Win.Privacy1.0.1.8

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 experience by gathering Windows usage information. Win.Privacy is one of the many applications that aim 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 does not offer the possibility of checking 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 ones.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 integrates some security-oriented tools

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. Optionally, users can also disable the Windows Update service, location tracking, the Hibernate function, Windows Telemetry IPs, and Cortana, as well as check or uncheck if the want to set Diagnostic and Usage data to “basic.”Apart from that, some extra features are integrated for a plus of convenience, such as a system info tool, a task manager, an email client, a text encryptor, and a website blocker, which obviously considerably reduces the user’s need to resort to third parties.What’s more, an uninstaller for Windows 10 pre-installed applications is also included so that you easily ditch unwanted software from your computer.

Comes with handy workarounds for Windows 10 privacy issues

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, the control the user has on the tweaks they can apply is arguable, even though a log is included for informative purposes.On the other hand, it does provide the user with some extra tools that could protect their identity online and could also prove useful in their routine, letting them disable Windows 10 services and apps they find no use for, and more.