Windows 10: Find out how much data Microsoft is quietly recording from your PC
MICROSOFT has taken the wraps off a new tool which reveals exactly how much data your Windows 10 PC is gathering behind-the-scenes and sending back to Redmond.
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Microsoft has produced a new tool designed to show users how much personal information is gathered by its Windows 10 operating system.
The new application is called Diagnostic Data Viewer.
Microsoft says it created the app to let users know exactly what data is being collected and sent back to the company’s Redmond headquarters.
Windows 10 was steeped in controversy following its launch after it was revealed how much data was being collected by Microsoft.
Users also voiced their frustrations after it was uncovered that some of the telemetric data collection could not be halted.
Microsoft has rolled-out a number of improvements since then, including a transparent privacy toggles that now appear during the set-up process.
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The Diagnostic Data Viewer is the latest in these tweaks.
The free application is currently available to install from the Windows Store.
Running the app reveals that information, including your PC’s device name, OS version, and serial number.
More detailed records from your home computer, like installed apps, preference settings, and statistics about each application's usage, are also beamed back to Microsoft.
Following the launch of the new app, Windows and Device Group Privacy Officer Marisa Rogers said: “Our commitment is to be fully transparent on the diagnostic data collected from your Windows devices, how it is used, and to provide you with increased control over that data.
"This is all part of our commitment to increase your trust and confidence in our products and services."
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Microsoft says Diagnostic Data Viewer will run completely separately from Windows’ Privacy Dashboard, which is now included in every version of Windows 10.
The latter will also be upgraded to include more information on data collection. It will also include activity history for your Microsoft account.
The news comes as Microsoft ended a special offer that enabled users who require assistive technologies to get hold of a copy of Windows 10 for free.
The latest operating system includes a number of assistive features, including Narrator and Magnifier.
Microsoft said, “If you use assistive technologies, you can upgrade to Windows 10 at no cost as Microsoft continues our efforts to improve the Windows 10 experience for people who use these technologies.
“Please take advantage of this offer before it expires on January 16, 2017.”
