Windows 10 Privacy Settings (Nov 2015)

Technology Tips – published November 2015 in the Guide and Digest

by Don Trauger – Kennett

 

Windows 10 Privacy Settings

 

Windows 10 has many more ways to track your Web surfing than previous Windows versions. Through the use of cookies, targeted ads can arrive and be displayed. Targeted ads are ads based on the Web sites you have visited. However, Windows 10 allows you to control this type of advertising.

 

Controlling your privacy is easy in Windows 10. Click the 4 pane white icon in the lower left corner of the Desktop screen. Click Settings just above the icon. Click Privacy then General and turn off “Let Apps use my advertising ID…“  Also, turn off “Send Microsoft info about how I write…” and “Let websites provide locally relevant content…“ Microsoft has an opt-out selection for ads Web site that you can visit to control ads. Copy the following link in your browser. https://choice.microsoft.com/en-us/opt-out. At the site, choose to turn off the two available selections. Be sure to sign in to turn off the middle box choice. Do this for each browser you have installed. The new Microsoft Edge browser does not save your choice. When using Edge, you must reset the opt-out choice each time you open the Edge browser, if you choose to do so. I’m not a fan of this browser for this and other reasons.

 

Another area of concern is a new item called Wi-Fi Sense. This is turned on by default and provides web access to visitors coming into your home. It works automatically by sharing your encrypted router password with your visitor and your password protected router. Your visitors never see your password but they must use a Windows 10 device for this to work. I think it’s very handy for those of you that have Comcast modem/routers that have those long passwords. If all of this bothers you, you can turn it off. In Settings, go to Network & Internet, Click Wi-Fi and click Manage Wi-Fi settings. Turn off Connect to open hotspots and Connect to networks. Just below is another area called Wi-Fi Services. Turn that off unless you plan to use paid-for hotspots.

 

Microsoft has allowed other ways to receive updates and system files for your computer. Instead of the traditional downloads from Microsoft servers, Microsoft farms out updates to other users in bits and pieces of files needed for updates. When an update is needed you may be connected to others that have the necessary files that your computer needs. If this bothers you, and it should, then turn it off by going to Settings, Update & Security, Windows Update, Advanced Options and click Choose how updates are delivered. Click to turn off.

 

I’ve covered the more important areas of Windows 10 privacy concerns. However, there are many more items listed under the Privacy category. Many are self explanatory and have accompanying information regarding their use.

 

The PC Club meetings are open to all regardless of computer experience. If you have questions that need answering, be sure to attend on the 3rd Tuesday of each month at 7 PM, upstairs in the Community Center. We are now covering Windows 10