Windows 10 Telemetry

Microsoft uses telemetry, or diagnostic data, to improve Windows 10 and determine how and when new versions (feature updates) and monthly quality updates should be delivered to users’ devices. Telemetry data is collected by a variety of Microsoft’s products and services, including Windows 10 and the Office suite of applications.

Users have minimal control over the amount of telemetry data collected from their Windows 10 devices. Based on Windows 10 version 1709 documentation, there are five telemetry settings: Security, Basic, Enhanced, Limited Enhanced, and Full. Different data types, and therefore different amounts of data, are collected at each level. Each collection level is cumulative. That means at the Basic Level both Security Level and Basic Level telemetry data is collected, and at the Full Level, all telemetry data is collected. The default collection level and level of configurability varies by Windows 10 edition.

Using the Windows 10 user interface and settings dialog boxes, users can select between only the Basic or the Full Level. Management tools, such as System Center Configuration Manager, or registry editors can be used to change the collection level for some editions.