Windows 10: How To Stop Microsoft From Recording All Keystrokes And Protect Your Privacy


Windows 10, Microsoft’s latest operating system, which debuted in July, has the ability to record every keystroke you make while also recording all your Cortana voice requests. The data recorded is then sent back to Microsoft and used to improve accuracy. For those who are security conscious, the new keylogging feature in Windows 10 may not be something you want running the background collecting the information.

According to the Express UK, although the upgrade to Windows 10 had a high success rate, it wasn’t without issues. Users complained of slow boot-up times, WiFi issues, and problems with the child safety features. Microsoft explained the role of the spyware in its FAQ this way.

“When you interact with your Windows device by speaking, writing (handwriting), or typing, Microsoft collects speech, inking, and typing information—including information about your Calendar and People (also known as contacts)…”

Disabling the Windows 10 feature is simple and only takes a couple of minutes. Simply go to the Start Menu and then Settings. Tap the Privacy menu and then General. Toggle the feature off. Then, under Speech, Inking and Typing, go to the General menu and then click the “stop getting to know me” feature.

As previously reported in Inquisitr, one of the problems experienced with using Windows 10 occurs with the new updates. These updates affect the battery life for laptops using Windows 10. The right tweaks allow you to optimize the battery life and keep Windows 10 from draining the battery.

The Charlotte Observer listed several security settings that were worth looking at in order to avoid compromising privacy. Although Windows 10 offers more customization than any other previous Windows operating system before, it also collects a lot more data. It also collects this information from Cortana, the personal digital assistant and voice activated recorder.

One of the most important features to examine in Windows 10 concerns WiFi networks. Called Wi-Fi Sense, it makes it easier for users to connect to WiFi networks. What this features does is allow others to log into your wifi network as a known network. Although users don’t see the password, and it is stored in the cloud in an encrypted format, critics claim that the feature shares the information too freely.

For those who are concerned with privacy issues in Windows 10, it’s a good idea to go into the Settings menu and go through all the privacy settings. Customize these settings according to the information you are comfortable with sharing. Remember that the Cortana privacy settings are separate from the Cortona settings.

What do you think about the new features in Windows 10? Are you concerned with the amount of information Microsoft is collecting?

[Photo Credit: Getty Images]

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