Thanks to a more desktop-oriented interface and favorable reviews, Windows 10 has had a decent honeymoon since its launch in July – but that hasn’t stopped Microsoft from openly addressing various common concerns about the privacy of using the new operating system.
In a recent blog post on the official Windows website, the company’s Executive Vice President of the Windows and Devices Group, Terry Myerson, explains the two biggest fundamental privacy principles of Windows 10 – specifically, that the OS “collects information so the product will work better for you”, and that the user remains “in control with the ability to determine what information is collected.”
Myerson explains that the “safety and reliability data” collected by Windows 10 does not include information, like a name or email address, capable of directly identifying the user. Meanwhile, “personalization data” is collected simply for improving Windows 10 – including “to help you keep your preferences and files in sync on all your devices” and “to help keep your device up to date”.
Microsoft also claims: “Unlike some other platforms, no matter what privacy options you choose, neither Windows 10 nor any other Microsoft software scans the content of your email or other communications, or your files, in order to deliver targeted advertising to you.”