Privacy Settings with Windows 10 Setup

So... Windows 10 really likes to share your data with Microsoft and others. Most of the below settings are adapted from an Ars Tech article (found HERE) plus my own personal experience with the setup of Windows 10. Just note that with increased privacy and/or security settings comes a decrease in features (such as disabling Cortana). You don't have to do all of these, but some of them I'd highly recommend.

On the instillation screen you'll see a large button that says "Use Express Settings". Instead look for the small "Customize Settings" button and select that.

The first customization page has settings for personalization, targeted advertising and location tracking. Go ahead and disable everything on this page.

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The second page has some useful options. Turn off the following options:
Predictive Web Browsing; Connecting to open Wi-Fi hot spots; and Wi-Fi Sense

Finish the install as directed. The rest of the changes will need to be made after the install is completed.

In the new "Settings" app select the Privacy button and flip any option available to OFF except for SmartScrren Filter.

Inline image 2

Next, Select the Feedback option in the bottom left and change the Feedback frequency to "never" or Basic Health and Performance".

Next, go back to Settings (back arrow in top left) and Select the Update & Security > Windows Update > Advanced Options > Choose how update are delivered. From here disable the sharing feature completely by flipping the toggle button to OFF:

Inline image 4

Now, hit the Start button and start typing "Cortana". Click on the cog icon to bring up Cortana's settings, Then select the toggle button to turn Cortana OFF:

Inline image 3

And that *should* do it for now...

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