Windows Telemetry Settings in Registry Editor

This article explains how to locate and configure the master switch for Windows diagnostic data telemetry levels using the Windows Registry Editor (Regedit). By modifying the specific policy key in the registry, system administrators and users can define the exact level of diagnostic data Windows collects and transmits to Microsoft, ranging from minimal security data to full diagnostic reporting.

The Telemetry Registry Key Path

The master switches for Windows diagnostic data telemetry levels are stored in the following registry key:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\DataCollection

The Master Value: AllowTelemetry

Within the DataCollection key, telemetry behavior is controlled by a 32-bit DWORD value named AllowTelemetry.

If this value does not already exist, it can be created manually as a DWORD (32-bit) Value.

Diagnostic Data Telemetry Levels

The integer assigned to the AllowTelemetry value sets the data collection level:

• 0 – Security / Diagnostic Data Off: Sends the absolute minimum telemetry data required to keep Windows devices secure. This setting is strictly supported on Windows Enterprise, Education, IoT, and Server editions. On Windows Home and Pro editions, setting this value generally defaults back to Basic/Required.
• 1 – Required (Basic): Sends the minimum set of data required to keep the device secure, up to date, and functioning properly. This includes basic device specs, quality-related info, and error logs.
• 2 – Enhanced: Sends additional data, including how Windows and applications are used and performance details. (Note: This level is deprecated in Windows 10 version 1903 and later, as well as Windows 11).
• 3 – Optional (Full): Sends comprehensive diagnostic data, including system files, memory crash dumps, advanced device health metrics, and browsing information where applicable.

How to Apply the Setting

1. Press Win + R, type regedit, and press Enter.
2. Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\DataCollection.
3. In the right pane, double-click AllowTelemetry (or right-click, select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value, and name it AllowTelemetry).
4. Set the Base to Hexadecimal, enter the desired level number (0, 1, or 3) in the Value data field, and click OK.
5. Restart your computer or restart the Connected User Experiences and Telemetry (DiagTrack) service in services.msc for the changes to take effect immediately.