7 Tools to Manage Privacy Settings in Windows

Every Windows version has its flaws and user privacy is one that haunts them all.

In Windows 10, detractors argue, privacy settings are so scattered across the operating that the average user cannot hope to protect themselves against Microsoft's purported data mining attempts. You might conclude that Microsoft is intentionally making it difficult for you to disable everything. Thankfully, several third-party apps have stepped up.

In this article, I'm going to introduce you to seven tools that make it easier to manage the native privacy settings in Windows 10. Some of the tools will also work on earlier Windows versions.

1. O&O ShutUp10

Platform: Windows 10

Despite its somewhat strange name, O&O ShutUp10 is one of the best third-party privacy tools available for Windows 10.

It features an easy-to-use interface with simple on/off toggles for all Windows privacy settings. You can change your security settings, privacy settings, location services, and even Windows Update preferences.

If you're not confident about which settings to tweak, don't worry! The app comes with a recommended setup and offers information about each option. It's also a portable application, meaning you don't have to install it.

2. Spybot Anti-Beacon

Platform: Windows 7, 8.1, 10

The team behind Spybot Anti-Beacon also produced Spybot Search & Destroy, a popular anti-malware tool.

Anti-Beacon's premise is simple; block the tracking and telemetry issues in Windows. If you don't want any information about your PC usage sent to Microsoft and you're unsure how to disable everything using native options, this is the tool for you.

It features a single button labeled Immunize. Click it and the app will automatically disable all the known tracking features, including telemetry hosts, telemetry services, the Consumer Experience Improvements Program, and apps using your advertising ID. There's an undo button in case something goes awry.

3. Win10 Spy Disabler

Platform: Windows 7, 8.1, 10

Win10 Spy Disabler offers more than 20 privacy tweaks. Options include a way to disable Cortana, turn off telemetry and data collection, and disable lists of recent files and folders.

You'll find the same level of fine-tuning as O&O ShutUp10, but if you're looking for a "wide paintbrush", this tool does a good job. For example, Win10 Spy Disabler also includes system tweaks, such as showing hidden files and disabling Windows remote assistance, and system utilities.

The developers offer both an installable and portable version of the application.

4. W10Privacy

Platform: Windows 10

W10Privacy offers the most settings out of all the apps in this list.

The app is broken down into 14 tabs: Privacy, Telemetry, Search, Network, Explorer, Services, Edge, OneDrive, Tasks, Tweaks, Firewall, Background Apps, User Apps, and System Apps. Each of the 14 tabs comes with vast numbers of individual options.

The settings are color-coded. Green is a recommended tweak with almost no side-effects, yellow indicates you need to consider the setting on a case-by-case basis, and red means you should only proceed if you're confident in your selection.

If you like being highly granular in your approach to privacy, this is the best app for you.

5. Windows Privacy Tweaker

Platform: Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8.1, 10

When you launch Windows Privacy Tweaker for the first time, it will automatically perform a system-wide scan of your settings and offer you some recommended tweaks. Results are displayed in four tabs: Services, Task Scheduler, Registry and USB Security.

It's particularly strong in the areas of Services and Registry tweaks, offering some options that the other apps don't include. However, be careful when making changes to the registry!

All tweaks have a simple color code: red means you're at risk, green means you're safe. Not all settings are available if you're not using Windows 10.

6. AntiSpy for Windows 10

Platform: Windows 10

Developed by Ashampoo, AntiSpy for Windows 10 is arguably the most aesthetically pleasing of the apps I've featured.

Its raison d'être revolves around four core tasks: letting you configure your security settings, protecting your privacy, disabling location services, and stopping Windows from sending diagnostics and usage data back to Microsoft.

It gives you an easy-to-understand overview of all your critical system settings and lets you disable each one with a single click. For users who are less technologically savvy, it offers two presets: one which prevents any apps reporting to Microsoft, and one which configures your system based on the opinions of Ashampoo's security experts.

7. Destroy Windows 10 Spying [No Longer Available]

Platform: Windows 10

Destroy Windows 10 Spying is the only open-source software on my list. It's also a portable app.

The app's biggest selling point is its ability to delete Windows default programs that leak data and are not removable under Programs and Features. It can also remove telemetry data, block various IP addresses, disable Windows Defender, and deactivate Windows Updates.

A word of warning: some of the actions offered are irreversible so make sure you create a system restore point before proceeding.