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Tuning privacy: How to deactivate usage statistics under Windows 8

August 12, 2014
Updated: April 14, 2022
Quick overview:

Windows 8 from Microsoft

With Windows 8, Microsoft not only introduced a significantly changed user interface, compared to the previous versions the tile OS collects significantly more individual usage data. However, users do not have to accept this - data transfer can be deactivated.

Turn off usage analysis for apps

To switch off the usage statistics in Windows 8, two measures are recommended (Here's a video tutorial). The first measure concerns apps from the Microsoft Store. The following steps will prevent the company from collecting data about your use of installed applications:

  1. Call up the Charms bar (e.g. with the key combination Win+i).
  2. Select the menu item "Change PC settings" and then "Data protection".
  3. Then you just need to deactivate the last point: "I would like to help improve the Windows Store by sending URLs to the web content that my apps access." This item is activated by default.
  4. When using the operating system on a PC, you can also deactivate the top item: "I agree to apps accessing my location."

Local user account instead of Microsoft account

Logging in to Windows 8 requires a Windows ID, for example a Hotmail address. This allows you to connect to the Microsoft cloud, but also to collect data. You can prevent this by creating a local user account afterwards and using the operating system with it:

  1. Call up the Charms bar and select "Change PC settings".
  2. Under "Users" you will find the option to switch to a local account. Click on the button.
  3. From now on, use this local user account, which does not automatically connect to the Microsoft cloud OneDrive and exchange data.
  4. If you want to continue using the Microsoft account: You can access the "Synchronize settings" menu item via the Charms bar and turn off automatic synchronization there. You do not need this if you only use one Windows device.

More privacy under Windows 8 - with a small loss of comfort

The various Windows 8 usage statistics are likely to displease all users who want to control their own data. If you want to avoid this data collection, you must follow the tips listed above. However, you should bear in mind that these will reduce convenience. For example, if you change the app settings, a weather app can no longer automatically determine your location.

Article image above: Microsoft Corporation

Our editorial team's articles focus on digital entertainment: tips, trends and tricks for anyone who wants to get more out of the Internet, technology and gaming - presented in an easy-to-understand way.

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