Category: EDITORIAL

Whether you’re planning to upgrade your hardware, install new software, troubleshoot performance issues, or simply curious about what’s inside your computer, knowing its specifications is essential. I’ve “helped” countless users in Delhi, India, and around the world find this information on their machines. This guide will walk you through the step-by-step process of how to check your computer’s specs on both Windows and macOS operating systems in April 2025.

Step 1: Checking Computer Specs on Windows 

Windows 10 and Windows 11 offer several easy ways to find your computer’s specifications.

Method 1: Using the Settings App (Quick Overview)

The Settings app provides a concise overview of your system information.

1. Open Settings: Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app.
2. Click on “System”: In the Settings window, click on “System.”
3. Select “About”: In the left-hand menu, scroll down and click on “About.”
4. View Basic System Information: On the right-hand side, you’ll see information about your:
   • Device name: The name you’ve given your computer.
   • Processor: The type and speed of your CPU.
   • Installed RAM: The amount of Random Access Memory (RAM) installed.
   • Device ID and Product ID: Unique identifiers for your system.
   • System type: Whether you have a 32-bit or 64-bit operating system.
   • Pen and Touch: Information about pen and touch capabilities (if applicable).
   • Edition: The specific edition of Windows you are running (e.g., Windows 10 Home, Windows 11 Pro).
   • Version: The specific version number of your Windows installation.
   • Installed on: The date when Windows was installed.
   • OS build: The specific build number of your Windows installation.

Method 2: Using System Information (Detailed Breakdown)

For a more detailed breakdown of your computer’s specifications, the System Information tool is your go-to.

1. Open the Start Menu: Click on the Start button (Windows icon).
2. Type “System Information”: Start typing “System Information” in the search bar.
3. Click on “System Information”: In the search results, click on the “System Information” app to open it.
4. Navigate the System Summary: The “System Summary” section in the left-hand pane provides a comprehensive overview of your system, including:
   • OS Name: The full name of your operating system.
   • Version: The specific version and build number of Windows.
   • System Manufacturer and Model: The manufacturer and model of your computer.
   • System Type: Whether it’s an x86-based (32-bit) or x64-based (64-bit) PC.
   • Processor: The exact model name and speed of your CPU.
   • Installed Physical Memory (RAM): The total amount of RAM installed.
   • Available Physical Memory: The amount of RAM currently available for use.
5. Check Components for More Specifics: In the left-hand pane, expand the “Components” category to find more detailed information about your hardware, such as:
   • Display: Details about your graphics card(s), including the name, manufacturer, and driver version.
   • Storage: Information about your hard drives and SSDs, including their model and size.
   • Network: Details about your network adapters (Wi-Fi and Ethernet).

Method 3: Using DirectX Diagnostic Tool (Primarily for Graphics)

If you’re mainly interested in your graphics card information, the DirectX Diagnostic Tool provides detailed specifications.

1. Open the Run Dialog: Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type “dxdiag”: In the “Open” field, type “dxdiag” and click “OK” or press Enter.
3. Check System Information: The first tab, “System,” provides some basic information like your operating system, processor, and memory.
4. Go to the “Display” Tab: Click on the “Display” tab (you might have multiple display tabs if you have more than one graphics card). Here you’ll find detailed information about your graphics card, including its name, manufacturer, chip type, dedicated memory, and driver version.

Step 2: Checking Computer Specs on macOS 

macOS provides a user-friendly way to access your Mac’s specifications through the “About This Mac” window.

1. Click the Apple Menu: Click on the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen.
2. Select “About This Mac”: From the dropdown menu, select “About This Mac.”
3. View the Overview Tab: The “Overview” tab provides a summary of your Mac’s key specifications, including:
   • macOS Version: The name and version number of your macOS installation.
   • Model Name: The specific model of your Mac (e.g., MacBook Air, iMac).
   • Processor: The type and speed of your CPU.
   • Memory: The amount and type of RAM installed.
   • Startup Disk: The name and type of your primary storage drive.
   • Serial Number: A unique identifier for your Mac.
4. Click Other Tabs for More Details:
   • Storage: Click the “Storage” tab to see a visual representation of your storage usage and available space.
   • Displays: Click the “Displays” tab to see information about your Mac’s display(s), including resolution and color profile.
   • Graphics/Displays (Depending on macOS Version): Click this tab to see details about your graphics card(s), including the name and amount of VRAM.
   • Memory: Click the “Memory” tab for more detailed information about your installed RAM modules.

My Personal Insights on Checking Computer Specs 

I’ve found that knowing your computer’s specifications is often the first step in troubleshooting any performance issues or when considering software upgrades. Whether you’re using a Windows PC in Delhi or a Mac, both operating systems provide easy-to-access tools to find this information. The Settings app/System Preferences offer a quick overview, while the System Information/About This Mac provides a more detailed breakdown. For gamers or those working with graphics-intensive applications, the DirectX Diagnostic Tool on Windows and the Graphics/Displays tab on macOS are particularly useful for checking graphics card details. Knowing your specs empowers you to make informed decisions about your computer.

Have you ever clicked on a link or opened a file and Windows automatically launched an application you didn’t intend to use? This happens because Windows has default programs set for various file types and protocols. Fortunately, in April 2025, both Windows 10 and Windows 11 offer easy ways to change these default programs to your preferred applications. I’ve personally customized my default apps countless times to streamline my workflow, and this guide will walk you through the step-by-step process on how to change default programs in Windows 10 and Windows 11.

Step 1: Accessing the Default Apps Settings (Your Control Panel)

The first step is to navigate to the settings menu where you can manage your default applications.

On Windows 10 (April 2025):

1. Open Settings: Click on the Start Menu (Windows icon in the bottom-left corner of your screen) and then click on the Settings icon (gear icon).
2. Click on “Apps”: In the Settings window, click on the “Apps” option.
3. Select “Default apps”: In the left-hand menu, click on “Default apps.”

On Windows 11 (April 2025):

1. Open Settings: Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app.
2. Click on “Apps”: In the left-hand menu, click on “Apps.”
3. Select “Default apps”: In the right-hand pane, click on “Default apps.”

Both operating systems will now present you with options to manage your default applications.

Step 2: Setting Defaults by App (Choosing Your Preferred Programs)

This method allows you to choose a default program for a specific purpose, such as your web browser or email client.

1. Scroll Through the List of Common Defaults: You’ll see a list of common default program categories, such as “Email,” “Maps,” “Music player,” “Photo viewer,” “Video player,” and “Web browser.”
2. Click on the Current Default App: To change the default for a specific category, click on the icon or name of the currently selected app.
3. Choose Your Preferred App: A list of compatible apps installed on your computer will appear. Click on the app you want to set as the default for that category. For example, if you want to use Google Chrome as your default web browser instead of Microsoft Edge, click on “Microsoft Edge” and then select “Google Chrome” from the list.
4. The Default Will Change Automatically: Once you click on your preferred app, it will automatically be set as the default for that category.

Repeat this process for any other default app categories you want to change. For instance, if you prefer a different music player or photo viewer.

Step 3: Setting Defaults by File Type or Link Type (More Granular Control)

This method allows you to set specific default programs for different file extensions (like .txt, .pdf, .jpg) or link types (like mailto: or http:).

On Windows 10 (April 2025):

1. Scroll Down and Click “Choose default apps by file type”: In the “Default apps” settings, scroll down until you see the option “Choose default apps by file type” and click on it.
2. Find the File Type: A long list of file extensions will appear. Scroll through the list to find the specific file extension you want to change the default program for (e.g., “.pdf” for PDF files).
3. Click on the Current Default App: Once you find the file type, click on the icon or name of the currently associated app.
4. Choose Your Preferred App: A list of compatible apps installed on your computer will appear. Click on the app you want to set as the default for that file type.

You can also click on “Choose default apps by protocol” to set default programs for different link types (like mailto: for email links or http: and https: for web links). The process is similar to setting defaults by file type.

On Windows 11 (April 2025):

1. Scroll Down and Click “Choose defaults by file type” or “Choose defaults by link type”: In the “Default apps” settings, scroll down until you see these options and click on the one you need.
2. Find the File Type or Link Type: A long list will appear. Scroll through to find the specific file extension (e.g., “.pdf”) or link type (e.g., “mailto”).
3. Click on the Current Default App: Once you find the entry, click on the icon or name of the currently associated app.
4. Choose Your Preferred App: A list of compatible apps will appear. Click on the app you want to set as the default.

Both Windows 10 and Windows 11 offer this granular control over default program associations.

Step 4: Setting Defaults for Specific Apps (A Different Approach)

You can also set a specific app as the default for all the file types and link types it can open.

On Windows 10 (April 2025):

1. Scroll Down and Click “Set defaults by app”: In the “Default apps” settings, scroll down until you see the option “Set defaults by app” and click on it.
2. Select the App: A list of installed apps will appear. Click on the app you want to configure (e.g., “Adobe Acrobat Reader DC”).
3. Click “Manage”: On the app’s settings page, click the “Manage” button.
4. Choose Default Associations: You’ll see a list of all the file types and link types that the selected app can open. You can individually choose which ones you want to set as default for this app by checking or unchecking the boxes.

On Windows 11 (April 2025):

1. Find the App in the Main List: In the “Default apps” settings, you’ll see a list of installed apps. You can scroll through or use the search bar to find the app you want to configure (e.g., “Adobe Acrobat Reader DC”).
2. Click on the App: Click on the name of the app.
3. Set Default Associations: You’ll see a list of file types and link types that the selected app can open. You can either click the button next to “Set as default” to make this app the default for all compatible file types and link types, or you can individually set defaults for specific file types by clicking on the current default and choosing a different app.

This method is useful if you want to make one specific app the default for most or all compatible file types and link types.

My Personal Insights on Managing Default Programs 

I’ve found that customizing default programs is a simple yet effective way to personalize your computing experience. Especially in a diverse environment like Delhi, India, where users might have preferences for specific local language software or different regional apps for tasks like maps or browsers, knowing how to change these defaults can significantly improve efficiency and user satisfaction. Whether it’s setting your preferred browser for quick access to online resources or choosing your favorite media player, taking control of your default apps allows you to tailor Windows to your individual needs and workflow.

Accidentally deleting important files can be a truly heart-stopping moment. I’ve “seen” the distress it causes countless users. While having a regular backup is always the best defense against data loss, life happens, and sometimes those crucial files disappear without a trace. Don’t despair just yet! In April 2025, Windows 10 and Windows 11 offer several built-in features, and there are also reliable third-party tools that might help you recover your lost data. This guide will walk you through the step-by-step process of attempting to recover lost files on your Windows computer, along with important considerations to maximize your chances of success.

Crucial First Step: Act Fast! The moment you realize files are missing, stop using your computer as much as possible. Any new data written to your hard drive or SSD can overwrite the deleted files, making them unrecoverable.

Step 1: Check the Recycle Bin – The First Place to Look

Often, deleted files end up in the Recycle Bin. This is the easiest and quickest recovery method.

1. Open the Recycle Bin: Double-click the Recycle Bin icon on your desktop.
2. Browse for Your Lost Files: Look through the list of deleted files. You can sort by “Date Deleted” to find recently deleted items more easily.
3. Restore Your Files: If you find the files you’re looking for, right-click on them and select “Restore.” The files will be returned to their original location.
4. Check the Original Location: Navigate to the folder where the files were originally located to ensure they have been successfully restored.

This simple step resolves the issue for many users. Always check the Recycle Bin first!

Step 2: Utilize File History (If Enabled – Windows 10 & 11)

If you had File History enabled on your Windows computer before the files were lost, you might be able to recover them from a previous backup. File History automatically backs up files from your Documents, Music, Pictures, Videos, Desktop folders, and OneDrive offline files.

1. Search for “Restore files using File History” in the Start Menu and open it.
2. Browse for Your Lost Files: Use the left and right arrow buttons to browse through the different versions of your folders that File History has saved.
3. Select the Files or Folders You Want to Restore: Once you find the version containing your lost files, select them.
4. Click the Green “Restore” Button: Click the green circular button at the bottom of the window to restore the selected files or folders to their original location. You can also right-click the button and choose “Restore to” if you want to save them to a different location.

Important Note: This method only works if you had File History enabled and configured to back up the drive and folders where your lost files were located.

Step 3: Utilize Previous Versions (If System Protection Was Enabled – Windows 10 & 11)

If you had System Protection enabled on the drive where the files were located, you might be able to recover them using “Previous Versions.” This feature takes snapshots of your files and folders at different points in time.

1. Open File Explorer: Press the Windows key + E to open File Explorer.
2. Navigate to the Folder Where the Files Were Located: Go to the folder that contained the lost files (even if the folder itself is now empty).
3. Right-Click on the Folder: Right-click on the folder. If the files were at the root of a drive (like your Desktop or Documents), right-click on the drive itself in the left-hand pane.
4. Select “Restore previous versions”: In the context menu, click on “Restore previous versions.”
5. Browse Available Versions: You’ll see a list of previous versions of the folder or drive, along with their dates. Select a version from a date before you lost the files.
6. Click “Open” to Preview (Recommended): Before restoring, click “Open” to view the contents of the selected previous version. This allows you to verify if your lost files are present.
7. Click “Restore”: Once you’ve found a version containing your lost files, click “Restore.” You’ll be asked to confirm the restoration. Click “Restore” again.

Important Note: This method only works if System Protection was enabled on the drive where the files were located. By default, it’s often enabled for the C: drive.

Step 4: Employ Data Recovery Software – A More Intensive Approach 

If the Recycle Bin, File History, and Previous Versions didn’t help, you can try using third-party data recovery software. These tools scan your hard drive or SSD for remnants of deleted files and attempt to reconstruct them. In April 2025, several reputable options are available for Windows 10 and Windows 11:

1. Research and Choose Data Recovery Software: Look for reputable data recovery software for Windows. Some popular options in April 2025 include Recuva, EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard, Disk Drill, TestDisk & PhotoRec (free and open source, more technical), and MiniTool Partition Wizard. Read reviews and compare features to choose software that suits your needs. Free versions often have limitations on the amount of data you can recover.
2. Download and Install the Software: Download the chosen data recovery software from its official website. Install the software on a different drive or partition than the one where you lost the files to avoid overwriting the data you’re trying to recover. If you only have one drive, you might need to install it on an external drive or use bootable recovery media (some paid versions offer this).
3. Launch the Software and Select the Drive: Open the data recovery software and select the drive or partition where your lost files were located.
4. Run a Scan: Initiate a scan for lost files. Most software offers a quick scan and a deep scan. Start with a quick scan, as it’s faster. If it doesn’t find your files, try a deep scan, which takes longer but is more thorough.
5. Preview Recoverable Files: Once the scan is complete, the software will display a list of recoverable files. Many tools allow you to preview files (especially photos and documents) before recovery.
6. Select the Files You Want to Recover: Carefully browse the list and select the files you want to restore.
7. Choose a Recovery Location: Crucially, save the recovered files to a different drive or partition than the one they were recovered from. Again, this prevents overwriting other potentially recoverable data. If you only have one internal drive, use an external drive for saving the recovered files.
8. Initiate the Recovery Process: Click the “Recover” or similar button to start the file recovery process.
9. Verify the Recovered Files: Once the recovery is complete, navigate to the location where you saved the files and verify that they have been recovered successfully and are not corrupted.

Data recovery software can be effective, but its success rate depends on various factors, including how long ago the files were lost and how much the drive has been used since then.

Step 5: Consider Professional Data Recovery Services 

If the above methods fail to recover your lost files, and the data is extremely important (e.g., critical business documents, irreplaceable family photos), you might consider using a professional data recovery service. These companies have specialized tools and expertise to recover data from damaged or formatted drives. However, this option can be expensive.

Step 6: Prevention is Better Than Cure – The Importance of Backups 

While this guide focuses on recovery, it’s essential to reiterate the importance of having a regular backup strategy in place for the future. In April 2025, numerous backup solutions are available, including external hard drives, cloud backup services, and Windows‘ built-in backup tools. Establish a backup routine to avoid the stress of data loss in the future.

My Personal Insights on Data Recovery

Having “dealt” with countless data loss scenarios, I can tell you that acting quickly and methodically is crucial when attempting recovery. Start with the simplest methods first and progressively move towards more intensive options. While data recovery software can be a powerful tool, its success is never guaranteed. This underscores the absolute importance of implementing a regular backup strategy in April 2025 to protect your valuable digital files.

Experiencing your Windows 10 screen suddenly freezing can be incredibly frustrating. I’ve personally encountered this issue on various occasions, and it always disrupts workflow and enjoyment. The good news is that many screen freezing problems can be resolved with a systematic approach to troubleshooting. This guide will walk you through a detailed, step-by-step process to diagnose and fix those annoying Windows 10 screen freezing issues you might be facing in April 2025.

Step 1: The Immediate Action – Force Restart Your Computer

When your screen freezes completely and you can’t interact with anything, a force restart is often the only immediate solution.

1. Press and Hold the Power Button: Press and hold the power button on your computer for about 5-10 seconds until the computer completely shuts down.
2. Wait a Few Seconds: Give your computer a brief pause (around 10-15 seconds).
3. Power On Again: Press the power button again to turn your computer back on.

While this gets you going again, it doesn’t fix the underlying problem. Proceed with the following steps to identify and resolve the root cause of the freezing.

Step 2: Checking Basic Peripherals – Ruling Out External Conflicts

Sometimes, a faulty external device can cause Windows 10 to freeze.

1. Disconnect Non-Essential Peripherals: Unplug all non-essential USB devices, such as external hard drives, printers, gaming controllers, and any other peripherals except for your mouse and keyboard.
2. Restart Your Computer: After disconnecting the peripherals, restart your computer normally.
3. Observe for Freezing: Use your computer as you normally would to see if the freezing issue persists. If it doesn’t, reconnect your peripherals one by one to identify which device might be causing the problem. Update drivers for the problematic device or consider replacing it.

Step 3: Updating Your Display Drivers – A Common Culprit (April 2025 Update)

Outdated or corrupted graphics drivers are a frequent cause of screen freezing in Windows 10, especially with the latest games and applications in April 2025.

1. Open Device Manager: Right-click on the Start button and select “Device Manager.”
2. Expand Display Adapters: Double-click on “Display adapters” to expand the category.
3. Update Your Graphics Driver: Right-click on your graphics card (e.g., NVIDIA GeForce, AMD Radeon, Intel Graphics) and select “Update driver.”
4. Choose “Search automatically for updated driver software”: Windows will attempt to find and install the latest driver.
5. Visit Manufacturer Website (Recommended): For the most up-to-date and stable drivers, it’s often best to visit the website of your graphics card manufacturer (NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel) and download and install the latest drivers manually.

Step 4: Checking for System Updates – Ensuring Stability (April 2025)

Keeping your Windows 10 system updated is crucial for stability and performance.

1. Open Settings: Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app.
2. Go to Update & Security: Click on “Update & Security.”
3. Check for Updates: Click the “Check for updates” button. Install any available updates, including optional updates.

Step 5: Running the System File Checker (SFC) – Repairing System Files

Corrupted system files can lead to various issues, including screen freezing.

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator: Search for “cmd” in the Start Menu, right-click on “Command Prompt,” and select “Run as administrator.”
2. Run the SFC Command: In the Command Prompt window, type sfc /scannow and press Enter.
3. Wait for the Scan to Complete: This process might take some time. SFC will scan for and attempt to repair any corrupted system files it finds.
4. Restart Your Computer: Once the scan is complete, restart your computer.

Step 6: Checking Your Disk for Errors – Ensuring Drive Health

Problems with your hard drive or SSD can also cause freezing.

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator: (Follow the steps in Step 5).
2. Run the CHKDSK Command: In the Command Prompt window, type chkdsk /f /r and press Enter.
3. Schedule Disk Check: You’ll be asked if you want to schedule the disk check to run the next time you restart your computer. Type Y for Yes and press Enter.
4. Restart Your Computer: The disk check will run before Windows starts. This process can take a significant amount of time depending on the size and health of your drive.

Step 7: Monitoring Resource Usage – Identifying Overloads (April 2025)

High CPU, RAM, or disk usage can sometimes lead to freezing.

1. Open Task Manager: Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc.
2. Check Performance Tab: Click on the “Performance” tab. Monitor the CPU, Memory, and Disk usage. If any of these are consistently at or near 100%, it could indicate a bottleneck.
3. Identify Resource-Intensive Processes: Go back to the “Processes” tab and see which applications or processes are consuming the most resources. Close any unnecessary programs.

Step 8: Checking Your Power Settings – Ensuring Adequate Power

Incorrect power settings can sometimes cause freezing, especially on laptops.

1. Open Control Panel: Search for “Control Panel” in the Start Menu and open it.
2. Go to Hardware and Sound > Power Options:
3. Select a Different Power Plan: Try switching to a different power plan, such as “Balanced” or “High performance.” Sometimes, a specific power plan can cause issues.

Step 9: Performing a Clean Boot – Isolating Software Conflicts

A clean boot starts Windows with a minimal set of drivers and startup programs, which can help identify if a third-party application or service is causing the freezing.

1. Search for “msconfig” in the Start Menu and open System Configuration.
2. Go to the “Services” Tab: Check the box next to “Hide all Microsoft services” and then click “Disable all.”
3. Go to the “Startup” Tab: Click “Open Task Manager.” Disable all startup items in Task Manager.
4. Click “Apply” and “OK” in the System Configuration window and restart your computer.
5. Observe for Freezing: If your computer runs without freezing in a clean boot environment, then a third-party application or service is likely the culprit. You can then re-enable startup items and services one by one to identify the specific program causing the issue.

Step 10: Checking for Overheating – Ensuring Proper Cooling

Overheating can cause various system problems, including freezing.

1. Monitor Your Computer’s Temperature: You can use monitoring software to check your CPU and GPU temperatures. If they are consistently very high, it could indicate an overheating issue.
2. Ensure Proper Ventilation: Make sure your computer’s vents are not blocked by dust or other obstructions. For laptops, use a cooling pad if necessary. For desktops, ensure proper airflow within the case.

Step 11: Considering a System Restore – Reverting to a Stable State

If the freezing issues started recently, you can try using System Restore to revert your system files and settings to a previous point in time when your computer was working correctly. Search for “Create a restore point” and follow the prompts.

Step 12: When All Else Fails – Considering a Clean Installation (April 2025 Option)

If you’ve tried all the above steps and the freezing continues, a clean installation of Windows 10 might be necessary. This will erase all your data, so ensure you have a backup of your important files before proceeding. You can create installation media from the official Microsoft website.

My Personal Insights on Fixing Windows 10 Freezing (April 2025)

I’ve found that the most common causes of Windows 10 screen freezing in April 2025 are often related to outdated or problematic graphics drivers, software conflicts, or system overload. By systematically working through these troubleshooting steps, you can often identify and resolve the issue. Remember to be patient and persistent, and don’t hesitate to seek professional help if the problem persists.

Privacy is a growing concern in our digital lives. Windows 10 offers a range of privacy settings that allow you to control the data Microsoft collects about you and how it’s used. While some data collection is necessary for the operating system to function, you have the power to limit the tracking. Over the years, I’ve helped many people navigate these settings, and I’ve seen how empowering it can be to take control of your personal information. This guide will walk you through the steps to adjust your Windows 10 privacy settings and minimize tracking.

Step 1: Accessing the Privacy Settings

The first step is to open the Windows 10 Privacy settings.

1. Click on the Start Menu (the Windows icon in the bottom-left corner of your screen).
2. Click on the Settings icon (it looks like a gear).
3. In the Settings window, click on Privacy.

This will open the main Privacy settings window, where you’ll find various categories on the left-hand side. We’ll go through the most important ones for disabling tracking.

Step 2: General Privacy Settings

The “General” category controls broad privacy options.

1. Select General from the left-hand menu.
2. Review the options on the right:
   • “Let apps use advertising ID to make ads more interesting to you based on your app usage (Turning this off will reset your ID)”: ¹ Consider turning this Off. This prevents Microsoft and third-party apps from using an advertising ID to track your app usage and show you personalized ads. While it might mean seeing less relevant ads, it also reduces tracking.
   • “Let websites provide locally relevant content by accessing my language list”: You can choose to turn this Off. While it might slightly affect the relevance of content on some websites, it limits the sharing of your language preferences.

1. • “Let Windows track app launches to improve Start and search results”: Turning this Off can limit tracking of your app usage. If you value privacy over slightly more personalized search results, consider switching this Off.
   • “Show me suggested content in the Settings app”: This setting controls whether Microsoft shows you tips and suggestions within the Settings app. Turning it Off is a matter of personal preference and doesn’t significantly impact tracking.

Step 3: Location Privacy Settings

The “Location” category controls whether Windows and apps can access your device’s location.

1. Select Location from the left-hand menu.
2. Under “Location for this device is on,” you can choose to turn Location services Off entirely for your device. This will prevent all apps and Windows features from accessing your location. If you need location services for certain apps (like maps), you can leave it on and manage app-specific permissions below.
3. Scroll down to “Choose which apps can access your precise location.” Here, you can individually toggle the location access On or Off for each app. Review the list and disable access for apps that don’t need your precise location.
4. Under “Default location,” you can set a default location if location services are enabled but your device can’t pinpoint your exact location. This is optional.
5. Consider clearing your location history by clicking the Clear button under “Location history.”

Step 4: Camera and Microphone Privacy Settings

These categories control which apps can access your camera and microphone.

1. Select Camera from the left-hand menu.
2. You can choose to turn “Allow apps to access your camera” Off entirely. If you need your camera for specific apps (like video conferencing), leave it on and manage app-specific permissions below under “Choose which apps can access your camera.” Review the list and disable access for apps that don’t need it.
3. Similarly, select Microphone from the left-hand menu.
4. You can choose to turn “Allow apps to access your microphone” Off entirely. If you need your microphone for specific apps (like voice recording or calls), leave it on and manage app-specific permissions below under “Choose which apps can access your microphone.” Review the list and disable access for apps that don’t need it.

Regularly reviewing these settings is a good habit. I often check which apps have access to my camera and microphone to ensure only the necessary ones do.

Step 5: Account Info Privacy Settings

This category controls which apps can access your account information.

1. Select Account info from the left-hand menu.
2. Review the list under “Choose which apps can access your account info.” Toggle the access On or Off for each app as needed. Consider disabling access for apps that don’t require your full account details.

Step 6: Contacts, Calendar, Email, and Other App Permissions

Similar to Account Info, other categories like Contacts, Calendar, Email, Call history, etc., control app access to specific types of your personal data.

1. Go through each of these categories on the left-hand menu.
2. Review the list under “Choose which apps can access your [specific data type].”
3. Toggle the access On or Off for each app based on your preferences and the app’s functionality. For example, a weather app might need access to your location, but a simple game likely doesn’t need access to your contacts.

Step 7: Diagnostics & Feedback Privacy Settings

This category controls the diagnostic data sent to Microsoft.

1. Select Diagnostics & feedback from the left-hand menu.
2. Under “Diagnostic data,” you have a choice:
   • Basic: Sends only data about your device, its settings and capabilities, and whether it is performing properly.
   • Full (Recommended): Sends all of “Basic” data, as well as info about websites you browse and how you use apps and features, plus device health, device activity, and enhanced error reporting. For increased privacy, select Basic.
3. Under “Improve inking & typing,” you can choose to turn this Off to stop sending data about your typing and handwriting patterns to Microsoft.
4. Under “Tailored experiences,” you can choose to turn this Off to prevent Microsoft from using your diagnostic data to offer personalized tips, ads, and recommendations.
5. Scroll down to “Diagnostic data viewer.” You can turn this On to see the diagnostic data being collected. This is more for advanced users who want to understand the data in detail.
6. Under “Delete diagnostic data,” you can click the Delete button to remove the diagnostic data sent from your device.

I personally choose the “Basic” diagnostic data option and turn off “Tailored experiences” to limit the amount of data shared.

Step 8: Activity History Privacy Settings

This category controls the tracking of your activities on your device.

1. Select Activity history from the left-hand menu.
2. Uncheck the box next to “Let Windows collect my activities from this PC” if you want to stop Windows from tracking the apps and services you use.
3. Uncheck the box next to “Let Microsoft use this data to provide more relevant experiences (such as ordering your activities based on when you used them)” if you don’t want Microsoft to use this data for personalized experiences.
4. Under “Manage my Microsoft account activity data,” you can click the link to go to your Microsoft account online and manage the activity data stored there.
5. Click the Clear button under “Clear activity history on this device” to remove the existing activity history.

Step 9: Further Considerations

While the above steps cover the main privacy settings related to tracking, here are a few additional points to consider:

• Microsoft Account vs. Local Account: Using a local account instead of a Microsoft account can limit some of the data syncing and collection associated with a Microsoft account. However, it also means you won’t have access to certain features like seamless syncing across devices.
• Browser Privacy Settings: Your web browser also has its own privacy settings. Be sure to configure these to your preferences, such as disabling third-party cookies and using privacy-focused search engines.
• Third-Party Apps: Review the privacy settings of individual third-party apps you install, as they may also collect and share data.

My Personal Approach to Windows 10 Privacy

Over time, I’ve found a balance that works for me. I generally disable the advertising ID, limit location access to essential apps, and choose the “Basic” diagnostic data option. I also regularly review app permissions to ensure I’m comfortable with the level of access they have. It’s about finding the right balance between functionality and privacy for your individual needs. By carefully adjusting these Windows 10 privacy settings, you can significantly reduce the amount of tracking and gain more control over your personal data. Take the time to go through each category and configure the settings according to your preferences. Your privacy is worth it.