--- title: Manage connections from Windows operating system components to Microsoft services (Windows 10) description: If you want to minimize connections from Windows to Microsoft services, or configure particular privacy settings, this article covers the settings that you could consider. ms.assetid: ACCEB0DD-BC6F-41B1-B359-140B242183D9 keywords: privacy, manage connections to Microsoft, Windows 10, Windows Server 2016 ms.prod: w10 ms.mktglfcycl: manage ms.sitesec: library ms.localizationpriority: medium author: danihalfin ms.author: daniha ms.date: 06/05/2018 --- # Manage connections from Windows operating system components to Microsoft services **Applies to** - Windows 10 Enterprise, version 1607 and newer - Windows Server 2016 If you're looking for content on what each diagnostic data level means and how to configure it in your organization, see [Configure Windows diagnostic data in your organization](configure-windows-diagnostic-data-in-your-organization.md). Learn about the network connections that Windows components make to Microsoft and also the privacy settings that affect data that is shared with either Microsoft or apps and how they can be managed by an IT Pro. If you want to minimize connections from Windows to Microsoft services, or configure particular privacy settings, this article covers the settings that you could consider. You can configure diagnostic data at the lowest level for your edition of Windows, and also evaluate which other connections Windows makes to Microsoft services you want to turn off in your environment from the list in this article. You can configure diagnostic data at the Security/Basic level, turn off Windows Defender diagnostic data and MSRT reporting, and turn off all other connections to Microsoft network endpoints as described in this article to help prevent Windows from sending any data to Microsoft. There are many reasons why these communications are enabled by default, such as updating malware definitions and maintain current certificate revocation lists, which is why we strongly recommend against this. This data helps us deliver a secure, reliable, and more delightful personalized experience. To help make it easier to deploy settings to restrict connections from Windows 10 to Microsoft, you can apply the [Windows Restricted Traffic Limited Functionality Baseline](https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=828887). This baseline was created in the same way as the [Windows security baselines](/windows/device-security/windows-security-baselines) that are often used to efficiently configure Windows to a known secure state. Running the Windows Restricted Traffic Limited Functionality Baseline on devices in your organization will allow you to quickly configure all of the settings covered in this document. However, some of the settings reduce the functionality and security configuration of your device and are therefore not recommended. Make sure should you've chosen the right settings configuration for your environment before applying. You should not extract this package to the windows\\system32 folder because it will not apply correctly. >[!IMPORTANT] > As part of the [Windows Restricted Traffic Limited Functionality Baseline](https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=828887), MDM functionallity is disabled. If you manage devices through MDM, make sure [cloud notifications are enabled](#bkmk-priv-notifications). Applying the Windows Restricted Traffic Limited Functionality Baseline is the same as applying each setting covered in this article. It is recommended that you restart a device after making configuration changes to it. Note that **Get Help** and **Give us Feedback** links no longer work after the Windows Restricted Traffic Limited Functionality Baseline is applied. We are always striving to improve our documentation and welcome your feedback. You can provide feedback by contacting telmhelp@microsoft.com. ## What's new in Windows 10, version 1803 Enterprise edition Here's a list of changes that were made to this article for Windows 10, version 1803: - Added a policy to turn off notifications network usage - Added a policy for Microsoft Edge to turn off configuration updates for the Books Library - Added a policy for Microsoft Edge to turn off Address Bar drop-down list suggestions ## What's new in Windows 10, version 1709 Enterprise edition Here's a list of changes that were made to this article for Windows 10, version 1709: - Added the Phone calls section - Added the Storage Health section - Added discussion of apps for websites in the Microsoft Store section ## What's new in Windows 10, version 1703 Enterprise edition Here's a list of changes that were made to this article for Windows 10, version 1703: - Added an MDM policy for Font streaming - Added an MDM policy for Network Connection Status Indicator - Added an MDM policy for the Micosoft Account Sign-In Assistant - Added instructions for removing the Sticky Notes app - Added registry paths for some Group Policies - Added the Find My Device section - Added the Tasks section - Added the App Diagnostics section - Added the following Group Policies: - Prevent managing SmartScreen Filter - Turn off Compatibility View - Turn off Automatic Download and Install of updates - Do not connect to any Windows Update locations - Turn off access to all Windows Update features - Specify Intranet Microsoft update service location - Enable Windows NTP client - Turn off Automatic download of the ActiveX VersionList - Allow Automatic Update of Speech Data - Accounts: Block Microsoft Accounts - Do not use diagnostic data for tailored experiences ## Management options for each setting The following sections list the components that make network connections to Microsoft services by default. You can configure these settings to control the data that is sent to Microsoft. To prevent Windows from sending any data to Microsoft, configure diagnostic data at the Security level, turn off Windows Defender diagnostic data and MSRT reporting, and turn off all of these connections. ### Settings for Windows 10 Enterprise edition The following table lists management options for each setting, beginning with Windows 10 Enterprise version 1607. >[!NOTE] >For some settings, MDM policies only partly cover capabilities available through Group Policy. See each setting’s section for more details. | Setting | UI | Group Policy | MDM policy | Registry | Command line | | - | :-: | :-: | :-: | :-: | :-: | | [1. Automatic Root Certificates Update](#automatic-root-certificates-update) | | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | | | | | [2. Cortana and Search](#bkmk-cortana) | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | | | [3. Date & Time](#bkmk-datetime) | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | | | [4. Device metadata retrieval](#bkmk-devinst) | | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | | | [5. Find My Device](#find-my-device) | | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | | | | | [6. Font streaming](#font-streaming) | | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | | | [7. Insider Preview builds](#bkmk-previewbuilds) | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | | | [8. Internet Explorer](#bkmk-ie) | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | | | [9. Live Tiles](#live-tiles) | | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | | | [10. Mail synchronization](#bkmk-mailsync) | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | | | [11. Microsoft Account](#bkmk-microsoft-account) | | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | | | [12. Microsoft Edge](#bkmk-edge) | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | | | [13. Network Connection Status Indicator](#bkmk-ncsi) | | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | | | [14. Offline maps](#bkmk-offlinemaps) | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | | | [15. OneDrive](#bkmk-onedrive) | | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | | | [16. Preinstalled apps](#bkmk-preinstalledapps) | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | | | | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | | [17. Settings > Privacy](#bkmk-settingssection) | | | | | | |     [17.1 General](#bkmk-general) | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | | |     [17.2 Location](#bkmk-priv-location) | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | | |     [17.3 Camera](#bkmk-priv-camera) | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | | |     [17.4 Microphone](#bkmk-priv-microphone) | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | | |     [17.5 Notifications](#bkmk-priv-notifications) | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png)| ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | | |     [17.6 Speech, inking, & typing](#bkmk-priv-speech) | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | | |     [17.7 Account info](#bkmk-priv-accounts) | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | | |     [17.8 Contacts](#bkmk-priv-contacts) | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | | |     [17.9 Calendar](#bkmk-priv-calendar) | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | | |     [17.10 Call history](#bkmk-priv-callhistory) | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | | |     [17.11 Email](#bkmk-priv-email) | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | | |     [17.12 Messaging](#bkmk-priv-messaging) | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | | |     [17.13 Phone calls](#bkmk-priv-phone-calls) | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | | |     [17.14 Radios](#bkmk-priv-radios) | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | | |     [17.15 Other devices](#bkmk-priv-other-devices) | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | | |     [17.16 Feedback & diagnostics](#bkmk-priv-feedback) | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | | |     [17.17 Background apps](#bkmk-priv-background) | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | | | |     [17.18 Motion](#bkmk-priv-motion) | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | | |     [17.19 Tasks](#bkmk-priv-tasks) | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | | |     [17.20 App Diagnostics](#bkmk-priv-diag) | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | | | [18. Software Protection Platform](#bkmk-spp) | | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | | | [19. Storage Health](#bkmk-storage-health) | | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | | | | | [20. Sync your settings](#bkmk-syncsettings) | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | | | [21. Teredo](#bkmk-teredo) | | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | | [22. Wi-Fi Sense](#bkmk-wifisense) | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | | | [23. Windows Defender](#bkmk-defender) | | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | | | [24. Windows Media Player](#bkmk-wmp) | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | | | | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | | [25. Windows Spotlight](#bkmk-spotlight) | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | | | [26. Microsoft Store](#bkmk-windowsstore) | | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | | |     [26.1 Apps for websites](#bkmk-apps-for-websites) | | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | | | | [27. Windows Update Delivery Optimization](#bkmk-updates) | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | | | [28. Windows Update](#bkmk-wu) | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | | | ### Settings for Windows Server 2016 with Desktop Experience See the following table for a summary of the management settings for Windows Server 2016 with Desktop Experience. | Setting | UI | Group Policy | Registry | Command line | | - | :-: | :-: | :-: | :-: | | [1. Automatic Root Certificates Update](#automatic-root-certificates-update) | | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | | | [2. Cortana and Search](#bkmk-cortana) | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | | | [3. Date & Time](#bkmk-datetime) | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | | | [4. Device metadata retrieval](#bkmk-devinst) | | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | | | [6. Font streaming](#font-streaming) | | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | | | [7. Insider Preview builds](#bkmk-previewbuilds) | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | | | [8. Internet Explorer](#bkmk-ie) | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | | | [9. Live Tiles](#live-tiles) | | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | | | [11. Microsoft Account](#bkmk-microsoft-account) | | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | | | [13. Network Connection Status Indicator](#bkmk-ncsi) | | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | | | [15. OneDrive](#bkmk-onedrive) | | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | | | | [17. Settings > Privacy](#bkmk-settingssection) | | | | | |     [17.1 General](#bkmk-general) | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | | | [18. Software Protection Platform](#bkmk-spp) | | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | | | [21. Teredo](#bkmk-teredo) | | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | | [23. Windows Defender](#bkmk-defender) | | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | | | [24. Windows Media Player](#bkmk-wmp) | | | | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | | [26. Microsoft Store](#bkmk-windowsstore) | | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | | |     [26.1 Apps for websites](#bkmk-apps-for-websites) | | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | | | | [28. Windows Update](#bkmk-wu) | | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | | ### Settings for Windows Server 2016 Server Core See the following table for a summary of the management settings for Windows Server 2016 Server Core. | Setting | Group Policy | Registry | Command line | | - | :-: | :-: | :-: | :-: | :-: | | [1. Automatic Root Certificates Update](#automatic-root-certificates-update) | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | | | [3. Date & Time](#bkmk-datetime) | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | | | [6. Font streaming](#font-streaming) | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | | | [13. Network Connection Status Indicator](#bkmk-ncsi) | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | | | | [18. Software Protection Platform](#bkmk-spp) | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | | | | [21. Teredo](#bkmk-teredo) | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | | [23. Windows Defender](#bkmk-defender) | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | | | [28. Windows Update](#bkmk-wu) | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | | ### Settings for Windows Server 2016 Nano Server See the following table for a summary of the management settings for Windows Server 2016 Nano Server. | Setting | Registry | Command line | | - | :-: | :-: | :-: | :-: | :-: | | [1. Automatic Root Certificates Update](#automatic-root-certificates-update) | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | | | [3. Date & Time](#bkmk-datetime) | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | | | [21. Teredo](#bkmk-teredo) | | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | | [28. Windows Update](#bkmk-wu) | ![Check mark](images/checkmark.png) | | ## How to configure each setting Use the following sections for more information about how to configure each setting. ### 1. Automatic Root Certificates Update The Automatic Root Certificates Update component is designed to automatically check the list of trusted authorities on Windows Update to see if an update is available. For more information, see [Automatic Root Certificates Update Configuration](https://technet.microsoft.com/library/cc733922.aspx). Although not recommended, you can turn off Automatic Root Certificates Update, which also prevents updates to the disallowed certificate list and the pin rules list. > [!CAUTION] > By not automatically downloading the root certificates, the device might have not be able to connect to some websites. For Windows 10, Windows Server 2016 with Desktop Experience, and Windows Server 2016 Server Core: - Enable the Group Policy: **Computer Configuration** > **Administrative Templates** > **System** > **Internet Communication Management** > **Internet Communication Settings** > **Turn off Automatic Root Certificates Update** -and- 1. Navigate to **Computer Configuration** > **Windows Settings** > **Security Settings** > **Public Key Policies**. 2. Double-click **Certificate Path Validation Settings**. 3. On the **Network Retrieval** tab, select the **Define these policy settings** check box. 4. Clear the **Automatically update certificates in the Microsoft Root Certificate Program (recommended)** check box, and then click **OK**. -or- - Create the registry path **HKEY\_LOCAL\_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\SystemCertificates\AuthRoot** and then add a REG\_DWORD registry setting, named **DisableRootAutoUpdate**, with a value of 1. -and- 1. Navigate to **Computer Configuration** > **Windows Settings** > **Security Settings** > **Public Key Policies**. 2. Double-click **Certificate Path Validation Settings**. 3. On the **Network Retrieval** tab, select the **Define these policy settings** check box. 4. Clear the **Automatically update certificates in the Microsoft Root Certificate Program (recommended)** check box, and then click **OK**. On Windows Server 2016 Nano Server: - Create the registry path **HKEY\_LOCAL\_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\SystemCertificates\AuthRoot** and then add a REG\_DWORD registry setting, named **DisableRootAutoUpdate**, with a value of 1. >[!NOTE] >CRL and OCSP network traffic is currently whitelisted and will still show up in network traces. CRL and OCSP checks are made to the issuing certificate authorities. Microsoft is one of them, but there are many others, such as DigiCert, Thawte, Google, Symantec, and VeriSign. ### 2. Cortana and Search Use either Group Policy or MDM policies to manage settings for Cortana. For more info, see [Cortana, Search, and privacy: FAQ](https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/p/?LinkId=730683). ### 2.1 Cortana and Search Group Policies Find the Cortana Group Policy objects under **Computer Configuration** > **Administrative Templates** > **Windows Components** > **Search**. | Policy | Description | |------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Allow Cortana | Choose whether to let Cortana install and run on the device.

Disable this policy to turn off Cortana. | | Allow search and Cortana to use location | Choose whether Cortana and Search can provide location-aware search results.

Disable this policy to block access to location information for Cortana. | | Do not allow web search | Choose whether to search the web from Windows Desktop Search.

Enable this policy to remove the option to search the Internet from Cortana. | | Don't search the web or display web results in Search| Choose whether to search the web from Cortana.

Enable this policy to stop web queries and results from showing in Search. | | Set what information is shared in Search | Control what information is shared with Bing in Search.

If you enable this policy and set it to **Anonymous info**, usage information will be shared but not search history, Microsoft Account information, or specific location. | You can also apply the Group Policies using the following registry keys: | Policy | Registry Path | |------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Allow Cortana | HKEY\_LOCAL\_MACHINE\\SOFTWARE\\Policies\\Microsoft\\Windows\\Windows Search
REG_DWORD: AllowCortana
Value: 0| | Allow search and Cortana to use location | HKEY\_LOCAL\_MACHINE\\SOFTWARE\\Policies\\Microsoft\\Windows\\Windows Search
REG_DWORD: AllowSearchToUseLocation
Value: 0 | | Do not allow web search | HKEY\_LOCAL\_MACHINE\\SOFTWARE\\Policies\\Microsoft\\Windows\\Windows Search
REG_DWORD: DisableWebSearch
Value: 1 | | Don't search the web or display web results in Search| HKEY\_LOCAL\_MACHINE\\SOFTWARE\\Policies\\Microsoft\\Windows\\Windows Search
REG_DWORD: ConnectedSearchUseWeb
Value: 0 | | Set what information is shared in Search | HKEY\_LOCAL\_MACHINE\\SOFTWARE\\Policies\\Microsoft\\Windows\\Windows Search
REG_DWORD: ConnectedSearchPrivacy
Value: 3 | In Windows 10, version 1507 and Windows 10, version 1511, when you enable the **Don't search the web or display web results in Search** Group Policy, you can control the behavior of whether Cortana searches the web to display web results. However, this policy only covers whether or not web search is performed. There could still be a small amount of network traffic to Bing.com to evaluate if certain Cortana components are up-to-date or not. In order to turn off that network activity completely, you can create a Windows Firewall rule to prevent outbound traffic. >[!IMPORTANT] >These steps are not required for devices running Windows 10, version 1607 or Windows Server 2016. 1. Expand **Computer Configuration** > **Windows Settings** > **Security Settings** > **Windows Firewall with Advanced Security** > **Windows Firewall with Advanced Security - <LDAP name>**, and then click **Outbound Rules**. 2. Right-click **Outbound Rules**, and then click **New Rule**. The **New Outbound Rule Wizard** starts. 3. On the **Rule Type** page, click **Program**, and then click **Next**. 4. On the **Program** page, click **This program path**, type **%windir%\\systemapps\\Microsoft.Windows.Cortana\_cw5n1h2txyewy\\SearchUI.exe**, and then click **Next**. 5. On the **Action** page, click **Block the connection**, and then click **Next**. 6. On the **Profile** page, ensure that the **Domain**, **Private**, and **Public** check boxes are selected, and then click **Next**. 7. On the **Name** page, type a name for the rule, such as **Cortana firewall configuration**, and then click **Finish.** 8. Right-click the new rule, click **Properties**, and then click **Protocols and Ports**. 9. Configure the **Protocols and Ports** page with the following info, and then click **OK**. - For **Protocol type**, choose **TCP**. - For **Local port**, choose **All Ports**. - For **Remote port**, choose **All ports**. If your organization tests network traffic, do not use a network proxy as Windows Firewall does not block proxy traffic. Instead, use a network traffic analyzer. Based on your needs, there are many network traffic analyzers available at no cost. ### 2.2 Cortana and Search MDM policies For Windows 10 only, the following Cortana MDM policies are available in the [Policy CSP](http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/windows/hardware/dn904962.aspx). | Policy | Description | |------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Experience/AllowCortana | Choose whether to let Cortana install and run on the device. | | Search/AllowSearchToUseLocation | Choose whether Cortana and Search can provide location-aware search results.
Default: Allowed| ### 3. Date & Time You can prevent Windows from setting the time automatically. - To turn off the feature in the UI: **Settings** > **Time & language** > **Date & time** > **Set time automatically** -or- - Create a REG\_SZ registry setting in **HKEY\_LOCAL\_MACHINE\\SYSTEM\\CurrentControlSet\\Services\\W32Time\\Parameters\\Type** with a value of **NoSync**. After that, configure the following: - Disable the Group Policy: **Computer Configuration** > **Administrative Templates** > **System** > **Enable Windows NTP Server** > **Windows Time Service** > **Configure Windows NTP Client** > [!NOTE] > This is only available on Windows 10, version 1703 and later. If you're using Windows 10, version 1607, the Group Policy setting is **Computer Configuration** > **Administrative Templates** > **System** > **Windows Time Service** > **Time Providers** > **Enable Windows NTP Client** -or - - Create a new REG\_DWORD registry setting named **Enabled** in **HKEY\_LOCAL\_MACHINE\\SOFTWARE\\Policies\\Microsoft\\W32time\\TimeProviders\\NtpClient** and set it to 0 (zero). ### 4. Device metadata retrieval To prevent Windows from retrieving device metadata from the Internet, apply the Group Policy: **Computer Configuration** > **Administrative Templates** > **System** > **Device Installation** > **Prevent device metadata retrieval from the Internet**. You can also create a new REG\_DWORD registry setting named **PreventDeviceMetadataFromNetwork** in **HKEY\_LOCAL\_MACHINE\\SOFTWARE\\Policies\\Microsoft\\Windows\\Device Metadata** and set it to 1 (one). ### 5. Find My Device To turn off Find My Device: - Turn off the feature in the UI -or- - Disable the Group Policy: **Computer Configuration** > **Administrative Template** > **Windows Components** > **Find My Device** > **Turn On/Off Find My Device** You can also create a new REG\_DWORD registry setting **HKEY\_LOCAL\_MACHINE\\SOFTWARE\\Policies\\Microsoft\\FindMyDevice\\AllowFindMyDevice** to 0 (zero). ### 6. Font streaming Fonts that are included in Windows but that are not stored on the local device can be downloaded on demand. If you're running Windows 10, version 1607, Windows Server 2016, or later: - Disable the Group Policy: **Computer Configuration** > **Administrative Templates** > **Network** > **Fonts** > **Enable Font Providers**. - Create a new REG\_DWORD registry setting **HKEY\_LOCAL\_MACHINE\\SOFTWARE\\Policies\\Microsoft\\Windows\System\\EnableFontProviders** to 0 (zero). - In Windows 10, version 1703, you can apply the System/AllowFontProviders MDM policy from the [Policy CSP](http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/windows/hardware/dn904962.aspx) where: - **false**. Font streaming is disabled. - **true**. Font streaming is enabled. If you're running Windows 10, version 1507 or Windows 10, version 1511, create a REG\_DWORD registry setting named **DisableFontProviders** in **HKEY\_LOCAL\_MACHINE\\System\\CurrentControlSet\\Services\\FontCache\\Parameters** with a value of 1. > [!NOTE] > After you apply this policy, you must restart the device for it to take effect. ### 7. Insider Preview builds The Windows Insider Preview program lets you help shape the future of Windows, be part of the community, and get early access to releases of Windows 10. This setting stops communication with the Windows Insider Preview service that checks for new builds. Windows Insider Preview builds only apply to Windows 10 and are not available for Windows Server 2016. > [!NOTE] > If you upgrade a device that is configured to minimize connections from Windows to Microsoft services (that is, a device configured for zero exhaust) to a Windows Insider Preview build, the Feedback & Diagnostic setting will automatically be set to **Full**. Although the diagnostic data level may initially appear as **Basic**, a few hours after the UI is refreshed or the machine is rebooted, the setting will become **Full**. To turn off Insider Preview builds for a released version of Windows 10: - Apply the Group Policy: **Computer Configuration** > **Administrative Templates** > **Windows Components** > **Data Collection and Preview Builds** > **Toggle user control over Insider builds**. To turn off Insider Preview builds for Windows 10: > [!NOTE] > If you're running a preview version of Windows 10, you must roll back to a released version before you can turn off Insider Preview builds. - Turn off the feature in the UI: **Settings** > **Update & security** > **Windows Insider Program** > **Stop Insider Preview builds**. -or- - Apply the Group Policy: **Computer Configuration** > **Administrative Templates** > **Windows Components** > **Data Collection and Preview Builds** > **Toggle user control over Insider builds**. -or - - Create a new REG\_DWORD registry setting named **AllowBuildPreview** in **HKEY\_LOCAL\_MACHINE\\SOFTWARE\\Policies\\Microsoft\\Windows\\PreviewBuilds** with a vlue of 0 (zero) -or- - Apply the System/AllowBuildPreview MDM policy from the [Policy CSP](http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/windows/hardware/dn904962.aspx) where: - **0**. Users cannot make their devices available for downloading and installing preview software. - **1**. Users can make their devices available for downloading and installing preview software. - **2**. (default) Not configured. Users can make their devices available for download and installing preview software. -or- - Create a provisioning package: **Runtime settings** > **Policies** > **System** > **AllowBuildPreview**, where: - **0**. Users cannot make their devices available for downloading and installing preview software. - **1**. Users can make their devices available for downloading and installing preview software. - **2**. (default) Not configured. Users can make their devices available for download and installing preview software. ### 8. Internet Explorer Use Group Policy to manage settings for Internet Explorer. You can find the Internet Explorer Group Policy objects under **Computer Configuration** > **Administrative Templates** > **Windows Components** > **Internet Explorer**. | Policy | Description | |------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Turn on Suggested Sites| Choose whether an employee can configure Suggested Sites.
Default: Enabled
You can also turn this off in the UI by clearing the **Internet Options** > **Advanced** > **Enable Suggested Sites** check box.| | Allow Microsoft services to provide enhanced suggestions as the user types in the Address Bar | Choose whether an employee can configure enhanced suggestions, which are presented to the employee as they type in the Address Bar.
Default: Enabled| | Turn off the auto-complete feature for web addresses | Choose whether auto-complete suggests possible matches when employees are typing web address in the Address Bar.
Default: Disabled
You can also turn this off in the UI by clearing the Internet Options > **Advanced** > **Use inline AutoComplete in the Internet Explorer Address Bar and Open Dialog** check box.| | Turn off browser geolocation | Choose whether websites can request location data from Internet Explorer.
Default: Disabled| | Prevent managing SmartScreen filter | Choose whether employees can manage the SmartScreen Filter in Internet Explorer.
Default: Disabled | Alternatively, you could use the registry to set the Group Policies. | Policy | Registry path | |------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Turn on Suggested Sites| HKEY\_LOCAL\_MACHINE\\SOFTWARE\\Policies\\Microsoft\\Internet Explorer\\Suggested Sites
REG_DWORD: Enabled
Value: 0| | Allow Microsoft services to provide enhanced suggestions as the user types in the Address Bar | HKEY\_LOCAL\_MACHINE\\SOFTWARE\\Policies\\Microsoft\\Internet Explorer
REG_DWORD: AllowServicePoweredQSA
Value: 0| | Turn off the auto-complete feature for web addresses | HKEY\_LOCAL\_MACHINE\\SOFTWARE\\Policies\\Microsoft\\Internet Explorer\\AutoComplete
REG_SZ: AutoSuggest
Value: **No** | | Turn off browser geolocation | HKEY\_LOCAL\_MACHINE\\SOFTWARE\\Policies\\Microsoft\\Internet Explorer\\Geolocation
REG_DWORD: PolicyDisableGeolocation
Value: 1 | | Prevent managing SmartScreen filter | HKEY\_LOCAL\_MACHINE\\SOFTWARE\\Policies\\Microsoft\\Internet Explorer\\PhishingFilter
REG_DWORD: EnabledV9
Value: 0 | There are three more Group Policy objects that are used by Internet Explorer: | Path | Policy | Description | | - | - | - | | **Computer Configuration** > **Administrative Templates** > **Windows Components** > **Internet Explorer** > **Compatibility View** > **Turn off Compatibility View** | Choose whether employees can configure Compatibility View. | Choose whether an employee can swipe across a screen or click forward to go to the next pre-loaded page of a website.
Default: Disabled | | **Computer Configuration** > **Administrative Templates** > **Windows Components** > **Internet Explorer** > **Internet Control Panel** > **Advanced Page** | Turn off the flip ahead with page prediction feature | Choose whether an employee can swipe across a screen or click forward to go to the next pre-loaded page of a website.
Default: Enabled | | **Computer Configuration** > **Administrative Templates** > **Windows Components** > **RSS Feeds** | Turn off background synchronization for feeds and Web Slices | Choose whether to have background synchronization for feeds and Web Slices.
Default: Enabled | You can also use registry entries to set these Group Policies. | Policy | Registry path | |------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Choose whether employees can configure Compatibility View. | HKEY\_LOCAL\_MACHINE\\SOFTWARE\\Policies\\Microsoft\\MicrosoftEdge\\BrowserEmulation
REG_DWORD: MSCompatibilityMode
Value: 0| | Turn off the flip ahead with page prediction feature | HKEY\_LOCAL\_MACHINE\\SOFTWARE\\Policies\\Microsoft\\Internet Explorer\\FlipAhead
REG_DWORD: Enabled
Value: 0| | Turn off background synchronization for feeds and Web Slices | HKEY\_LOCAL\_MACHINE\\SOFTWARE\\Policies\\Microsoft\\Internet Explorer\\Feeds
REG_DWORD: BackgroundSyncStatus
Value: 0| To turn off the home page, enable the Group Policy: **User Configuration** > **Administrative Templates** > **Windows Components** > **Internet Explorer** > **Disable changing home page settings**, and set it to **about:blank**. To configure the First Run Wizard, enable the Group Policy: **User Configuration** > **Administrative Templates** > **Windows Components** > **Internet Explorer** > **Prevent running First Run wizard**, and set it to **Go directly to home page**. To configure the behavior for a new tab, enable the Group Policy: **User Configuration** > **Administrative Templates** > **Windows Components** > **Internet Explorer** > **Specify default behavior for a new tab**, and set it to **about:blank**. ### 8.1 ActiveX control blocking ActiveX control blocking periodically downloads a new list of out-of-date ActiveX controls that should be blocked. You can turn this off by: - Apply the Group Policy: **User Configuration** > **Administrative Templates** > **Windows Components** > **Internet Explorer** > **Security Features** > **Add-on Management** > **Turn off Automatic download of the ActiveX VersionList** -or - - Changing the REG\_DWORD registry setting **HKEY\_CURRENT\_USER\\Software\\Microsoft\\Internet Explorer\\VersionManager\\DownloadVersionList** to 0 (zero). For more info, see [Out-of-date ActiveX control blocking](http://technet.microsoft.com/library/dn761713.aspx). ### 9. Live Tiles To turn off Live Tiles: - Apply the Group Policy: **User Configuration** > **Administrative Templates** > **Start Menu and Taskbar** > **Notifications** > **Turn Off notifications network usage** -or- - Create a REG\_DWORD registry setting named **NoCloudApplicationNotification** in **HKEY\_CURRENT\_USER\\SOFTWARE\\Policies\\Microsoft\\Windows\\CurrentVersion\\PushNotifications** with a value of 1 (one). In Windows 10 Mobile, you must also unpin all tiles that are pinned to Start. ### 10. Mail synchronization To turn off mail synchronization for Microsoft Accounts that are configured on a device: - In **Settings** > **Accounts** > **Your email and accounts**, remove any connected Microsoft Accounts. -or- - Remove any Microsoft Accounts from the Mail app. -or- - Apply the Accounts/AllowMicrosoftAccountConnection MDM policy from the [Policy CSP](http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/windows/hardware/dn904962.aspx) where 0 is not allowed and 1 is allowed. This does not apply to Microsoft Accounts that have already been configured on the device. To turn off the Windows Mail app: - Apply the Group Policy: **Computer Configuration** > **Administrative Templates** > **Windows Components** > **Windows Mail** > **Turn off Windows Mail application** -or- - Create a REG\_DWORD registry setting named **ManualLaunchAllowed** in **HKEY\_LOCAL\_MACHINE\\SOFTWARE\\Policies\\Microsoft\\Windows Mail** with a value of 0 (zero). ### 11. Microsoft Account To prevent communication to the Microsoft Account cloud authentication service. Many apps and system components that depend on Microsoft Account authentication may lose functionality. Some of them could be in unexpected ways. - Apply the Group Policy: **Computer Configuration** > **Windows Settings** > **Security Settings** > **Local Policies** > **Security Options** > **Accounts: Block Microsoft Accounts** and set it to **Users can't add Microsoft accounts**. -or- - Create a REG\_DWORD registry setting named **NoConnectedUser** in **HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\\SOFTWARE\\Microsoft\\Windows\\CurrentVersion\\Policies\\System** with a value of 3. To disable the Microsoft Account Sign-In Assistant: - Apply the Accounts/AllowMicrosoftAccountSignInAssistant MDM policy from the [Policy CSP](http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/windows/hardware/dn904962.aspx) where 0 is turned off and 1 is turned on. - Change the Start REG\_DWORD registry setting in **HKEY\_LOCAL\_MACHINE\\System\\CurrentControlSet\\Services\\wlidsvc** to a value of **4**. ### 12. Microsoft Edge Use either Group Policy or MDM policies to manage settings for Microsoft Edge. For more info, see [Microsoft Edge and privacy: FAQ](https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/p/?LinkId=730682). ### 12.1 Microsoft Edge Group Policies Find the Microsoft Edge Group Policy objects under **Computer Configuration** > **Administrative Templates** > **Windows Components** > **Microsoft Edge**. | Policy | Description | |------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Allow configuration updates for the Books Library | Choose whether configuration updates are done for the Books Library.
Default: Enabled | | Configure Autofill | Choose whether employees can use autofill on websites.
Default: Enabled | | Configure Do Not Track | Choose whether employees can send Do Not Track headers.
Default: Disabled | | Configure Password Manager | Choose whether employees can save passwords locally on their devices.
Default: Enabled | | Configure search suggestions in Address Bar | Choose whether the Address Bar shows search suggestions.
Default: Enabled | | Configure Windows Defender SmartScreen Filter (Windows 10, version 1703)
Configure SmartScreen Filter (Windows Server 2016) | Choose whether Windows Defender SmartScreen is turned on or off.
Default: Enabled | | Allow web content on New Tab page | Choose whether a new tab page appears.
Default: Enabled | | Configure Start pages | Choose the Start page for domain-joined devices.
Set this to **\** | | Prevent the First Run webpage from opening on Microsoft Edge | Choose whether employees see the First Run webpage.
Default: Disabled | The Windows 10, version 1511 Microsoft Edge Group Policy names are: | Policy | Description | |------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Allow address bar drop-down list suggestions | Choose whether employees can use Address Bar drop-down list suggestions.
Default: Disabled | | Turn off autofill | Choose whether employees can use autofill on websites.
Default: Enabled | | Allow employees to send Do Not Track headers | Choose whether employees can send Do Not Track headers.
Default: Disabled | | Turn off password manager | Choose whether employees can save passwords locally on their devices.
Default: Enabled | | Turn off Address Bar search suggestions | Choose whether the Address Bar shows search suggestions.
Default: Enabled | | Turn off the SmartScreen Filter | Choose whether SmartScreen is turned on or off.
Default: Enabled | | Open a new tab with an empty tab | Choose whether a new tab page appears.
Default: Enabled | | Configure corporate Home pages | Choose the corporate Home page for domain-joined devices.
Set this to **about:blank** | Alternatively, you can configure the Microsoft Group Policies using the following registry entries: | Policy | Registry path | | - | - | | Allow Address Bar drop-down list suggestions | HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\\SOFTWARE\\Policies\\Microsoft\\MicrosoftEdge\\ServiceUI
REG_DWORD name: ShowOneBox
Value: 0| | Allow configuration updates for the Books Library | HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\\SOFTWARE\\Policies\\Microsoft\\MicrosoftEdge\\BooksLibrary
REG_DWORD name: AllowConfigurationUpdateForBooksLibrary
Value: 1| | Configure Autofill | HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\\SOFTWARE\\Policies\\Microsoft\\MicrosoftEdge\\Main
REG_SZ name: Use FormSuggest
Value : **no** | | Configure Do Not Track | HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\\SOFTWARE\\Policies\\Microsoft\\MicrosoftEdge\\Main
REG_DWORD name: DoNotTrack
REG_DWORD: 1 | | Configure Password Manager | HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\\SOFTWARE\\Policies\\Microsoft\\MicrosoftEdge\\Main
REG_SZ name: FormSuggest Passwords
REG_SZ: **no** | | Configure search suggestions in Address Bar | HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\\SOFTWARE\\Policies\\Microsoft\\MicrosoftEdge\\SearchScopes
REG_DWORD name: ShowSearchSuggestionsGlobal
Value: 0| | Configure Windows Defender SmartScreen Filter (Windows 10, version 1703) | HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\\SOFTWARE\\Policies\\Microsoft\\MicrosoftEdge\\PhishingFilter
REG_DWORD name: EnabledV9
Value: 0 | | Allow web content on New Tab page | HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\\SOFTWARE\\Policies\\Microsoft\\MicrosoftEdge\\SearchScopes
REG_DWORD name: AllowWebContentOnNewTabPage
Value: 0 | | Configure corporate Home pages | HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\\SOFTWARE\\Policies\\Microsoft\\MicrosoftEdge\\ServiceUI
REG_DWORD name: ProvisionedHomePages
Value: 0| ### 12.2 Microsoft Edge MDM policies The following Microsoft Edge MDM policies are available in the [Policy CSP](http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/windows/hardware/dn904962.aspx). | Policy | Description | |------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Browser/AllowAutoFill | Choose whether employees can use autofill on websites.
Default: Allowed | | Browser/AllowDoNotTrack | Choose whether employees can send Do Not Track headers.
Default: Not allowed | | Browser/AllowMicrosoftCompatbilityList | Specify the Microsoft compatibility list in Microsoft Edge.
Default: Enabled | | Browser/AllowPasswordManager | Choose whether employees can save passwords locally on their devices.
Default: Allowed | | Browser/AllowSearchSuggestionsinAddressBar | Choose whether the Address Bar shows search suggestions..
Default: Allowed | | Browser/AllowSmartScreen | Choose whether SmartScreen is turned on or off.
Default: Allowed | | Browser/FirstRunURL | Choose the home page for Microsoft Edge on Windows Mobile 10.
Default: blank | For a complete list of the Microsoft Edge policies, see [Available policies for Microsoft Edge](https://docs.microsoft.com/microsoft-edge/deploy/available-policies). ### 13. Network Connection Status Indicator Network Connection Status Indicator (NCSI) detects Internet connectivity and corporate network connectivity status. NCSI sends a DNS request and HTTP query to http://www.msftconnecttest.com/connecttest.txt to determine if the device can communicate with the Internet. For more info about NCSI, see [The Network Connection Status Icon](http://blogs.technet.com/b/networking/archive/2012/12/20/the-network-connection-status-icon.aspx). In versions of Windows 10 prior to Windows 10, version 1607 and Windows Server 2016, the URL was [http://www.msftncsi.com](). You can turn off NCSI by doing one of the following: - Enable the Group Policy: **Computer Configuration** > **Administrative Templates** > **System** > **Internet Communication Management** > **Internet Communication Settings** > **Turn off Windows Network Connectivity Status Indicator active tests** - In Windows 10, version 1703 and later, apply the Connectivity/DisallowNetworkConnectivityActiveTests MDM policy. > [!NOTE] > After you apply this policy, you must restart the device for the policy setting to take effect. -or- - Create a REG\_DWORD registry setting named **NoActiveProbe** in **HKEY\_LOCAL\_MACHINE\\SOFTWARE\\Policies\\Microsoft\\Windows\\NetworkConnectivityStatusIndicator** with a value of 1 (one). ### 14. Offline maps You can turn off the ability to download and update offline maps. - Apply the Group Policy: **Computer Configuration** > **Administrative Templates** > **Windows Components** > **Maps** > **Turn off Automatic Download and Update of Map Data** -or- - Create a REG\_DWORD registry setting named **AutoDownloadAndUpdateMapData** in **HKEY\_LOCAL\_MACHINE\\SOFTWARE\\Policies\\Microsoft\\Windows\\Maps** with a value of 0 (zero). -and- - In Windows 10, version 1607 and later, apply the Group Policy: **Computer Configuration** > **Administrative Templates** > **Windows Components** > **Maps** > **Turn off unsolicited network traffic on the Offline Maps settings page** -or- - Create a REG\_DWORD registry setting named **AllowUntriggeredNetworkTrafficOnSettingsPage** in **HKEY\_LOCAL\_MACHINE\\SOFTWARE\\Policies\\Microsoft\\Windows\\Maps** with a value of 0 (zero). ### 15. OneDrive To turn off OneDrive in your organization: - Apply the Group Policy: **Computer Configuration** > **Administrative Templates** > **Windows Components** > **OneDrive** > **Prevent the usage of OneDrive for file storage** -or- - Create a REG\_DWORD registry setting named **DisableFileSyncNGSC** in **HKEY\_LOCAL\_MACHINE\\SOFTWARE\\Policies\\Microsoft\\Windows\\OneDrive** with a value of 1 (one). -and- - Create a REG\_DWORD registry setting named **PreventNetworkTrafficPreUserSignIn** in **HKEY\_LOCAL\_MACHINE\\SOFTWARE\\Policies\\Microsoft\\OneDrive** with a value of 1 (one). ### 16. Preinstalled apps Some preinstalled apps get content before they are opened to ensure a great experience. You can remove these using the steps in this section. To remove the News app: - Right-click the app in Start, and then click **Uninstall**. -or- - Remove the app for new user accounts. From an elevated command prompt, run the following Windows PowerShell command: **Get-AppxProvisionedPackage -Online | Where-Object {$\_.PackageName -Like "Microsoft.BingNews"} | ForEach-Object { Remove-AppxProvisionedPackage -Online -PackageName $\_.PackageName}** -and- Remove the app for the current user. From an elevated command prompt, run the following Windows PowerShell command: **Get-AppxPackage Microsoft.BingNews | Remove-AppxPackage** To remove the Weather app: - Remove the app for new user accounts. From an elevated command prompt, run the following Windows PowerShell command: **Get-AppxProvisionedPackage -Online | Where-Object {$\_.PackageName -Like "Microsoft.BingWeather"} | ForEach-Object { Remove-AppxProvisionedPackage -Online -PackageName $\_.PackageName}** -and- Remove the app for the current user. From an elevated command prompt, run the following Windows PowerShell command: **Get-AppxPackage Microsoft.BingWeather | Remove-AppxPackage** To remove the Money app: - Right-click the app in Start, and then click **Uninstall**. -or- - Remove the app for new user accounts. From an elevated command prompt, run the following Windows PowerShell command: **Get-AppxProvisionedPackage -Online | Where-Object {$\_.PackageName -Like "Microsoft.BingFinance"} | ForEach-Object { Remove-AppxProvisionedPackage -Online -PackageName $\_.PackageName}** -and- Remove the app for the current user. From an elevated command prompt, run the following Windows PowerShell command: **Get-AppxPackage Microsoft.BingFinance | Remove-AppxPackage** To remove the Sports app: - Right-click the app in Start, and then click **Uninstall**. -or- - Remove the app for new user accounts. From an elevated command prompt, run the following Windows PowerShell command: **Get-AppxProvisionedPackage -Online | Where-Object {$\_.PackageName -Like "Microsoft.BingSports"} | ForEach-Object { Remove-AppxProvisionedPackage -Online -PackageName $\_.PackageName}** -and- Remove the app for the current user. From an elevated command prompt, run the following Windows PowerShell command: **Get-AppxPackage Microsoft.BingSports | Remove-AppxPackage** To remove the Twitter app: - Right-click the app in Start, and then click **Uninstall**. -or- - Remove the app for new user accounts. From an elevated command prompt, run the following Windows PowerShell command: **Get-AppxProvisionedPackage -Online | Where-Object {$\_.PackageName -Like "\*.Twitter"} | ForEach-Object { Remove-AppxProvisionedPackage -Online -PackageName $\_.PackageName}** -and- Remove the app for the current user. From an elevated command prompt, run the following Windows PowerShell command: **Get-AppxPackage \*.Twitter | Remove-AppxPackage** To remove the XBOX app: - Remove the app for new user accounts. From an elevated command prompt, run the following Windows PowerShell command: **Get-AppxProvisionedPackage -Online | Where-Object {$\_.PackageName -Like "Microsoft.XboxApp"} | ForEach-Object { Remove-AppxProvisionedPackage -Online -PackageName $\_.PackageName}** -and- Remove the app for the current user. From an elevated command prompt, run the following Windows PowerShell command: **Get-AppxPackage Microsoft.XboxApp | Remove-AppxPackage** To remove the Sway app: - Right-click the app in Start, and then click **Uninstall**. -or- - Remove the app for new user accounts. From an elevated command prompt, run the following Windows PowerShell command: **Get-AppxProvisionedPackage -Online | Where-Object {$\_.PackageName -Like "Microsoft.Office.Sway"} | ForEach-Object { Remove-AppxProvisionedPackage -Online -PackageName $\_.PackageName}** -and- Remove the app for the current user. From an elevated command prompt, run the following Windows PowerShell command: **Get-AppxPackage Microsoft.Office.Sway | Remove-AppxPackage** To remove the OneNote app: - Remove the app for new user accounts. From an elevated command prompt, run the following Windows PowerShell command: **Get-AppxProvisionedPackage -Online | Where-Object {$\_.PackageName -Like "Microsoft.Office.OneNote"} | ForEach-Object { Remove-AppxProvisionedPackage -Online -PackageName $\_.PackageName}** -and- Remove the app for the current user. From an elevated command prompt, run the following Windows PowerShell command: **Get-AppxPackage Microsoft.Office.OneNote | Remove-AppxPackage** To remove the Get Office app: - Right-click the app in Start, and then click **Uninstall**. -or- - Remove the app for new user accounts. From an elevated command prompt, run the following Windows PowerShell command: **Get-AppxProvisionedPackage -Online | Where-Object {$\_.PackageName -Like "Microsoft.MicrosoftOfficeHub"} | ForEach-Object { Remove-AppxProvisionedPackage -Online -PackageName $\_.PackageName}** -and- Remove the app for the current user. From an elevated command prompt, run the following Windows PowerShell command: **Get-AppxPackage Microsoft.MicrosoftOfficeHub | Remove-AppxPackage** To remove the Get Skype app: - Right-click the Sports app in Start, and then click **Uninstall**. -or- - Remove the app for new user accounts. From an elevated command prompt, run the following Windows PowerShell command: **Get-AppxProvisionedPackage -Online | Where-Object {$\_.PackageName -Like "Microsoft.SkypeApp"} | ForEach-Object { Remove-AppxProvisionedPackage -Online -PackageName $\_.PackageName}** -and- Remove the app for the current user. From an elevated command prompt, run the following Windows PowerShell command: **Get-AppxPackage Microsoft.SkypeApp | Remove-AppxPackage** To remove the Sticky notes app: - Remove the app for new user accounts. From an elevated command prompt, run the following Windows PowerShell command: **Get-AppxProvisionedPackage -Online | Where-Object {$\_.PackageName -Like "Microsoft.MicrosoftStickyNotes"} | ForEach-Object { Remove-AppxProvisionedPackage -Online -PackageName $\_.PackageName}** -and- Remove the app for the current user. From an elevated command prompt, run the following Windows PowerShell command: **Get-AppxPackage Microsoft.MicrosoftStickyNotes | Remove-AppxPackage** ### 17. Settings > Privacy Use Settings > Privacy to configure some settings that may be important to your organization. Except for the Feedback & Diagnostics page, these settings must be configured for every user account that signs into the PC. - [17.1 General](#bkmk-general) - [17.2 Location](#bkmk-priv-location) - [17.3 Camera](#bkmk-priv-camera) - [17.4 Microphone](#bkmk-priv-microphone) - [17.5 Notifications](#bkmk-priv-notifications) - [17.6 Speech, inking, & typing](#bkmk-priv-speech) - [17.7 Account info](#bkmk-priv-accounts) - [17.8 Contacts](#bkmk-priv-contacts) - [17.9 Calendar](#bkmk-priv-calendar) - [17.10 Call history](#bkmk-priv-callhistory) - [17.11 Email](#bkmk-priv-email) - [17.12 Messaging](#bkmk-priv-messaging) - [17.13 Radios](#bkmk-priv-radios) - [17.14 Other devices](#bkmk-priv-other-devices) - [17.15 Feedback & diagnostics](#bkmk-priv-feedback) - [17.16 Background apps](#bkmk-priv-background) - [17.17 Motion](#bkmk-priv-motion) - [17.18 Tasks](#bkmk-priv-tasks) - [17.19 App Diagnostics](#bkmk-priv-diag) ### 17.1 General **General** includes options that don't fall into other areas. #### Windows 10, version 1703 options To turn off **Let apps use advertising ID to make ads more interesting to you based on your app usage (turning this off will reset your ID)**: > [!NOTE] > When you turn this feature off in the UI, it turns off the advertising ID, not just resets it. - Turn off the feature in the UI. -or- - Apply the Group Policy: **Computer Configuration** > **Administrative Templates** > **System** > **User Profiles** > **Turn off the advertising ID**. -or- - Create a REG\_DWORD registry setting named **Enabled** in **HKEY\_LOCAL\_MACHINE\\SOFTWARE\\Microsoft\\Windows\\CurrentVersion\\AdvertisingInfo** with a value of 0 (zero). -or- - Create a REG\_DWORD registry setting named **DisabledByGroupPolicy** in **HKEY\_LOCAL\_MACHINE\\SOFTWARE\\Policies\\Microsoft\\Windows\\AdvertisingInfo** with a value of 1 (one). To turn off **Let websites provide locally relevant content by accessing my language list**: - Turn off the feature in the UI. -or- - Create a new REG\_DWORD registry setting named **HttpAcceptLanguageOptOut** in **HKEY\_CURRENT\_USER\\Control Panel\\International\\User Profile** with a value of 1. To turn off **Let Windows track app launches to improve Start and search results**: - Turn off the feature in the UI. -or- - Create a REG_DWORD registry setting named **Start_TrackProgs** in **HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced** with value of 0 (zero). #### Windows Server 2016 and Windows 10, version 1607 and earlier options To turn off **Let apps use my advertising ID for experiences across apps (turning this off will reset your ID)**: > [!NOTE] > When you turn this feature off in the UI, it turns off the advertising ID, not just resets it. - Turn off the feature in the UI. -or- - Apply the Group Policy: **Computer Configuration** > **Administrative Templates** > **System** > **User Profiles** > **Turn off the advertising ID**. -or- - Create a REG\_DWORD registry setting named **Enabled** in **HKEY\_LOCAL\_MACHINE\\SOFTWARE\\Microsoft\\Windows\\CurrentVersion\\AdvertisingInfo** with a value of 0 (zero). -or- - Create a REG\_DWORD registry setting named **DisabledByGroupPolicy** in **HKEY\_LOCAL\_MACHINE\\SOFTWARE\\Policies\\Microsoft\\Windows\\AdvertisingInfo** with a value of 1 (one). To turn off **Turn on SmartScreen Filter to check web content (URLs) that Microsoft Store apps use**: - Turn off the feature in the UI. -or- - In Windows Server 2016, apply the Group Policy: **Computer Configuration** > **Administrative Templates** > **Windows Components** > **Microsoft Edge** > **Configure SmartScreen Filter**. In Windows 10, version 1703, apply the Group Policy: **Computer Configuration** > **Administrative Templates** > **Windows Components** > **Microsoft Edge** > **Configure Windows Defender SmartScreen Filter**. In Windows Server 2016, apply the Group Policy: **Computer Configuration** > **Administrative Templates** > **Windows Components** > **File Explorer** > **Configure Windows SmartScreen**. In Windows 10, version 1703 , apply the Group Policy: **Computer Configuration** > **Administrative Templates** > **Windows Components** > **File Explorer** > **Configure Windows Defender SmartScreen**. -or- - Apply the Browser/AllowSmartScreen MDM policy from the [Policy CSP](http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/windows/hardware/dn904962.aspx) where 0 is turned off and 1 is turned on. -or- - Create a provisioning package, using: - For Internet Explorer: **Runtime settings** > **Policies** > **Browser** > **AllowSmartScreen** - For Microsoft Edge: **Runtime settings** > **Policies** > **MicrosoftEdge** > **AllowSmartScreen** -or- - Create a REG\_DWORD registry setting named **EnableWebContentEvaluation** in **HKEY\_CURRENT\_USER\\SOFTWARE\\Microsoft\\Windows\\CurrentVersion\\AppHost** with a value of 0 (zero). -or- - Create a REG\_DWORD registry setting named **EnableSmartScreen** in **HKEY\_LOCAL\_MACHINE\\Sofware\\Policies\\Microsoft\\Windows\\System** with a value of 0 (zero). To turn off **Send Microsoft info about how I write to help us improve typing and writing in the future**: > [!NOTE] > If the diagnostic data level is set to either **Basic** or **Security**, this is turned off automatically. - Turn off the feature in the UI. -or- - Apply the TextInput/AllowLinguisticDataCollection MDM policy from the [Policy CSP](http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/windows/hardware/dn904962.aspx) where: - **0**. Not allowed - **1**. Allowed (default) To turn off **Let websites provide locally relevant content by accessing my language list**: - Turn off the feature in the UI. -or- - Create a new REG\_DWORD registry setting named **HttpAcceptLanguageOptOut** in **HKEY\_CURRENT\_USER\\Control Panel\\International\\User Profile** with a value of 1. To turn off **Let apps on my other devices open apps and continue experiences on this devices**: - Turn off the feature in the UI. -or- - Disable the Group Policy: **Computer Configuration** > **Administrative Templates** > **System** > **Group Policy** > **Continue experiences on this device**. -or- - Create a REG\_DWORD registry setting named **EnableCdp** in **HKEY\_LOCAL\_MACHINE\\Software\\Policies\\Microsoft\\Windows\\System** with a value of 0 (zero). To turn off **Let apps on my other devices use Bluetooth to open apps and continue experiences on this device**: - Turn off the feature in the UI. ### 17.2 Location In the **Location** area, you choose whether devices have access to location-specific sensors and which apps have access to the device's location. To turn off **Location for this device**: - Click the **Change** button in the UI. -or- - Apply the Group Policy: **Computer Configuration** > **Administrative Templates** > **Windows Components** > **Location and Sensors** > **Turn off location**. -or- - Create a REG\_DWORD registry setting named **LetAppsAccessLocation** in **HKEY\_LOCAL\_MACHINE\\Software\\Policies\\Microsoft\\Windows\\AppPrivacy** with a value of 2 (two). -or- - Apply the System/AllowLocation MDM policy from the [Policy CSP](http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/windows/hardware/dn904962.aspx), where: - **0**. Turned off and the employee can't turn it back on. - **1**. Turned on, but lets the employee choose whether to use it. (default) - **2**. Turned on and the employee can't turn it off. > [!NOTE] > You can also set this MDM policy in System Center Configuration Manager using the [WMI Bridge Provider](http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/dn905224.aspx). -or- - Create a provisioning package, using **Runtime settings** > **Policies** > **System** > **AllowLocation**, where - **No**. Turns off location service. - **Yes**. Turns on location service. (default) To turn off **Location**: - Turn off the feature in the UI. - Apply the Group Policy: **Computer Configuration** > **Administrative Templates** > **Windows Components** > **App Privacy** > **Let Windows apps access location** - Set the **Select a setting** box to **Force Deny**. -or- - Create a REG\_DWORD registry setting named **DisableLocation** in **HKEY\_LOCAL\_MACHINE\\Software\\Policies\\Microsoft\\Windows\\LocationAndSensors** with a value of 1 (one). -or- To turn off **Location history**: - Erase the history using the **Clear** button in the UI. To turn off **Choose apps that can use your location**: - Turn off each app using the UI. ### 17.3 Camera In the **Camera** area, you can choose which apps can access a device's camera. To turn off **Let apps use my camera**: - Turn off the feature in the UI. -or- - Apply the Group Policy: **Computer Configuration** > **Administrative Templates** > **Windows Components** > **App Privacy** > **Let Windows apps access the camera** - Set the **Select a setting** box to **Force Deny**. -or- - Create a REG\_DWORD registry setting named **LetAppsAccessCamera** in **HKEY\_LOCAL\_MACHINE\\Software\\Policies\\Microsoft\\Windows\\AppPrivacy** with a value of 2 (two). -or- - Apply the Camera/AllowCamera MDM policy from the [Policy CSP](http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/windows/hardware/dn904962.aspx), where: - **0**. Apps can't use the camera. - **1**. Apps can use the camera. > [!NOTE] > You can also set this MDM policy in System Center Configuration Manager using the [WMI Bridge Provider](http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/dn905224.aspx). -or- - Create a provisioning package with use Windows ICD, using **Runtime settings** > **Policies** > **Camera** > **AllowCamera**, where: - **0**. Apps can't use the camera. - **1**. Apps can use the camera. To turn off **Choose apps that can use your camera**: - Turn off the feature in the UI for each app. ### 17.4 Microphone In the **Microphone** area, you can choose which apps can access a device's microphone. To turn off **Let apps use my microphone**: - Turn off the feature in the UI. -or- - Apply the Group Policy: **Computer Configuration** > **Administrative Templates** > **Windows Components** > **App Privacy** > **Let Windows apps access the microphone** - Set the **Select a setting** box to **Force Deny**. -or- - Apply the Privacy/LetAppsAccessMicrophone MDM policy from the [Policy CSP](https://msdn.microsoft.com/windows/hardware/commercialize/customize/mdm/policy-configuration-service-provider#privacy-letappsaccessmicrophone), where: - **0**. User in control - **1**. Force allow - **2**. Force deny -or- - Create a REG\_DWORD registry setting named **LetAppsAccessMicrophone** in **HKEY\_LOCAL\_MACHINE\\Software\\Policies\\Microsoft\\Windows\\AppPrivacy** with a value of 2 (two) To turn off **Choose apps that can use your microphone**: - Turn off the feature in the UI for each app. ### 17.5 Notifications >[!IMPORTANT] >Disabling notifications will also disable the ability to manage the device through MDM. If you are using an MDM solution, make sure cloud notifications are enabled through one of the options below. To turn off notifications network usage: - Apply the Group Policy: **Computer Configuration** > **Administrative Templates** > **Start Menu and Taskbar** > **Notifications** > **Turn off Notifications network usage** - Set to **Enabled**. -or- - Create a REG\_DWORD registry setting named **NoCloudApplicationNotification** in **HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\\SOFTWARE\\Policies\\Microsoft\\Windows\\CurrentVersion\\PushNotifications** with a value of 1 (one) -or- - Apply the Notifications/DisallowCloudNotification MDM policy from the [Policy CSP](https://docs.microsoft.com/windows/client-management/mdm/policy-csp-notifications#notifications-disallowcloudnotification), where: - **0**. WNS notifications allowed - **1**. No WNS notifications allowed In the **Notifications** area, you can also choose which apps have access to notifications. To turn off **Let apps access my notifications**: - Turn off the feature in the UI. -or- - Apply the Group Policy: **Computer Configuration** > **Administrative Templates** > **Windows Components** > **App Privacy** > **Let Windows apps access notifications** - Set the **Select a setting** box to **Force Deny**. -or- - Apply the Privacy/LetAppsAccessNotifications MDM policy from the [Policy CSP](https://msdn.microsoft.com/windows/hardware/commercialize/customize/mdm/policy-configuration-service-provider#privacy-letappsaccessnotifications), where: - **0**. User in control - **1**. Force allow - **2**. Force deny -or- - Create a REG\_DWORD registry setting named **LetAppsAccessNotifications** in **HKEY\_LOCAL\_MACHINE\\Software\\Policies\\Microsoft\\Windows\\AppPrivacy** with a value of 2 (two) ### 17.6 Speech, inking, & typing In the **Speech, Inking, & Typing** area, you can let Windows and Cortana better understand your employee's voice and written input by sampling their voice and writing, and by comparing verbal and written input to contact names and calendar entrees. > [!NOTE] > For more info on how to disable Cortana in your enterprise, see [Cortana](#bkmk-cortana) in this article. To turn off the functionality: - Click the **Stop getting to know me** button, and then click **Turn off**. -or- - Enable the Group Policy: **Computer Configuration** > **Administrative Templates** > **Control Panel** > **Regional and Language Options** > **Handwriting personalization** > **Turn off automatic learning** -or- - Create a REG\_DWORD registry setting named **RestrictImplicitInkCollection** in **HKEY\_LOCAL\_MACHINE\\Software\\Policies\\Microsoft\\InputPersonalization** with a value of 1 (one). -or- - Create a REG\_DWORD registry setting named **AcceptedPrivacyPolicy** in **HKEY\_CURRENT\_USER\\Software\\Microsoft\\Personalization\\Settings** with a value of 0 (zero). -and- - Create a REG\_DWORD registry setting named **HarvestContacts** in **HKEY\_CURRENT\_USER\\Software\\Microsoft\\InputPersonalization\\TrainedDataStore** with a value of 0 (zero). If you're running at least Windows 10, version 1703, you can turn off updates to the speech recognition and speech synthesis models: - Disable the Group Policy: **Computer Configuration** > **Administrative Templates** > **Windows Components** > **Speech** > **Allow automatically update of Speech Data** If you're running at least Windows 10, version 1607, you can turn off updates to the speech recognition and speech synthesis models: Apply the Speech/AllowSpeechModelUpdate MDM policy from the [Policy CSP](https://msdn.microsoft.com/library/windows/hardware/dn904962(v=vs.85).aspx#Speech_AllowSpeechModelUpdate), where: - **0** (default). Not allowed. - **1**. Allowed. -or- - Create a REG\_DWORD registry setting named **ModelDownloadAllowed** in **HKEY\_LOCAL\_MACHINE\\SOFTWARE\\Microsoft\\Speech_OneCore\\Preferences** with a value of 0 (zero). ### 17.7 Account info In the **Account Info** area, you can choose which apps can access your name, picture, and other account info. To turn off **Let apps access my name, picture, and other account info**: - Turn off the feature in the UI. -or- - Apply the Group Policy: **Computer Configuration** > **Administrative Templates** > **Windows Components** > **App Privacy** > **Let Windows apps access account information** - Set the **Select a setting** box to **Force Deny**. -or- - Apply the Privacy/LetAppsAccessAccountInfo MDM policy from the [Policy CSP](https://msdn.microsoft.com/windows/hardware/commercialize/customize/mdm/policy-configuration-service-provider#privacy-letappsaccessaccountinfo), where: - **0**. User in control - **1**. Force allow - **2**. Force deny -or- - Create a REG\_DWORD registry setting named **LetAppsAccessAccountInfo** in **HKEY\_LOCAL\_MACHINE\\SOFTWARE\\Microsoft\\Windows\\AppPrivacy** with a value of 2 (two). To turn off **Choose the apps that can access your account info**: - Turn off the feature in the UI for each app. ### 17.8 Contacts In the **Contacts** area, you can choose which apps can access an employee's contacts list. To turn off **Choose apps that can access contacts**: - Turn off the feature in the UI for each app. -or- - Apply the Group Policy: **Computer Configuration** > **Administrative Templates** > **Windows Components** > **App Privacy** > **Let Windows apps access contacts** - Set the **Select a setting** box to **Force Deny**. -or- - Apply the Privacy/LetAppsAccessContacts MDM policy from the [Policy CSP](https://msdn.microsoft.com/windows/hardware/commercialize/customize/mdm/policy-configuration-service-provider#privacy-letappsaccesscontacts), where: - **0**. User in control - **1**. Force allow - **2**. Force deny -or- - Create a REG\_DWORD registry setting named **LetAppsAccessContacts** in **HKEY\_LOCAL\_MACHINE\\SOFTWARE\\Microsoft\\Windows\\AppPrivacy** with a value of 2 (two). ### 17.9 Calendar In the **Calendar** area, you can choose which apps have access to an employee's calendar. To turn off **Let apps access my calendar**: - Turn off the feature in the UI. -or- - Apply the Group Policy: **Computer Configuration** > **Administrative Templates** > **Windows Components** > **App Privacy** > **Let Windows apps access the calendar** - Set the **Select a setting** box to **Force Deny**. -or- - Apply the Privacy/LetAppsAccessCalendar MDM policy from the [Policy CSP](https://msdn.microsoft.com/windows/hardware/commercialize/customize/mdm/policy-configuration-service-provider#privacy-letappsaccesscalendar), where: - **0**. User in control - **1**. Force allow - **2**. Force deny -or- - Create a REG\_DWORD registry setting named **LetAppsAccessCalendar** in **HKEY\_LOCAL\_MACHINE\\SOFTWARE\\Microsoft\\Windows\\AppPrivacy** with a value of 2 (two). To turn off **Choose apps that can access calendar**: - Turn off the feature in the UI for each app. ### 17.10 Call history In the **Call history** area, you can choose which apps have access to an employee's call history. To turn off **Let apps access my call history**: - Turn off the feature in the UI. -or- - Apply the Group Policy: **Computer Configuration** > **Administrative Templates** > **Windows Components** > **App Privacy** > **Let Windows apps access call history** - Set the **Select a setting** box to **Force Deny**. -or- - Apply the Privacy/LetAppsAccessCallHistory MDM policy from the [Policy CSP](https://msdn.microsoft.com/windows/hardware/commercialize/customize/mdm/policy-configuration-service-provider#privacy-letappsaccesscallhistory), where: - **0**. User in control - **1**. Force allow - **2**. Force deny -or- - Create a REG\_DWORD registry setting named **LetAppsAccessCallHistory** in **HKEY\_LOCAL\_MACHINE\\Software\\Policies\\Microsoft\\Windows\\AppPrivacy** with a value of 2 (two). ### 17.11 Email In the **Email** area, you can choose which apps have can access and send email. To turn off **Let apps access and send email**: - Turn off the feature in the UI. -or- - Apply the Group Policy: **Computer Configuration** > **Administrative Templates** > **Windows Components** > **App Privacy** > **Let Windows apps access email** - Set the **Select a setting** box to **Force Deny**. -or- - Apply the Privacy/LetAppsAccessEmail MDM policy from the [Policy CSP](https://msdn.microsoft.com/windows/hardware/commercialize/customize/mdm/policy-configuration-service-provider#privacy-letappsaccessemail), where: - **0**. User in control - **1**. Force allow - **2**. Force deny -or- - Create a REG\_DWORD registry setting named **LetAppsAccessEmail** in **HKEY\_LOCAL\_MACHINE\\Software\\Policies\\Microsoft\\Windows\\AppPrivacy** with a value of 2 (two). ### 17.12 Messaging In the **Messaging** area, you can choose which apps can read or send messages. To turn off **Let apps read or send messages (text or MMS)**: - Turn off the feature in the UI. -or- - Apply the Group Policy: **Computer Configuration** > **Administrative Templates** > **Windows Components** > **App Privacy** > **Let Windows apps access messaging** - Set the **Select a setting** box to **Force Deny**. -or- - Apply the Privacy/LetAppsAccessMessaging MDM policy from the [Policy CSP](https://msdn.microsoft.com/windows/hardware/commercialize/customize/mdm/policy-configuration-service-provider#privacy-letappsaccessmessaging), where: - **0**. User in control - **1**. Force allow - **2**. Force deny -or- - Create a REG\_DWORD registry setting named **LetAppsAccessMessaging** in **HKEY\_LOCAL\_MACHINE\\Software\\Policies\\Microsoft\\Windows\\AppPrivacy** with a value of 2 (two). To turn off **Choose apps that can read or send messages**: - Turn off the feature in the UI for each app. ### 17.13 Phone calls In the **Phone calls** area, you can choose which apps can make phone calls. To turn off **Let apps make phone calls**: - Turn off the feature in the UI. -or- - Apply the Group Policy: **Computer Configuration** > **Administrative Templates** > **Windows Components** > **App Privacy** > **Let Windows apps make phone calls** - Set the **Select a setting** box to **Force Deny**. -or- - Apply the Privacy/LetAppsAccessPhone MDM policy from the [Policy CSP](https://docs.microsoft.com/windows/client-management/mdm/policy-csp-privacy#privacy-letappsaccessphone), where: - **0**. User in control - **1**. Force allow - **2**. Force deny -or- - Create a REG\_DWORD registry setting named **LetAppsAccessPhone** in **HKEY\_LOCAL\_MACHINE\\Software\\Policies\\Microsoft\\Windows\\AppPrivacy** with a value of 2 (two). To turn off **Choose apps that can make phone calls**: - Turn off the feature in the UI for each app. ### 17.14 Radios In the **Radios** area, you can choose which apps can turn a device's radio on or off. To turn off **Let apps control radios**: - Turn off the feature in the UI. -or- - Apply the Group Policy: **Computer Configuration** > **Administrative Templates** > **Windows Components** > **App Privacy** > **Let Windows apps control radios** - Set the **Select a setting** box to **Force Deny**. -or- - Apply the Privacy/LetAppsAccessRadios MDM policy from the [Policy CSP](https://msdn.microsoft.com/windows/hardware/commercialize/customize/mdm/policy-configuration-service-provider#privacy-letappsaccessradios), where: - **0**. User in control - **1**. Force allow - **2**. Force deny -or- - Create a REG\_DWORD registry setting named **LetAppsAccessRadios** in **HKEY\_LOCAL\_MACHINE\\Software\\Policies\\Microsoft\\Windows\\AppPrivacy** with a value of 2 (two). To turn off **Choose apps that can control radios**: - Turn off the feature in the UI for each app. ### 17.15 Other devices In the **Other Devices** area, you can choose whether devices that aren't paired to PCs, such as an Xbox One, can share and sync info. To turn off **Let apps automatically share and sync info with wireless devices that don't explicitly pair with your PC, tablet, or phone**: - Turn off the feature in the UI. -or- - Apply the Group Policy: **Computer Configuration** > **Administrative Templates** > **Windows Components** > **App Privacy** > **Let Windows apps sync with devices** -or- - Apply the Privacy/LetAppsSyncWithDevices MDM policy from the [Policy CSP](https://msdn.microsoft.com/windows/hardware/commercialize/customize/mdm/policy-configuration-service-provider#privacy-letappssyncwithdevices), where: - **0**. User in control - **1**. Force allow - **2**. Force deny -or- - Create a REG\_DWORD registry setting named **LetAppsSyncWithDevices** in **HKEY\_LOCAL\_MACHINE\\Software\\Policies\\Microsoft\\Windows\\AppPrivacy** with a value of 2 (two). To turn off **Let your apps use your trusted devices (hardware you've already connected, or comes with your PC, tablet, or phone)**: - Turn off the feature in the UI. -or- - Apply the Group Policy: **Computer Configuration** > **Administrative Templates** > **Windows Components** > **App Privacy** > **Let Windows apps access trusted devices** - Set the **Select a setting** box to **Force Deny**. -or- - Apply the **Privacy/LetAppsAccessTrustedDevices** MDM policy from the [Policy CSP](/windows/client-management/mdm/policy-csp-privacy.md#privacy-letappsaccesstrusteddevices ), where: - **0**. User in control - **1**. Force allow - **2**. Force deny ### 17.16 Feedback & diagnostics In the **Feedback & Diagnostics** area, you can choose how often you're asked for feedback and how much diagnostic and usage information is sent to Microsoft. To change how frequently **Windows should ask for my feedback**: > [!NOTE] > Feedback frequency only applies to user-generated feedback, not diagnostic and usage data sent from the device. - To change from **Automatically (Recommended)**, use the drop-down list in the UI. -or- - Enable the Group Policy: **Computer Configuration** > **Administrative Templates** > **Windows Components** > **Data Collection and Preview Builds** > **Do not show feedback notifications** -or- - Create a REG\_DWORD registry setting named **DoNotShowFeedbackNotifications** in **HKEY\_LOCAL\_MACHINE\\Software\\Policies\\Microsoft\\Windows\\DataCollection** with a value of 1 (one). -or- - Create the registry keys (REG\_DWORD type): - HKEY\_CURRENT\_USER\\Software\\Microsoft\\Siuf\\Rules\\PeriodInNanoSeconds - HKEY\_CURRENT\_USER\\Software\\Microsoft\\Siuf\\Rules\\NumberOfSIUFInPeriod Based on these settings: | Setting | PeriodInNanoSeconds | NumberOfSIUFInPeriod | |---------------|-----------------------------|-----------------------------| | Automatically | Delete the registry setting | Delete the registry setting | | Never | 0 | 0 | | Always | 100000000 | Delete the registry setting | | Once a day | 864000000000 | 1 | | Once a week | 6048000000000 | 1 | To change the level of diagnostic and usage data sent when you **Send your device data to Microsoft**: - Click either the **Basic** or **Full** options. -or- - Apply the Group Policy: **Computer Configuration\\Administrative Templates\\Windows Components\\Data Collection And Preview Builds\\Allow Telemetry** and select the appropriate option for your deployment. -or- - Create a REG\_DWORD registry setting in **HKEY\_LOCAL\_MACHINE\\Software\\Policies\\Microsoft\\Windows\\DataCollection\\AllowTelemetry** with a value of 0-3, as appropriate for your deployment (see below for the values for each level). > [!NOTE] > If the **Security** option is configured by using Group Policy or the Registry, the value will not be reflected in the UI. The **Security** option is only available in Windows 10 Enterprise edition. -or- - Apply the System/AllowTelemetry MDM policy from the [Policy CSP](http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/windows/hardware/dn904962.aspx), where: - **0**. Maps to the **Security** level. - **1**. Maps to the **Basic** level. - **2**. Maps to the **Enhanced** level. - **3**. Maps to the **Full** level. -or- - Create a provisioning package, using **Runtime settings** > **Policies** > **System** > **AllowTelemetry**, where: - **0**. Maps to the **Security** level. - **1**. Maps to the **Basic** level. - **2**. Maps to the **Enhanced** level. - **3**. Maps to the **Full** level. To turn off tailored experiences with relevant tips and recommendations by using your diagnostics data: - Turn off the feature in the UI. -or- - Apply the Group Policy: **User Configuration** > **Administrative Templates** > **Windows Components** > **Cloud Content** > **Do not use diagnostic data for tailored experiences** ### 17.17 Background apps In the **Background Apps** area, you can choose which apps can run in the background. To turn off **Let apps run in the background**: - In **Background apps**, set **Let apps run in the background** to **Off**. -or- - In **Background apps**, turn off the feature for each app. -or- - Apply the Group Policy (only applicable for Windows 10, version 1703): **Computer Configuration** > **Administrative Templates** > **Windows Components** > **App Privacy** > **Let Windows apps run in the background** - Set the **Select a setting** box to **Force Deny**. -or- - Apply the Privacy/LetAppsRunInBackground MDM policy from the [Policy CSP](https://msdn.microsoft.com/windows/hardware/commercialize/customize/mdm/policy-configuration-service-provider#privacy-letappsaccessruninbackground), where: - **0**. User in control - **1**. Force allow - **2**. Force deny > [!NOTE] > Some apps, including Cortana and Search, might not function as expected if you set **Let apps run in the background** to **Force Deny**. ### 17.18 Motion In the **Motion** area, you can choose which apps have access to your motion data. To turn off **Let Windows and your apps use your motion data and collect motion history**: - Turn off the feature in the UI. -or- - Apply the Group Policy: **Computer Configuration** > **Administrative Templates** > **Windows Components** > **App Privacy** > **Let Windows apps access motion** -or- - Apply the Privacy/LetAppsAccessMotion MDM policy from the [Policy CSP](https://msdn.microsoft.com/windows/hardware/commercialize/customize/mdm/policy-configuration-service-provider#privacy-letappsaccessmotion), where: - **0**. User in control - **1**. Force allow - **2**. Force deny -or- - Create a REG\_DWORD registry setting named **LetAppsAccessMotion** in **HKEY\_LOCAL\_MACHINE\\Software\\Policies\\Microsoft\\Windows\\AppPrivacy** with a value of 2 (two). ### 17.19 Tasks In the **Tasks** area, you can choose which apps have access to your tasks. To turn this off: - Turn off the feature in the UI. -or- - Apply the Group Policy: **Computer Configuration** > **Administrative Templates** > **Windows Components** > **App Privacy** > **Let Windows apps access Tasks** - Set the **Select a setting** box to **Force Deny**. -or- - Apply the Privacy/LetAppsAccessTasks MDM policy from the [Policy CSP](https://msdn.microsoft.com/windows/hardware/commercialize/customize/mdm/policy-configuration-service-provider#privacy-letappsaccesstasks), where: - **0**. User in control - **1**. Force allow - **2**. Force deny ### 17.20 App Diagnostics In the **App diagnostics** area, you can choose which apps have access to your diagnostic information. To turn this off: - Turn off the feature in the UI. -or- - Apply the Group Policy: **Computer Configuration** > **Administrative Templates** > **Windows Components** > **App Privacy** > **Let Windows apps access dignostic information about other apps** -or- - Apply the Privacy/LetAppsGetDiagnosticInfo MDM policy from the [Policy CSP](https://msdn.microsoft.com/windows/hardware/commercialize/customize/mdm/policy-configuration-service-provider#privacy-letappsgetdiagnosticinfo), where: - **0**. User in control - **1**. Force allow - **2**. Force deny ### 18. Software Protection Platform Enterprise customers can manage their Windows activation status with volume licensing using an on-premises Key Management Server. You can opt out of sending KMS client activation data to Microsoft automatically by doing one of the following: For Windows 10: - Apply the Group Policy: **Computer Configuration** > **Administrative Templates** > **Windows Components** > **Software Protection Platform** > **Turn off KMS Client Online AVS Validation** -or- - Apply the Licensing/DisallowKMSClientOnlineAVSValidation MDM policy from the [Policy CSP](http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/windows/hardware/dn904962.aspx) where 0 is disabled (default) and 1 is enabled. -or- - Create a REG\_DWORD registry setting named **NoGenTicket** in **HKEY\_LOCAL\_MACHINE\\Software\\Policies\\Microsoft\\Windows NT\\CurrentVersion\\Software Protection Platform** with a value of 1 (one). For Windows Server 2016 with Desktop Experience or Windows Server 2016 Server Core: - Apply the Group Policy: **Computer Configuration** > **Administrative Templates** > **Windows Components** > **Software Protection Platform** > **Turn off KMS Client Online AVS Validation** -or- - Create a REG\_DWORD registry setting named **NoGenTicket** in **HKEY\_LOCAL\_MACHINE\\Software\\Policies\\Microsoft\\Windows NT\\CurrentVersion\\Software Protection Platform** with a value of 1 (one). The Windows activation status will be valid for a rolling period of 180 days with weekly activation status checks to the KMS. ### 19. Storage health Enterprise customers can manage updates to the Disk Failure Prediction Model. For Windows 10: - Apply the Group Policy: **Computer Configuration** > **Administrative Templates** > **System** > **Storage Health** > **Allow downloading updates to the Disk Failure Prediction Model** ### 20. Sync your settings You can control if your settings are synchronized: - In the UI: **Settings** > **Accounts** > **Sync your settings** -or- - Apply the Group Policy: **Computer Configuration** > **Administrative Templates** > **Windows Components** > **Sync your settings** > **Do not sync** -or- - Create a REG\_DWORD registry setting named **DisableSettingSync** in **HKEY\_LOCAL\_MACHINE\\Software\\Policies\\Microsoft\\Windows\\SettingSync** with a value of 2 (two) and another named **DisableSettingSyncUserOverride** in **HKEY\_LOCAL\_MACHINE\\Software\\Policies\\Microsoft\\Windows\\SettingSync** with a value of 1 (one). -or- - Apply the Experience/AllowSyncMySettings MDM policy from the [Policy CSP](http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/windows/hardware/dn904962.aspx) where 0 is not allowed and 1 is allowed. -or- - Create a provisioning package, using **Runtime settings** > **Policies** > **Experience** > **AllowSyncMySettings**, where - **No**. Settings are not synchronized. - **Yes**. Settings are synchronized. (default) To turn off Messaging cloud sync: - Create a REG\_DWORD registry setting named **CloudServiceSyncEnabled** in **HKEY\_CURRENT\_USER\\SOFTWARE\\Microsoft\\Messaging** with a value of 0 (zero). ### 21. Teredo You can disable Teredo by using Group Policy or by using the netsh.exe command. For more info on Teredo, see [Internet Protocol Version 6, Teredo, and Related Technologies](http://technet.microsoft.com/library/cc722030.aspx). >[!NOTE] >If you disable Teredo, some XBOX gaming features and Windows Update Delivery Optimization will not work. - Enable the Group Policy: **Computer Configuration** > **Administrative Templates** > **Network** > **TCPIP Settings** > **IPv6 Transition Technologies** > **Set Teredo State** and set it to **Disabled State**. -or- - Create a new REG\_SZ registry setting named **Teredo_State** in **HKEY\_LOCAL\_MACHINE\\SOFTWARE\\Policies\\Microsoft\\Windows\\TCPIP\\v6Transition** with a value of **Disabled**. -or- - From an elevated command prompt, run **netsh interface teredo set state disabled** ### 22. Wi-Fi Sense >[!IMPORTANT] >Beginning with Windows 10, version 1803, Wi-Fi Sense is no longer available. The following section only applies to Windows 10, version 1709 and prior. Please see [Connecting to open Wi-Fi hotspots in Windows 10](https://privacy.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-10-open-wi-fi-hotspots) for more details. Wi-Fi Sense automatically connects devices to known hotspots and to the wireless networks the person’s contacts have shared with them. To turn off **Connect to suggested open hotspots** and **Connect to networks shared by my contacts**: - Turn off the feature in the UI. -or- - Disable the Group Policy: **Computer Configuration** > **Administrative Templates** > **Network** > **WLAN Service** > **WLAN Settings** > **Allow Windows to automatically connect to suggested open hotspots, to networks shared by contacts, and to hotspots offering paid services**. -or- - Create a new REG\_DWORD registry setting named **AutoConnectAllowedOEM** in **HKEY\_LOCAL\_MACHINE\\SOFTWARE\\Microsoft\\WcmSvc\\wifinetworkmanager\\config** with a value of 0 (zero). -or- - Change the Windows Provisioning setting, WiFISenseAllowed, to 0 (zero). For more info, see the Windows Provisioning Settings reference doc, [WiFiSenseAllowed](https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/p/?LinkId=620909). -or- - Use the Unattended settings to set the value of WiFiSenseAllowed to 0 (zero). For more info, see the Unattended Windows Setup reference doc, [WiFiSenseAllowed](https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/p/?LinkId=620910). When turned off, the Wi-Fi Sense settings still appear on the Wi-Fi Settings screen, but they’re non-functional and they can’t be controlled by the employee. ### 23. Windows Defender You can disconnect from the Microsoft Antimalware Protection Service. - Disable the Group Policy: **Computer Configuration** > **Administrative Templates** > **Windows Components** > **Windows Defender Antivirus** > **MAPS** > **Join Microsoft MAPS** -or- - Delete the registry setting **named** in **HKEY\_LOCAL\_MACHINE\\SOFTWARE\\Policies\\Microsoft\\Windows Defender\Updates**. -or- - For Windows 10 only, apply the Defender/AllowClouldProtection MDM policy from the [Defender CSP](http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/windows/hardware/dn904962.aspx). -or- - Use the registry to set the REG\_DWORD value **HKEY\_LOCAL\_MACHINE\\Software\\Policies\\Microsoft\\Windows Defender\\Spynet\\SpyNetReporting** to 0 (zero). -and- From an elevated Windows PowerShell prompt, run **set-mppreference -Mapsreporting 0** You can stop sending file samples back to Microsoft. - Set the Group Policy **Computer Configuration** > **Administrative Templates** > **Windows Components** > **Windows Defender Antivirus** > **MAPS** > **Send file samples when further analysis is required** to **Always Prompt** or **Never Send**. -or- - For Windows 10 only, apply the Defender/SubmitSamplesConsent MDM policy from the [Policy CSP](https://docs.microsoft.com/windows/client-management/mdm/policy-csp-defender), where: - **0**. Always prompt. - **1**. (default) Send safe samples automatically. - **2**. Never send. - **3**. Send all samples automatically. -or- - Use the registry to set the REG\_DWORD value **HKEY\_LOCAL\_MACHINE\\Software\\Policies\\Microsoft\\Windows Defender\\Spynet\\SubmitSamplesConsent** to 0 (zero) to always prompt or 2 to never send. You can stop downloading definition updates: - Enable the Group Policy **Computer Configuration** > **Administrative Templates** > **Windows Components** > **Windows Defender Antivirus** > **Signature Updates** > **Define the order of sources for downloading definition updates** and set it to **FileShares**. -and- - Disable the Group Policy **Computer Configuration** > **Administrative Templates** > **Windows Components** > **Windows Defender Antivirus** > **Signature Updates** > **Define file shares for downloading definition updates** and set it to nothing. -or- - Create a new REG\_SZ registry setting named **FallbackOrder** in **HKEY\_LOCAL\_MACHINE\\SOFTWARE\\Policies\\Microsoft\\Windows Defender\Updates** with a value of **FileShares**. For Windows 10 only, you can stop Enhanced Notifications: - Turn off the feature in the UI. You can also use the registry to turn off Malicious Software Reporting Tool diagnostic data by setting the REG\_DWORD value **HKEY\_LOCAL\_MACHINE\\Software\\Policies\\Microsoft\\MRT\\DontReportInfectionInformation** to 1. ### 24. Windows Media Player To remove Windows Media Player on Windows 10: - From the **Programs and Features** control panel, click **Turn Windows features on or off**, under **Media Features**, clear the **Windows Media Player** check box, and then click **OK**. -or- - Run the following DISM command from an elevated command prompt: **dism /online /Disable-Feature /FeatureName:WindowsMediaPlayer** To remove Windows Media Player on Windows Server 2016: - Run the following DISM command from an elevated command prompt: **dism /online /Disable-Feature /FeatureName:WindowsMediaPlayer** ### 25. Windows Spotlight Windows Spotlight provides features such as different background images and text on the lock screen, suggested apps, Microsoft account notifications, and Windows tips. You can control it by using the user interface, MDM policy, or through Group Policy. If you're running Windows 10, version 1607 or later, you only need to enable the following Group Policy: - **User Configuration** > **Administrative Templates** > **Windows Components** > **Cloud Content** > **Turn off all Windows spotlight features** > [!NOTE] > This must be done within 15 minutes after Windows 10 is installed. Alternatively, you can create an image with this setting. -or- - For Windows 10 only, apply the Experience/AllowWindowsSpotlight MDM policy from the [Policy CSP](https://docs.microsoft.com/windows/client-management/mdm/policy-csp-experience), with a value of 0 (zero). -or- - Create a new REG\_DWORD registry setting named **DisableWindowsSpotlightFeatures** in **HKEY\_CURRENT\_USER\\SOFTWARE\\Policies\\Microsoft\\Windows\\CloudContent** with a value of 1 (one). If you're not running Windows 10, version 1607 or later, you can use the other options in this section. - Configure the following in **Settings**: - **Personalization** > **Lock screen** > **Background** > **Windows spotlight**, select a different background, and turn off **Get fun facts, tips, tricks and more on your lock screen**. > [!NOTE] > In Windows 10, version 1507 and Windows 10, version 1511, this setting was named **Show me tips, tricks, and more on the lock screen**. - **Personalization** > **Start** > **Occasionally show suggestions in Start**. - **System** > **Notifications & actions** > **Show me tips about Windows**. -or- - Apply the Group Policies: - **Computer Configuration** > **Administrative Templates** > **Control Panel** > **Personalization** > **Force a specific default lock screen image**. - Add a location in the **Path to local lock screen image** box. - Set the **Turn off fun facts, tips, tricks, and more on lock screen** check box. > [!NOTE] > This will only take effect if the policy is applied before the first logon. If you cannot apply the **Force a specific default lock screen image** policy before the first logon to the device, you can apply this policy: **Computer Configuration** > **Administrative Templates** > **Control Panel** > **Personalization** > **Do not display the lock screen**. Alternatively, you can create a new REG\_SZ registry setting nameed **LockScreenImage** in **HKEY\_LOCAL\_MACHINE\\SOFTWARE\\Policies\\Microsoft\\Windows\\Personalization** with a value of **C:\\windows\\web\\screen\\lockscreen.jpg** and create a new REG\_DWORD registry setting named **LockScreenOverlaysDisabled** in **HKEY\_LOCAL\_MACHINE\\SOFTWARE\\Policies\\Microsoft\\Windows\\Personalization** with a value of 1 (one). - **Computer Configuration** > **Administrative Templates** > **Windows Components** > **Cloud Content** > **Do not show Windows tips**. -or- - Create a new REG\_DWORD registry setting named **DisableSoftLanding** in **HKEY\_LOCAL\_MACHINE\\SOFTWARE\\Policies\\Microsoft\\Windows\\CloudContent** with a value of 1 (one). - **Computer Configuration** > **Administrative Templates** > **Windows Components** > **Cloud Content** > **Turn off Microsoft consumer experiences**. -or- - Create a new REG\_DWORD registry setting named **DisableWindowsConsumerFeatures** in **HKEY\_LOCAL\_MACHINE\\SOFTWARE\\Policies\\Microsoft\\Windows\\CloudContent** with a value of 1 (one). For more info, see [Windows Spotlight on the lock screen](/windows/configuration/windows-spotlight). ### 26. Microsoft Store You can turn off the ability to launch apps from the Microsoft Store that were preinstalled or downloaded. This will also turn off automatic app updates, and the Microsoft Store will be disabled. In addition, new email accounts cannot be created by clicking **Settings** > **Accounts** > **Email & app accounts** > **Add an account**. On Windows Server 2016, this will block Microsoft Store calls from Universal Windows Apps. - Apply the Group Policy: **Computer Configuration** > **Administrative Templates** > **Windows Components** > **Store** > **Disable all apps from Microsoft Store**. -or- - Create a new REG\_DWORD registry setting named **DisableStoreApps** in **HKEY\_LOCAL\_MACHINE\\SOFTWARE\\Policies\\Microsoft\\WindowsStore** with a value of 1 (one). - Apply the Group Policy: **Computer Configuration** > **Administrative Templates** > **Windows Components** > **Store** > **Turn off Automatic Download and Install of updates**. -or- - Create a new REG\_DWORD registry setting named **AutoDownload** in **HKEY\_LOCAL\_MACHINE\\SOFTWARE\\Policies\\Microsoft\\WindowsStore** with a value of 2 (two). ### 26.1 Apps for websites You can turn off apps for websites, preventing customers who visit websites that are registered with their associated app from directly launching the app. Disable the Group Policy: **Computer Configuration** > **Administrative Templates** > **System** > **Group Policy** > **Configure web-to-app linking with URI handlers** ### 27. Windows Update Delivery Optimization Windows Update Delivery Optimization lets you get Windows updates and Microsoft Store apps from sources in addition to Microsoft, which not only helps when you have a limited or unreliable Internet connection, but can also help you reduce the amount of bandwidth needed to keep all of your organization's PCs up-to-date. If you have Delivery Optimization turned on, PCs on your network may send and receive updates and apps to other PCs on your local network, if you choose, or to PCs on the Internet. By default, PCs running Windows 10 Enterprise and Windows 10 Education will only use Delivery Optimization to get and receive updates for PCs and apps on your local network. Use the UI, Group Policy, MDM policies, or Windows Provisioning to set up Delivery Optimization. In Windows 10, version 1607, you can stop network traffic related to Windows Update Delivery Optimization by setting **Download Mode** to **Simple** (99) or **Bypass** (100), as described below. ### 27.1 Settings > Update & security You can set up Delivery Optimization from the **Settings** UI. - Go to **Settings** > **Update & security** > **Windows Update** > **Advanced options** > **Choose how updates are delivered**. ### 27.2 Delivery Optimization Group Policies You can find the Delivery Optimization Group Policy objects under **Computer Configuration** > **Administrative Templates** > **Windows Components** > **Delivery Optimization**. | Policy | Description | |---------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Download Mode | Lets you choose where Delivery Optimization gets or sends updates and apps, including | | Group ID | Lets you provide a Group ID that limits which PCs can share apps and updates.
**Note:** This ID must be a GUID.| | Max Cache Age | Lets you specify the maximum time (in seconds) that a file is held in the Delivery Optimization cache.
The default value is 259200 seconds (3 days).| | Max Cache Size | Lets you specify the maximum cache size as a percentage of disk size.
The default value is 20, which represents 20% of the disk.| | Max Upload Bandwidth | Lets you specify the maximum upload bandwidth (in KB/second) that a device uses across all concurrent upload activity.
The default value is 0, which means unlimited possible bandwidth.| You can also set the **Download Mode** policy by creating a new REG\_DWORD registry setting named **DODownloadMode** in **HKEY\_LOCAL\_MACHINE\\SOFTWARE\\Policies\\Microsoft\\Windows\\DeliveryOptimization** with a value of 100 (one hundred). ### 27.3 Delivery Optimization MDM policies The following Delivery Optimization MDM policies are available in the [Policy CSP](http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/windows/hardware/dn904962.aspx). | Policy | Description | |---------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | DeliveryOptimization/DODownloadMode | Lets you choose where Delivery Optimization gets or sends updates and apps, including | | DeliveryOptimization/DOGroupID | Lets you provide a Group ID that limits which PCs can share apps and updates.
**Note** This ID must be a GUID.| | DeliveryOptimization/DOMaxCacheAge | Lets you specify the maximum time (in seconds) that a file is held in the Delivery Optimization cache.
The default value is 259200 seconds (3 days).| | DeliveryOptimization/DOMaxCacheSize | Lets you specify the maximum cache size as a percentage of disk size.
The default value is 20, which represents 20% of the disk.| | DeliveryOptimization/DOMaxUploadBandwidth | Lets you specify the maximum upload bandwidth (in KB/second) that a device uses across all concurrent upload activity.
The default value is 0, which means unlimited possible bandwidth.| ### 27.4 Delivery Optimization Windows Provisioning If you don't have an MDM server in your enterprise, you can use Windows Provisioning to configure the Delivery Optimization policies Use Windows ICD, included with the [Windows Assessment and Deployment Kit (Windows ADK)](https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/p/?LinkId=526803), to create a provisioning package for Delivery Optimization. 1. Open Windows ICD, and then click **New provisioning package**. 2. In the **Name** box, type a name for the provisioning package, and then click **Next.** 3. Click the **Common to all Windows editions** option, click **Next**, and then click **Finish**. 4. Go to **Runtime settings** > **Policies** > **DeliveryOptimization** to configure the policies. For more info about Delivery Optimization in general, see [Windows Update Delivery Optimization: FAQ](https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/p/?LinkId=730684). ### 28. Windows Update You can turn off Windows Update by setting the following registry entries: - Add a REG\_DWORD value named **DoNotConnectToWindowsUpdateInternetLocations** to **HKEY\_LOCAL\_MACHINE\\Software\\Policies\\Microsoft\\Windows\\WindowsUpdate** and set the value to 1. -and- - Add a REG\_DWORD value named **DisableWindowsUpdateAccess** to **HKEY\_LOCAL\_MACHINE\\Software\\Policies\\Microsoft\\Windows\\WindowsUpdate** and set the value to 1. -and- - Add a REG\_DWORD value named **UseWUServer** to **HKEY\_LOCAL\_MACHINE\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsUpdate\AU** and set the value to 1. -or- - Apply the Group Policy: **Computer Configuration** > **Administrative Templates** > **Windows Components** > **Windows Update** > **Do not connect to any Windows Update Internet locations**. -and- - Apply the Group Policy: **Computer Configuration** > **Administrative Templates** > **System** > **Internet Communication Management** > **Internet Communication Settings** > **Turn off access to all Windows Update features**. -and- - Apply the Group Policy: **Computer Configuration** > **Administrative Templates** > **Windows Components** > **Windows Update** > **Specify intranet Microsoft update service location** and set the **Set the alternate download server** to " ". You can turn off automatic updates by doing one of the following. This is not recommended. - Add a REG\_DWORD value named **AutoDownload** to **HKEY\_LOCAL\_MACHINE\\Software\\Microsoft\\Windows\\CurrentVersion\\WindowsStore\\WindowsUpdate** and set the value to 5. -or- - For Windows 10 only, apply the Update/AllowAutoUpdate MDM policy from the [Policy CSP](https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/client-management/mdm/policy-csp-update), where: - **0**. Notify the user before downloading the update. - **1**. Auto install the update and then notify the user to schedule a device restart. - **2** (default). Auto install and restart. - **3**. Auto install and restart at a specified time. - **4**. Auto install and restart without end-user control. - **5**. Turn off automatic updates. To learn more, see [Device update management](http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/windows/hardware/dn957432.aspx) and [Configure Automatic Updates by using Group Policy](http://technet.microsoft.com/library/cc720539.aspx).