Windows 11 comes with built-in telemetry and data collection features designed to improve performance, fix bugs, and enhance security. While Microsoft insists this data helps them provide a better user experience, many people consider it an invasion of privacy.
The good news? You can limit or disable telemetry in Windows 11 using several methods—ranging from basic settings adjustments to advanced Group Policy or Registry tweaks.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to disable telemetry in Windows 11 step by step, so you can take control of your personal data.
📝 Key Takeaways
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Telemetry in Windows 11 collects system, app, and usage data.
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You can limit telemetry through Privacy Settings, Group Policy, or the Registry.
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Full disabling is only available on Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise, and Education editions.
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Home edition users can still reduce telemetry significantly.
What is Telemetry in Windows 11?
Telemetry is Microsoft’s way of collecting:
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📊 Device performance data
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⚙️ App usage details
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🔒 Security and error reports
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🌐 Hardware/software compatibility info
While some of this is useful for bug fixing and updates, many users prefer to minimize or block it for privacy reasons.
Why Disable Telemetry in Windows 11?
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✅ Protect your privacy – Prevent Microsoft from analyzing personal usage patterns.
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✅ Reduce background activity – Improves speed and lowers network usage.
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✅ Gain more control – Decide what information leaves your device.
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✅ Improve battery life – Less background data collection means fewer system resources used.
Methods to Disable Telemetry in Windows 11
You can reduce or disable telemetry with several approaches. Let’s go step by step.
Method 1: Limit Telemetry in Windows 11 Settings
This is the simplest way for all editions.
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Press Win + I to open Settings.
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Go to Privacy & security > Diagnostics & feedback.
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Under Diagnostic data, choose Required diagnostic data.
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This sends the least amount of telemetry to Microsoft.
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You can also:
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Turn off Improve inking and typing.
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Turn off Tailored experiences.
Method 2: Disable Telemetry Using Group Policy Editor (Pro & Enterprise)
If you have Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise, or Education:
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Press Win + R, type
gpedit.msc, and press Enter. -
Navigate to:
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Double-click Allow Telemetry.
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Set it to Disabled.
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Click Apply → OK.
👉 This blocks most telemetry from being sent.
Method 3: Disable Telemetry via Registry Editor
⚠️ Be careful when editing the Registry. Always back it up first.
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Press Win + R, type
regedit, and press Enter. -
Navigate to:
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Right-click the DataCollection key → New > DWORD (32-bit) Value.
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Name it:
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Set its value to:
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Restart your PC.
This disables telemetry reporting on supported editions.
Method 4: Turn Off Connected User Experiences and Telemetry Service
Windows runs a background service responsible for telemetry collection.
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Press Win + R, type
services.msc, and hit Enter. -
Scroll down to Connected User Experiences and Telemetry.
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Double-click it → set Startup type to Disabled.
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Click Stop, then Apply.
Method 5: Use a Third-Party Privacy Tool
Several tools make disabling telemetry easier, such as:
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O&O ShutUp10++
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W10Privacy
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Debotnet
These allow one-click toggles for telemetry, ads, and tracking services.
⚠️ Use reputable tools only—avoid random downloads.
Comparison of Telemetry Blocking Methods
| Method | Difficulty | Availability | Effectiveness |
|---|---|---|---|
| Settings > Diagnostics | Easy | All editions | Low/Medium |
| Group Policy Editor | Medium | Pro/Enterprise/Edu | High |
| Registry Editor | Medium | All editions | High (advanced users) |
| Disable Telemetry Service | Medium | All editions | High |
| Third-Party Tools | Easy | All editions | High |
Tips to Enhance Privacy in Windows 11
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Turn off Advertising ID under Privacy settings.
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Disable Location services if not needed.
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Block Cortana if you don’t use voice assistance.
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Review Background apps and turn off unnecessary ones.
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Use a privacy-focused DNS (like NextDNS or AdGuard DNS).
Conclusion
Disabling or limiting telemetry in Windows 11 is one of the best ways to protect your privacy and reduce background data collection.
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For beginners, start with Settings → choose Required diagnostic data.
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For advanced users, use Group Policy, Registry tweaks, or disable the telemetry service.
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If you prefer a simpler option, tools like O&O ShutUp10++ make it quick and easy.
With these steps, you’ll have much greater control over what data your Windows 11 PC sends to Microsoft.
❓ FAQs About Windows 11 Telemetry
1. Can I completely disable telemetry in Windows 11 Home?
Not fully, but you can reduce it to the minimum using Settings, Registry edits, and services.
2. Will disabling telemetry break Windows updates?
No, updates still work. But Microsoft may have less diagnostic data for troubleshooting.
3. Is it safe to turn off the Connected User Experiences and Telemetry service?
Yes, it’s safe—Windows will continue to run normally without it.
4. Do I need third-party tools to disable telemetry?
No, but tools like O&O ShutUp10++ make it much faster and easier.
5. Does disabling telemetry improve performance?
Yes, in some cases it reduces background CPU and network usage.