Windows 11 data collection and monitoring systems.
Windows 11 data collection and monitoring systems.
Hi everyone, I hope everyone is safe and healthy today in Japan. I've been reflecting on this lately while shutting down Cortana and telemetry/metrics on my Windows 10 laptop. I'm curious about how much data collection and Cortana usage will change in Windows 11, and whether it can be fully turned off. Also, what's the distinction between a local account and using Hotmail? And for Edge, is it worth using? Thanks all!
Edge functions as a Chromium-based browser now, closely resembling Google's Chrome in appearance. (Yet I believe Microsnot’s pushy approach is enough to discourage its use, hehehe.) My prediction is that W11 will collect even more data, which largely depends on the absence of ethical practices by manufacturers. The local version runs directly on your PC and works offline; using Hotmail links your Microsoft account and certain details to an online profile. It offers some advantages, but for privacy-focused users it may not be the best option.
I prefer to keep my activities on local accounts whenever possible, prioritizing privacy in today’s connected world where nothing should be concealed. It’s becoming clear that “you want privacy? what are you hiding?”
Windows 11 maintains comparable telemetry tracking features compared to Windows 10. The same tools remain accessible, though Cortana’s role has shifted. It is now integrated into broader Microsoft solutions like Office, where it assists in creating polished slides with text and images. Microsoft also offers linked accounts that automatically configure all built-in applications—such as Mail, Calendar, OneDrive, OneNote, Edge—and manage extensions or saved data. The Store app purchases are handled seamlessly without additional setup. Auto-activation works across both versions, even after significant hardware upgrades, ensuring a smooth first login experience. System preferences can be set once and applied to multiple devices, enhancing convenience for secondary and future devices alike. This unified approach extends setup efficiency beyond your primary PC, linking desktop and laptop experiences together. Chrome, built on Chromium with Google services, offers lighter resource usage while maintaining strong performance. It supports high-quality video streaming (1080p and above) and includes features like PDF viewing, smooth navigation, and enhanced touch interactions—many of which were previously limited by older browsers. Additional refinements have improved its usability, making it a more capable and efficient choice compared to its predecessors.