Disable Windows Telemetry Using Regedit Policies

This guide explains how to disable Windows diagnostic data collection and telemetry using the Windows Registry Editor (Regedit). By configuring specific policy keys, you can restrict Microsoft from collecting system and usage data, enhancing user privacy and reducing background network activity.

Step 1: Open the Registry Editor

  1. Press Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog box.
  2. Type regedit and press Enter.
  3. Click Yes if prompted by User Account Control (UAC).

Step 2: Navigate to the DataCollection Policy Key

In the address bar at the top of the Registry Editor, paste the following path and press Enter:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\DataCollection

Step 3: Create and Configure the AllowTelemetry Value

  1. Right-click on an empty area inside the right pane of the DataCollection folder.
  2. Select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value.
  3. Name the new value AllowTelemetry and press Enter.
  4. Double-click AllowTelemetry to edit it.
  5. In the Value data field:
    • Set it to 0 to disable telemetry entirely (available on Windows Enterprise and Education editions; sets telemetry to the lowest possible level on Windows Pro and Home).
  6. Set the Base to Hexadecimal and click OK.

To ensure all telemetry services stop transmitting data, disable the background service via Registry:

  1. Navigate to the following path in the Registry Editor: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\DiagTrack
  2. In the right pane, double-click the Start DWORD value.
  3. Change the Value data to 4 (Disabled).
  4. Click OK.

Step 5: Restart Your Computer

Close the Registry Editor and restart your system to apply the new policy settings and stop telemetry collection.