Concerns over Microsoft's Windows 10 OS being able to collect data have been gathering momentum as users grapple in the dark for some assurance from the company.
Microsoft has now responded to the privacy violation accusations and Terry Myerson, the company's Windows head, posted a blog post to alleviate concerns that it was spying on users.
Myerson assured Windows 10 users that while Microsoft collects some data from users' devices, it does not snoop on them.
For those wondering if they will be able to disable this data collection - if you run Windows 10 Pro or Windows 10 Home versions then the answer is no. Only enterprise users will be able to exercise complete control on the data they wish to share.
"Our enterprise feature updates later this year will enable enterprise customers the option to disable this telemetry, but we strongly recommend against this," reveals Myerson.
Basically, Windows 10 gathers personalization and telemetry data. The former aids in adapting ways in which the virtual assistant Cortana would respond to users and the latter helps Microsoft in observing how users deploy the OS. That said, a user has the ability to turn off several features to reduce the information being collected by Microsoft.
The only data which will automatically make its way to Microsoft are the app crash information, device ID etc.
In the "Safety and Reliability Data" section, Myerson sheds light on the type of data Microsoft collects from a user's PC. Per the Windows head, the company gathers information on device type, app crash data, anonymous device ID. While this information is sent automatically to Microsoft, private data such as a user's email, name, private details, and account ID etc. are completely secure and not gauged by the Windows 10 OS.
The only option for Windows 10 Home or Pro users to disable data collection will be to deploy third-party apps which can do so. Otherwise, they need to share the data with Microsoft.
