Customising privacy settings in software can be such a nuisance that most people don't bother, which is why Windows 10 knows a surprising amount about its users world-wide. Critics have accused Microsoft of putting a snooper in every home, but in fact, the data gathering by Windows 10 is relatively easy to stop. The culprit is the fastest way to install the new operating system, Express. It leads to a user giving away a lot of information - their name and address for instance. Even keystrokes may be recorded. The computer acquires a unique ID for individual advertising.
The privacy settings of the Express installation were selected on the basis of what most customers wanted, contends Markus Nitschke who's responsible for Microsoft's Windows consumer division in Germany. But the user can always turn them off at any time.
"We would find it better if the user had to actively consent and not be passively swept up with a simple blanket consent," objects Christian Gollner from a consumer bureau in Germany.
Microsoft should by default have set up express to collect only as much data as is strictly necessary, he argues. After that, users should be able to decide whether to release other data. However, "many do not think about it, because thinking about data privacy takes time and attention," says Gollner.
But you should take this time, says Panagiotis Kolokythas from German computer magazine PC Welt: "We do not recommend the Express settings." Instead it is better to adopt the custom settings, which are user-defined, and to "go through, read and consider what you need and what you don't."
One Windows 10 feature that scoops up a lot of personal data is the intelligent personal assistant Cortana. Like Apple's Siri or Google Now, it provides users with customized information and help. For example, it can remind someone that a flight they've booked is due to depart in two hours. But to do so, it needs access to that person's calendar and emails.
Those who don't want this should simply disable Cortana, Kolokythas advises.
Almost all the privacy settings in Windows 10 can be found in the "Settings" area. If someone finds that too complicated, there are a number of free programmes to simplify the process such as O&O ShutUp10 or W10 Privacy.
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