Share this article
Improve this guide
How to Disable the Windows 10 Keylogger
Prevent Microsoft from collecting data on you
2 min. read
Updated onOctober 4, 2023
updated onOctober 4, 2023
Share this article
Improve this guide
Read our disclosure page to find out how can you help Windows Report sustain the editorial teamRead more
Key notes
Windows 10 users have often criticized Microsoft over its privacy policy and it doesn’t seem like they’ll ever lack opportunities to continue doing so.
Read on to find out how to tell if you have a keylogger and how to disable it on your Windows 10 device.
Does Windows 10 have a keylogger?
Windows 10 does not have an actual keylogger, instead, the built-in Windows diagnostic service is used to improve keyboard prediction service and inking recognition for future updates.
Microsoft is collecting data to improve its service, but many users have not consented to it. The contents of every keystroke are sent through to Redmond servers.
It’s not the first time Microsoft has to consider privacy concerns. Many users have requested a switch to turn off all data and telemetry collection.
The fact is, Windows has had telemetry since its first editions. It helps Microsoft know what features to focus on and be aware of those not being used.
The Redmond giant explains this is done to improve the user experience. However, users feel that the OS is actually spying on them:
W** is Windows 10 so sinister? All I here about is ads, tracking and mandatory updates that restart the computer no matter what youre doing. Now keyloggers. It also ran slower than a turd coming out on a freezing morning. Im glad I downgraded. There’s no way in hell I will ever use this bul***** free spyware.
The lack of transparency and the absence of an option to control exactly how their data was used, made users complain about this feature.
How can I disable the keylogger in Windows 10?
A new feature was added to Windows 10 since the April Update, letting you disable what is considered to be its built-in keylogger. Microsoft also added a new feature that lets you see what data is being backed up on your device.
That being said, if you’re worried about your data privacy, you can quickly turn off the Windows 10 keylogger from the Settings page.
-
Press theStartbutton on your taskbar.
-
ChooseSettingsfrom the list of options.
-
Navigate to thePrivacytab.
-
Go to theInking & Personalizationsection.
-
You’ll land on aGetting to know yousection, where Microsoft explains that Windows and Cortana use your voice and writing patterns in order to make better suggestions.
Toggle it off to clear all the collected data from your device and inking dictionary.
-
Now, navigate toPrivacy>Diagnostics and Feedback.
-
UnderDiagnostic data, selectRequired diagnostic data. In doing so, you will turn off the Windows 10 keylogger and prevent it from sending information about your PC to Microsoft.
After you make this choice, theImprove inking and typingsetting will be automatically turned off as well.
If you upgraded your OS, we have a dedicated guide onhow to disable the keylogger in Windows 11that you can check out.
Switch to another OS to ensure your privacy
However, many users are convinced that all the workarounds used to block Windows 10 from sending private data to Microsoft don’t actually work. As a result, they have decided to switch to Linux.
This is not a surprising piece of news, as a recent survey confirmed that 60% of Windows users would consider switching to macOS for more privacy.
We hope that our article helped you find out more about the built-in keylogger on Windows 10 and the steps you need to follow to disable it.
More about the topics:Windows 10 Privacy Guides
Madalina Dinita
Networking & Security Specialist
Madalina has been a Windows fan ever since she got her hands on her first Windows XP computer.
She is interested in all things technology, especially emerging technologies – AI and DNA computing in particular.
Prior to joining the WindowsReport team, she worked in the corporate world for a number of years.
User forum
0 messages
Sort by:LatestOldestMost Votes
Comment*
Name*
Email*
Commenting as.Not you?
Save information for future comments
Comment
Δ
Madalina Dinita
Networking & Security Specialist
Madalina is a Windows fan since forever, especially interested in AI, emerging technologies, privacy, and security.
