Block domains that could be used to send data to Microsoft and disable tracking services in Windows 10 with the click of a button.
- Win.Privacy
- Version :1.0.1.8
- License :Freeware
- OS :Windows All
- Publisher :windotprivacy.co.nf
Win.Privacy Description
The launch of Windows 10 was nothing if not controversial, considering the long list of complaints related to telemetry settings and data collection attempts. Therefore, there have been numerous attempts to find workarounds to Microsoft’s initiatives to enhance the user’s experience by gathering Windows usage information. Win.Privacy is one of the many applications that aims to reduce the amount of data that is sent home to Microsoft in Windows 10.
Press a button to protect your privacy in Windows 10
Win.Privacy is designed with simplicity in mind, enabling the user to fix privacy-related issues with the click of a button. But simple is not always good. The application it does not offer the possibility to check which fixes should be applied and which shouldn’t. It does include a readme file to briefly let the user know about the changes that will be made to the system but all the actions are performed in batch, with no option to exclude unneeded fixes.
Considering the above, creating a system restore point before using it is recommended, if not mandatory. The user can carry out this operation manually before using Win.Privacy, but it should be noted that the application creates a new restore point prior to applying its privacy-related fixes. Nevertheless, users can undo some of the changes Win.Privacy makes to their PC, or they can restore a previous state of Windows that does not include the fixes.
Blocks tracking services and adds new domains to the hosts file
Once the ‘Fix Privacy Issues’ button is pressed, the ‘Logs’ area starts filling in with all the fixes Win.Privacy applies.
To begin with, the ‘DiagTrack’ and the ‘dmwappush’ services are disabled and then deleted. Secondly, the hosts file in Windows is modified and a long list of domains that are known to be accessed when Windows 10 sends data to Microsoft are blocked. As such, communication between the Windows 10 computer and Microsoft’s servers is hampered, at least partially. Optionally, users can also disable the Windows Update service, location tracking and the Hibernate function.
Lacks many Windows 10 privacy tweaks other similar apps have
Win.Privacy could be a good option for users who are looking for a quick and easy fix for Windows 10’s privacy issues. However, there are many other areas this application does not take into account, unlike its competitors. As such, users shouldn’t expect it to fully restrict Microsoft’s access to their private data.
While Win.Privacy does block telemetry-related domains and services, not providing clear information about what each fix does to the operating system and not offering users the possibility to choose the tweaks they want to apply are important drawbacks.