Microsoft details new Windows 10 privacy controls are on the way

Windows 10 hasn't had the greatest track record when it comes to respecting the privacy of its users, but Microsoft is trying to turn things around with some new hardy updates.

Announced in a blog post, the Redmond-based company is building a new web-based privacy dashboard that will allow users users to see and control their data. This includes location tracking, searching and browsing histories, and Cortana Notebook data accrued through every Windows device the user owns.

Secondly, Microsoft is also introducing a new privacy setup that both newcomers to Windows 10 and existing users will see. The new setup menu essentially breaks down user privacy data into more distinct categories and more clearly showing the effects of turning off and on settings.

Furthermore, Microsoft is has eliminated the Enhanced diagnostic data level collection option, leaving only full and basic. At the same time, data collected at the basic level has been further reduced to simply keeping Windows up to date, noting what apps are installed and sending out rudimentary error reports. 

Overall, this is a huge net decrease in the amount of information Microsoft gathers about its users. 

These two updates will be first seen in a Windows 10 Insider Build for early feedback and Microsoft promises to roll them out for everyone with the Creators Update.

Kevin Lee

Kevin Lee was a former computing reporter at TechRadar. Kevin is now the SEO Updates Editor at IGN based in New York. He handles all of the best of tech buying guides while also dipping his hand in the entertainment and games evergreen content. Kevin has over eight years of experience in the tech and games publications with previous bylines at Polygon, PC World, and more. Outside of work, Kevin is major movie buff of cult and bad films. He also regularly plays flight & space sim and racing games. IRL he's a fan of archery, axe throwing, and board games.