In November 2015, the first major Windows 10 update was launched by Microsoft. However, the spying capabilities of the OS are still very much the same. Apparently, the spying features may have been enabled again on devices that were adjusted to keep data from getting to Microsoft servers.
Tech Times reported that Microsoft admitted that it cannot stop Windows 10 from spying on users, but the feature should not be a cause for concern. The previous update provided more access to user data via tracking features that the company cannot stop as well. However, Microsoft stated that the tracking ability is for the benefit of users too. Users, however, were asking why it took a while before Microsoft admitted that it cannot stop its own feature.
“And in the case of knowing that our system that we’ve created is crashing, or is having serious performance problems, we view that so helpful to the ecosystem, and so not an issue of personal privacy, that today, we collect that data so that we make that experience better for everyone.” Joe Belfiore, Microsoft Corporate Vice President, told Forbes.
The spying capabilities are application to individual users only. Users of Windows 10 Pro and Windows Enterprise may opt to disable automatic updates and check off specific data that the OS may relay back to Microsoft. Windows 10 Home users are forced to download automatic updates. The bandwidth consumption of users are also controlled, and monitors several other user activities.
Users have the option of disabling the spy software. BGR wrote that users can edit their privacy settings from the Start Menu to Settings, and then finally to Privacy. From Privacy, users can disable as much as they can, but not all the tracking options can be disabled. Even Microsoft cannot prevent it.
BGR wrote that users can disable the new “Connected User Experiences and Telemetry Service” by holding down the Windows key. Tap the R key and a box will open. Type ‘services.msc’ then press Enter. Look for “Connected User Experiences and Telemetry” in the “Services (Local)” section and then double-click. Click Stop in the “Service status” section. Choose Disabled in the “Startup type” drop-down menu then confirm and close the window by clicking OK.
Forbes, however, discouraged users from deleting the service, stating that there might be other problems that will surface.
More updates and details on Microsoft 10 and its spying capabilities are expected in the coming months.
Sources: BGR, Google, Tech Times, Latinopost
