Turn off Spotlight collection on Desktop

Roger Roger 6,406 Reputation points
2024-09-30T06:27:47.8766667+00:00

Hi All

i have an ask to enable the below policy on windows servers. What benefit will i get by enabling this policy on windows servers. This is Personalization settings i believe.

User Configuration\Policies\Administrative Templates\Windows Components\Cloud Content\Turn off Spotlight collection on Desktop

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Accepted answer
  1. Yanhong Liu 12,180 Reputation points Microsoft Vendor
    2024-10-04T02:32:22.01+00:00

    Hello,

    Enabling the policy "Turn off Spotlight collection on Desktop" under User Configuration\Policies\Administrative Templates\Windows Components\Cloud Content in Windows servers will disable the Spotlight feature on the desktop. Windows Spotlight is a feature that provides daily background images and occasionally offers suggestions on the lock screen. When this policy is enabled, the desktop background is no longer updated with Windows Spotlight images, and users won't see the Spotlight suggestions and notifications.

    Here are the benefits of enabling this policy:

    1. Privacy and Security: Disabling Spotlight can enhance privacy and security by preventing data from being sent to Microsoft servers for fetching new images and suggestions.
    2. Reduced Bandwidth Usage: Disabling Spotlight can save bandwidth, as images and content won't be downloaded from the internet.
    3. Consistency: Ensures that all users see a consistent background image, which can be important for branding or security in a corporate environment.
    4. Minimized Distraction: Prevents potentially distracting images and suggestions from appearing on the desktop, leading to a more focused work environment.

    Best Regards,

    Yanhong Liu

    ============================================

    If the Answer is helpful, please click "Accept Answer" and upvote it.

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