How to Disable Windows Telemetry and Diagnostic Data

What Causes This?

Windows collects diagnostic and telemetry data to help Microsoft monitor system health, improve features, and troubleshoot errors. On many PCs, these settings are enabled by default, and some background services, scheduled tasks, and privacy options continue sending usage data unless you change them manually. The amount of data collected depends on your Windows edition and version, with Windows Pro and Enterprise offering more control than Home.

Common Symptoms

• Privacy settings show diagnostic data collection is turned on
• Background activity continues even when you are not actively using the PC
• You notice services like Connected User Experiences and Telemetry running
• Windows keeps sending feedback prompts or usage-related notifications
• You want to reduce unnecessary background reporting for privacy reasons

How to Fix It Manually

1. Change diagnostic data settings in Windows Settings

   • Press Windows + I to open Settings.
   • Go to Privacy & security > Diagnostics & feedback.
   • Under Diagnostic data, turn off Send optional diagnostic data.
   • Turn off Improve inking & typing and Tailored experiences if they are enabled.
   • Scroll down and click Delete diagnostic data to remove stored diagnostic data from your device.

2. Turn off feedback requests

   • In the same Diagnostics & feedback section, find Feedback frequency.
   • Set it to Never so Windows stops asking for feedback.

3. Disable the telemetry service

   • Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
   • Find Connected User Experiences and Telemetry.
   • Double-click it.
   • Set Startup type to Disabled.
   • If the service is running, click Stop, then click Apply and OK.

4. Disable telemetry-related scheduled tasks

   • Press Windows + S, type Task Scheduler, and open it.
   • In the left pane, go to:
     • Task Scheduler Library > Microsoft > Windows > Application Experience
   • Disable tasks such as:
     • Microsoft Compatibility Appraiser
     • ProgramDataUpdater
   • Then check:
     • Task Scheduler Library > Microsoft > Windows > Customer Experience Improvement Program
   • Disable any tasks listed there.

5. Use Group Policy if you have Windows Pro or Enterprise

   • Press Windows + R, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter.
   • Go to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Data Collection and Preview Builds.
   • Double-click Allow Diagnostic Data or Allow Telemetry.
   • Set it to Enabled, then choose the lowest available level from the dropdown, or set it to Disabled if your version allows it.
   • Click Apply and OK.

6. Restart your PC

   • Save your work and restart Windows.
   • After rebooting, go back to Settings > Privacy & security > Diagnostics & feedback and confirm your changes stayed applied.

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