare minimum of data. As a result, the volume of data collected at the Basic level has been reduced by about a half, according to a post on the Windows blog.

Users who are already working with Windows 10 will receive a prompt to adjust their privacy settings when they schedule a time to install the Creators Update. Going forward, users setting up a new device or performing a clean install of Windows 10 will have access to these settings during the welcome process.

Brad Jones
Brad is an English-born writer currently splitting his time between Edinburgh and Pennsylvania. You can find him on Twitter…
Lagging in games? This Windows 11 update might fix the problem
Woman shouting with joy while playing games on a PC.

Microsoft has apparently resolved the gaming issues in the Windows 11 22H2 update, making it safe for anyone that hasn't updated yet to do so now.

The gaming problems were confirmed by Microsoft two weeks into November, following ongoing complaints from Windows gamers that had noticed popular games lagging. A safeguard hold was placed, stopping automatic update alerts but not preventing manual updates.

Read more
It’s not just you: Microsoft confirms Windows 11 is having gaming issues
Acer Predator Orion 7000 sitting on a table.

Microsoft has confirmed that the latest update to Windows 11 is causing performance issues in some games, along with a host of other problems. Stuttering might be noticeable in some apps as well.

Microsoft has put a hold on its Windows 11 22H2 update on devices affected by this issue; however, it is still possible to install the update manually. If you haven’t updated yet, it’s best to wait until you get a notification that an update is available.

Read more
Update Windows now — Microsoft just fixed several dangerous exploits
Person sitting and using an HP computer with Windows 11.

Microsoft has just released a new patch, and this time around, the update comes with fixes for several dangerous and actively abused vulnerabilities and exploits in Windows.

A total of 68 vulnerabilities were addressed in the patch, many of them critical. Here's what was fixed and how to make sure your Windows device is up to date.

Read more