Quick overview:
Windows 11 comes with a long list of features designed to make everyday PC use more convenient. However, many of them quietly collect data in the background. Anyone in Germany who takes digital privacy seriously should understand what the operating system is actually doing and how to manage it. The good news is that you don’t need third-party software to see noticeable improvements.
What Windows 11 collects by default
Microsoft's telemetry system automatically collects diagnostic data, usage patterns, and device information. By default, Windows 11 shares what is known as "optional diagnostic data," which goes far beyond mere crash reports.
To limit this data sharing, go to Settings → Privacy & Security → Diagnostics & Feedback. Set the diagnostic data level to "Only required" and turn off the "Improve handwriting and typing" and "Personalized user experience" options. These changes do not affect system performance and take effect immediately.
Other settings worth checking:
- Activity History – Disables the timeline feature that records app and browser history
- Search permissions – controls whether Windows sends search queries to the Microsoft cloud
- Location settings – restrict which apps are allowed to access GPS or network-based location data
If you want to document the changes, the best approach is to take screenshots in Windows to capture the before-and-after states. This is extremely helpful for maintaining an overview during a multi-step privacy audit.
Selecting a privacy-focused browser on Windows 11
While Microsoft Edge does offer tracking prevention features, its data linkage with Microsoft remains significantly closer than with many alternatives. Firefox and Brave are two proven options with stronger default protection mechanisms and greater transparency regarding what data they actually collect.
Regardless of which browser you use, these settings are particularly important:
- Disable third-party cookies – significantly reduces cross-site tracking
- Enable HTTPS-Only Mode – forces encrypted connections whenever possible
- Check installed extensions – remove anything that requests broad website permissions without a clear purpose
- Using a privacy-friendly search engine – DuckDuckGo and Startpage are widely used in Germany
Browser fingerprinting is an often-underestimated issue. Even without cookies, websites can identify users based on screen resolution, installed fonts, and browser version. Brave randomizes several of these signals by default, which significantly mitigates this attack vector.
Encrypt DNS Requests on Windows 11
DNS queries are the requests your device sends to resolve domain names into IP addresses. By default, these queries are sent in the clear, allowing internet service providers and network monitors to log every website you visit. Switching to encrypted DNS is one of the most effective individual steps that privacy-conscious users can take.
Windows 11 supports DNS over HTTPS (DoH) out of the box. To enable it, go to Settings → Network & Internet → Wi-Fi (or Ethernet) → Properties → DNS server assignment. Enter a DoH-enabled provider there, such as Cloudflare (1.1.1.1) or Quad9 (9.9.9.9), and select "Encrypted only" from the dropdown menu. If you regularly switch between Wi-Fi and Ethernet, the DNS4EU guidelines for DNS setup provide a concise step-by-step reference to help you keep these settings consistent across both interfaces.
Anyone who wants to understand exactly how secure DNS and private DNS make a difference in everyday life will quickly realize that this step is more than just a checkbox in the settings. Encrypted DNS prevents DNS-based surveillance, even if the websites you visit already use HTTPS.
Advanced steps for a "clean" system
If you want to take a more thorough approach, a clean Windows installation can remove preinstalled software and telemetry remnants that accumulate during the OEM setup. Performing a clean installation of Windows using an official ISO image is a proven method for getting rid of manufacturer bloatware and starting with a clean slate. This is particularly relevant for anyone who has purchased a preconfigured laptop.
Other useful hardening measures:
- Disable Cortana – reduces cloud-based query processing
- Check app permissions – access to the camera, microphone, and contacts should be granted on a case-by-case basis
- Enable BitLocker – encrypts the drive so that physical access does not reveal any stored data
- Use a local account – prevents activity data from being synced with a Microsoft account
Privacy as a Consistent Habit Across Platforms
Privacy in Windows 11 isn't a one-time thing. System updates can reset certain settings, and new features sometimes introduce additional data-sharing options. Taking a quick look at the Privacy & Security panel every few months takes less than ten minutes and keeps your settings up to date.
This attitude can be applied to many digital sectors. Whether it’s streaming services or financial tools, more and more users prefer services that require as little personal data as possible to access. In the German online entertainment market, this is evident, for example, in the growing demand for online casinos without verification, which points to broader consumer interest in minimizing data exposure during account registration. The pattern is the same as with operating systems: those who avoid unnecessary data points keep their digital footprint small.
Consistent habits—whether adjusting DNS settings or checking which platforms store personal data—add up to a noticeably more private digital life.
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