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Manage connections from Windows 10 and Windows 11 operating system components to Microsoft services

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Applies to

  • Windows 11 Enterprise
  • Windows 10 Enterprise, version 1607 and later
  • Windows Server 2016
  • Windows Server 2019

This article describes the network connections that Windows 10 and Windows 11 components make to Microsoft and the Windows Settings, Group Policies and registry settings available to IT Professionals to help manage the data shared with Microsoft. If you want to minimize connections from Windows to Microsoft services, or configure privacy settings, there are a number of settings for consideration. For example, you can configure diagnostic data to the lowest level for your edition of Windows and evaluate other connections Windows makes to Microsoft services you want to turn off using the instructions in this article. While it's possible to minimize network connections to Microsoft, there are many reasons why these communications are enabled by default, such as updating malware definitions and maintaining current certificate revocation lists. This data helps us deliver a secure, reliable, and up-to-date experience.

Microsoft provides a Windows Restricted Traffic Limited Functionality Baseline package that will allow your organization to quickly configure the settings covered in this document to restrict connections from Windows 10 and Windows 11 to Microsoft. The Windows Restricted Traffic Limited Baseline is based on Group Policy Administrative Template functionality and the package you download contains further instructions on how to deploy to devices in your organization. Since some of the settings can reduce the functionality and security configuration of your device, before deploying Windows Restricted Traffic Limited Functionality Baseline make sure you choose the right settings configuration for your environment and ensure that Windows and Microsoft Defender Antivirus are fully up to date. Failure to do so may result in errors or unexpected behavior. You shouldn't extract this package to the windows\system32 folder because it will not apply correctly.

Important

  • The downloadable Windows 10, version 1903 scripts/settings can be used on Windows 10, version 1909 devices.
  • The Allowed Traffic endpoints are listed here: Allowed Traffic
    • CRL (Certificate Revocation List) and OCSP (Online Certificate Status Protocol) network traffic cannot be disabled and will still show up in network traces. CRL and OCSP checks are made to the issuing certificate authorities. Microsoft is one of these authorities. There are many others such as DigiCert, Thawte, Google, Symantec, and VeriSign.
  • For security reasons, it is important to take care in deciding which settings to configure as some of them may result in a less secure device. Examples of settings that can lead to a less secure device configuration include: Windows Update, Automatic Root Certificates Update, and Microsoft Defender Antivirus. Accordingly, we do not recommend disabling any of these features.
  • It is recommended that you restart a device after making configuration changes to it.
  • The Get Help and Give us Feedback links no longer work after the Windows Restricted Traffic Limited Functionality Baseline is applied.

Warning

  • If a user executes the Reset this PC command (Settings -> Update & Security -> Recovery) with the Keep my files option (or the Remove Everything option) the Windows Restricted Traffic Limited Functionality Baseline settings will need to be re-applied in order to re-restrict the device. Egress traffic may occur prior to the re-application of the Restricted Traffic Limited Functionality Baseline settings.
  • To restrict a device effectively (first time or subsequently), it is recommended to apply the Restricted Traffic Limited Functionality Baseline settings package in offline mode.
  • During update or upgrade of Windows, egress traffic may occur.

To use Microsoft Intune cloud-based device management for restricting traffic, refer to the Manage connections from Windows 10 and Windows 11 operating system components to Microsoft services using Microsoft Intune MDM Server.

We're always striving to improve our documentation and welcome your feedback. You can provide feedback by contacting telmhelp@microsoft.com.

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 Microsoft Defender Antivirus diagnostic data and MSRT reporting, and turn off all of these connections

Settings for Windows 10 and Windows 11 Enterprise edition

The following table lists management options for each setting, For Windows 10 (beginning with Windows 10 Enterprise version 1607) and Windows 11.

Important

If you need assistance with troubleshooting issues, please refer to:

Setting UI Group Policy Registry
1. Automatic Root Certificates Update Check mark. Check mark.
2. Cortana and Search Check mark. Check mark.
3. Date & Time Check mark. Check mark. Check mark.
4. Device metadata retrieval Check mark. Check mark.
5. Find My Device Check mark. Check mark. Check mark.
6. Font streaming Check mark. Check mark.
7. Insider Preview builds Check mark. Check mark. Check mark.
8. Internet Explorer Check mark. Check mark.
9. License Manager Check mark.
10. Live Tiles Check mark. Check mark.
11. Mail synchronization Check mark. Check mark.
12. Microsoft Account Check mark.
13. Microsoft Edge Check mark. Check mark
14. Network Connection Status Indicator Check mark. Check mark
15. Offline maps Check mark. Check mark. Check mark
16. OneDrive Check mark. Check mark
17. Preinstalled apps Check mark
18. Settings > Privacy & security
    18.1 General Check mark. Check mark. Check mark
    18.2 Location Check mark. Check mark. Check mark
    18.3 Camera Check mark. Check mark. Check mark
    18.4 Microphone Check mark. Check mark. Check mark
    18.5 Notifications Check mark. Check mark. Check mark
    18.6 Speech Check mark. Check mark. Check mark
    18.7 Account info Check mark. Check mark. Check mark
    18.8 Contacts Check mark. Check mark. Check mark
    18.9 Calendar Check mark. Check mark. Check mark
    18.10 Call history Check mark. Check mark. Check mark
    18.11 Email Check mark. Check mark. Check mark
    18.12 Messaging Check mark. Check mark. Check mark
    18.13 Phone calls Check mark. Check mark. Check mark
    18.14 Radios Check mark. Check mark. Check mark
    18.15 Other devices Check mark. Check mark. Check mark
    18.16 Feedback & diagnostics Check mark. Check mark. Check mark
    18.17 Background apps Check mark. Check mark. Check mark
    18.18 Motion Check mark. Check mark. Check mark
    18.19 Tasks Check mark. Check mark Check mark
    18.20 App Diagnostics Check mark. Check mark Check mark
    18.21 Inking & Typing Check mark. Check mark
    18.22 Activity History Check mark. Check mark Check mark
    18.23 Voice Activation Check mark. Check mark Check mark
19. Software Protection Platform Check mark. Check mark
20. Storage Health Check mark. Check mark
21. Sync your settings Check mark. Check mark. Check mark
22. Teredo Check mark. Check mark
23. Wi-Fi Sense Check mark. Check mark. Check mark
24. Microsoft Defender Antivirus Check mark. Check mark
25. Windows Spotlight Check mark. Check mark. Check mark
26. Microsoft Store Check mark. Check mark
27. Apps for websites Check mark. Check mark
28. Delivery Optimization Check mark. Check mark. Check mark
29. Windows Update Check mark. Check mark
30. Cloud Clipboard Check mark
31. Services Configuration Check mark Check mark
32. Widgets Check mark Check mark
33. Recommendations Check mark Check mark Check mark

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
1. Automatic Root Certificates Update Check mark. Check mark
2. Cortana and Search Check mark. Check mark
3. Date & Time Check mark. Check mark. Check mark
4. Device metadata retrieval Check mark. Check mark
6. Font streaming Check mark. Check mark
7. Insider Preview builds Check mark. Check mark. Check mark
8. Internet Explorer Check mark. Check mark
10. Live Tiles Check mark. Check mark
12. Microsoft Account Check mark
14. Network Connection Status Indicator Check mark. Check mark
16. OneDrive Check mark. Check mark
18. Settings > Privacy & security
19. Software Protection Platform Check mark. Check mark
22. Teredo Check mark. Check mark
24. Microsoft Defender Antivirus Check mark Check mark
26. Microsoft Store Check mark Check mark
27. Apps for websites Check mark Check mark
29. Windows Update Check mark Check mark

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
1. Automatic Root Certificates Update Check mark Check mark
3. Date & Time Check mark Check mark
6. Font streaming Check mark Check mark
14. Network Connection Status Indicator Check mark Check mark
19. Software Protection Platform Check mark Check mark
22. Teredo Check mark Check mark
24. Microsoft Defender Antivirus Check mark Check mark
29. Windows Update Check mark Check mark

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
1. Automatic Root Certificates Update Check mark
3. Date & Time Check mark
22. Teredo Check mark
29. Windows Update Check mark

Settings for Windows Server 2019

See the following table for a summary of the management settings for Windows Server 2019.

Setting UI Group Policy Registry
1. Automatic Root Certificates Update Check mark Check mark
2. Cortana and Search Check mark Check mark
3. Date & Time Check mark. Check mark Check mark
4. Device metadata retrieval Check mark Check mark
5. Find My Device Check mark. Check mark Check mark
6. Font streaming Check mark Check mark
7. Insider Preview builds Check mark. Check mark Check mark
8. Internet Explorer Check mark Check mark
10. Live Tiles Check mark Check mark
11. Mail synchronization Check mark. Check mark
12. Microsoft Account Check mark
13. Microsoft Edge Check mark Check mark
14. Network Connection Status Indicator Check mark Check mark
15. Offline maps Check mark. Check mark Check mark
16. OneDrive Check mark Check mark
17. Preinstalled apps Check mark
18. Settings > Privacy & security
    18.1 General Check mark. Check mark Check mark
    18.2 Location Check mark. Check mark Check mark
    18.3 Camera Check mark. Check mark Check mark
    18.4 Microphone Check mark. Check mark Check mark
    18.5 Notifications Check mark. Check mark Check mark
    18.6 Speech Check mark. Check mark Check mark
    18.7 Account info Check mark. Check mark Check mark
    18.8 Contacts Check mark. Check mark Check mark
    18.9 Calendar Check mark. Check mark Check mark
    18.10 Call history Check mark. Check mark Check mark
    18.11 Email Check mark. Check mark Check mark
    18.12 Messaging Check mark. Check mark Check mark
    18.13 Phone calls Check mark. Check mark Check mark
    18.14 Radios Check mark. Check mark Check mark
    18.15 Other devices Check mark. Check mark Check mark
    18.16 Feedback & diagnostics Check mark. Check mark Check mark
    18.17 Background apps Check mark. Check mark Check mark
    18.18 Motion Check mark. Check mark Check mark
    18.19 Tasks Check mark. Check mark Check mark
    18.20 App Diagnostics Check mark. Check mark Check mark
    18.21 Inking & Typing Check mark. Check mark
    18.22 Activity History Check mark. Check mark Check mark
    18.23 Voice Activation Check mark. Check mark Check mark
19. Software Protection Platform Check mark Check mark
20. Storage Health Check mark Check mark
21. Sync your settings Check mark. Check mark Check mark
22. Teredo Check mark Check mark
23. Wi-Fi Sense Check mark. Check mark Check mark
24. Microsoft Defender Antivirus Check mark Check mark
25. Windows Spotlight Check mark. Check mark Check mark
26. Microsoft Store Check mark Check mark
27. Apps for websites Check mark. Check mark
28. Delivery Optimization Check mark. Check mark Check mark
29. Windows Update Check mark Check mark
30. Cloud Clipboard Check mark
31. Services Configuration Check mark Check mark

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. 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 may not be able to connect to some websites.

For Windows 10, Windows Server 2016 with Desktop Experience, Windows Server 2016 Server Core, and Windows 11:

  • 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 Allowed Traffic 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.

Use Group Policies to manage settings for Cortana. For more info, see Cortana, Search, and privacy: FAQ.

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.

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

Important

Using the Group Policy editor these steps are required for all supported versions of Windows 10 and Windows 11, however they are not required for devices running Windows 10, version 1607 or Windows Server 2016.

  1. Expand Computer Configuration > Windows Settings > Security Settings > Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security > Windows Defender 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.

    • On Windows 11, type "%windir%\SystemApps\MicrosoftWindows.Client.CBS_cw5n1h2txyewy\SearchHost.exe" instead.

  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.

-or-

  • Create a new REG_SZ registry setting named {0DE40C8E-C126-4A27-9371-A27DAB1039F7} in HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\WindowsFirewall\FirewallRules and set it to a value of v2.25|Action=Block|Active=TRUE|Dir=Out|Protocol=6|App=%windir%\SystemApps\Microsoft.Windows.Cortana_cw5n1h2txyewy\searchUI.exe|Name=Block outbound Cortana|

  • On Windows 11, follow the previous section instead and use the Group Policy editor.

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.

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 > 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:

  • Enable the Group Policy: Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > System > Device Installation > Prevent device metadata retrieval from the Internet.

    -or -

  • 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 by going to Settings -> Update & Security -> Find My Device, click the Change button, and set the value to Off

    -or-

  • Disable the Group Policy: Computer Configuration > Administrative Template > Windows Components > Find My Device > Turn On/Off Find My Device

    -or-

  • 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.

    -or-

  • Create a new REG_DWORD registry setting HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\System\EnableFontProviders to 0 (zero).

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 and Windows 11. 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 Windows 11 and aren't 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 Restricted Traffic) to a Windows Insider Preview build, the Feedback & Diagnostic setting will automatically be set to Optional (Full). Although the diagnostic data level may initially appear as Required (Basic), a few hours after the UI is refreshed or the machine is rebooted, the setting will become Optional (Full).

To turn off Insider Preview builds for a released version of Windows 10 or Windows 11:

  • Disable 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 and Windows 11:

Note

If you're running a preview version of Windows 10 or Windows 11, 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-

  • Enable the Group Policy Toggle user control over Insider builds under Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Data Collection and Preview Builds

    -or-

  • Create a new REG_DWORD registry setting named AllowBuildPreview in HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\PreviewBuilds with a value of 0 (zero)

8. Internet Explorer

Note

When attempting to use Internet Explorer on any edition of Windows Server be aware there are restrictions enforced by Enhanced Security Configuration (ESC). The following Group Policies and Registry Keys are for user interactive scenarios rather than the typical idle traffic scenario. Find the Internet Explorer Group Policy objects under Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Internet Explorer and make these settings:

Policy Description
Turn on Suggested Sites Choose whether an employee can configure Suggested Sites.
Set Value to: Disabled
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.
Set Value to: Disabled
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.
Set Value to: Enabled
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.
Set Value to: Enabled
Prevent managing Microsoft Defender SmartScreen Choose whether employees can manage the Microsoft Defender SmartScreen in Internet Explorer.
Set Value to: Enabled and then set Select Windows Defender SmartScreen mode to Off.
Registry Key Registry path
Turn on Suggested Sites HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Suggested Sites
REG_DWORD: Enabled
Set Value to: 0
Allow Microsoft services to provide enhanced suggestions as the user types in the Address Bar HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Internet Explorer
REG_DWORD: AllowServicePoweredQSA
Set Value to: 0
Turn off the auto-complete feature for web addresses HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\AutoComplete
REG_SZ: AutoSuggest
Set Value to: no
Turn off browser geolocation HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Geolocation
REG_DWORD: PolicyDisableGeolocation
Set Value to: 1
Prevent managing Microsoft Defender SmartScreen HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\PhishingFilter
REG_DWORD: EnabledV9
Set Value to: 0

There are 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 Turn off Compatibility View. Choose whether an employee can fix website display problems that he or she may encounter while browsing.
Set to: Enabled
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.
Set to: 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.
Set to: Enabled
Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Control Panel > Allow Online Tips Allow Online Tips Enables or disables the retrieval of online tips and help for the Settings app.
Set to: Disabled

You can also use Registry keys to set these policies.

Registry Key Registry path
Choose whether employees can configure Compatibility View. HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\BrowserEmulation
REG_DWORD: DisableSiteListEditing
Set Value to 1
Turn off the flip ahead with page prediction feature HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\FlipAhead
REG_DWORD: Enabled
Set Value to 0
Turn off background synchronization for feeds and Web Slices HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Feeds
REG_DWORD: BackgroundSyncStatus
Set Value to 0
Allow Online Tips HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer
REG_DWORD: AllowOnlineTips
Set Value to 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

    -or-

  • Create a new REG_SZ registry setting named Start Page in HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main with a about:blank

    -and -

  • Create a new REG_DWORD registry setting named HomePage in HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Control Panel with a 1 (one)

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

    -or-

  • Create a new REG_DWORD registry setting named DisableFirstRunCustomize in HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main with a 1 (one)

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

    -or-

  • Create a new REG_DWORD registry setting named NewTabPageShow in HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\TabbedBrowsing with a 0 (zero)

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:

  • Enable 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.

9. License Manager

You can turn off License Manager related traffic by setting the following registry entry:

  • Add a REG_DWORD value named Start to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Services\LicenseManager and set the value to 4

  • The value 4 is to disable the service. Here are the available options to set the registry:

    • 0x00000000 = Boot

    • 0x00000001 = System

    • 0x00000002 = Automatic

    • 0x00000003 = Manual

    • 0x00000004 = Disabled

10. Live Tiles

To turn off Live Tiles:

  • Enable the Group Policy: Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Start Menu and Taskbar > Notifications > Turn Off notifications network usage

    -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)

11. Mail synchronization

Note

The Mail app and mail synchronization aren't available on Windows Server.

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.

To turn off the Windows Mail app:

  • Create a REG_DWORD registry setting named ManualLaunchAllowed in HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows Mail with a value of 0 (zero).

12. Microsoft Account

Use the below setting 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. For example, Windows Update will no longer offer feature updates to devices running Windows 10 1709 or higher and Windows 11. See Feature updates are not being offered while other updates are.

To disable the Microsoft Account Sign-In Assistant:

  • Change the Start REG_DWORD registry setting in HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Services\wlidsvc to a value of 4.

13. Microsoft Edge

Use Group Policies to manage settings for Microsoft Edge. For more info, see Microsoft Edge and privacy: FAQ and Configure Microsoft Edge policy settings on Windows.

For a complete list of the Microsoft Edge policies, see Group Policy and Mobile Device Management (MDM) settings for Microsoft Edge.

13.1 Microsoft Edge Group Policies

Find the Microsoft Edge Group Policy objects under Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Microsoft Edge.

Policy Description
Allow Address bar drop-down list suggestions Choose whether to show the address bar drop-down list
Set to Disabled
Allow configuration updates for the Books Library Choose whether configuration updates are done for the Books Library.
Set to Disabled
Configure Autofill Choose whether employees can use autofill on websites.
Set to Disabled
Configure Do Not Track Choose whether employees can send Do Not Track headers.
Set to Enabled
Configure Password Manager Choose whether employees can save passwords locally on their devices.
Set to Disabled
Configure search suggestions in Address Bar Choose whether the Address Bar shows search suggestions.
Set to Disabled
Configure Windows Defender SmartScreen (Windows 10, version 1703) Choose whether Microsoft Defender SmartScreen is turned on or off.
Set to Disabled
Allow web content on New Tab page Choose whether a new tab page appears.
Set to Disabled
Configure Start pages Choose the Start page for domain-joined devices.
Enabled and Set this to <<about:blank>>
Prevent the First Run webpage from opening on Microsoft Edge Choose whether employees see the First Run webpage.
Set to: Enable
Allow Microsoft Compatibility List Choose whether to use the Microsoft Compatibility List in Microsoft Edge.
Set to: Disabled

Alternatively, you can configure the following Registry keys as described:

Registry Key Registry path
Allow Address Bar drop-down list suggestions HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\MicrosoftEdge\ServiceUI
REG_DWORD name: ShowOneBox
Set to 0
Allow configuration updates for the Books Library HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\MicrosoftEdge\BooksLibrary
REG_DWORD name: AllowConfigurationUpdateForBooksLibrary
Set to 0
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 (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\ServiceUI
REG_DWORD name: AllowWebContentOnNewTabPage
Value: 0
Configure corporate Home pages HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\MicrosoftEdge\Internet Settings
REG_SZ name: ProvisionedHomePages
Value: <<about:blank>>
Prevent the First Run webpage from opening on Microsoft Edge HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\MicrosoftEdge\Main
REG_DWORD name: PreventFirstRunPage
Value: 1
Choose whether employees can configure Compatibility View. HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\MicrosoftEdge\BrowserEmulation
REG_DWORD: MSCompatibilityMode
Value: 0

13.2 Microsoft Edge Enterprise

For a complete list of the Microsoft Edge policies, see Group Policy and Mobile Device Management (MDM) settings for Microsoft Edge.

Important

Policy Group Policy Path Registry Path
SearchSuggestEnabled Computer Configuration/Administrative Templates/Windows Component/Microsoft Edge - Enable search suggestions
Set to Disabled		 HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Edge
REG_DWORD name: SearchSuggestEnabled Set to 0
AutofillAddressEnabled Computer Configurations/Administrative Templates/Windows Component/Microsoft Edge - Enable AutoFill for addresses
Set to Disabled		 HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Edge
REG_DWORD name: AutofillAddressEnabled Set to 0
AutofillCreditCardEnabled Computer Configurations/Administrative Templates/Windows Component/Microsoft Edge - Enable AutoFill for credit cards
Set to Disabled		 HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Edge
REG_DWORD name: AutofillCreditCardEnabled Set to 0
ConfigureDoNotTrack Computer Configurations/Administrative Templates/Windows Component/Microsoft Edge - Configure Do Not Track
Set to Enabled		 HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Edge
REG_DWORD name: ConfigureDoNotTrack Set to 1
PasswordManagerEnabled Computer Configurations/Administrative Templates/Windows Component/Microsoft Edge/Password manager and protection-Enable saving passwords to the password manager
Set to Disabled		 HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Edge
REG_DWORD name: PasswordManagerEnabled Set to 0
DefaultSearchProviderEnabled Computer Configurations/Administrative Templates/Windows Component/Microsoft Edge/Default search provider-Enable the default search provider
Set to Disabled		 HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Edge
REG_DWORD name: DefaultSearchProviderEnabled Set to 0
HideFirstRunExperience Computer Configurations/Administrative Templates/Windows Component/Microsoft Edge/Hide the First-run experience and splash screen
Set to Enabled		 HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Edge
REG_DWORD name: HideFirstRunExperience Set to 1
SmartScreenEnabled Computer Configurations/Administrative Templates/Windows Component/Microsoft Edge/SmartScreen settings-Configure Microsoft Defender SmartScreen
Set to Disabled		 HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Edge
REG_DWORD name: SmartScreenEnabled Set to 0
NewTabPageLocation Computer Configurations/Administrative Templates/Windows Component/Microsoft Edge/Startup, home page and new tab page- Configure the new tab page URL
Set to Enabled-Value “about:blank”		 HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Edge
REG_SZ name: NewTabPageLocation Set to about:blank
RestoreOnStartup Computer Configurations/Administrative Templates/Windows Component/Microsoft Edge/Startup, home page and new tab page- Action to take on startup
Set to Disabled		 HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Edge
REG_DWORD name: RestoreOnStartup Set to 5
RestoreOnStartupURLs Computer Configurations/Administrative Templates/Windows Component/Microsoft Edge/Startup, home page and new tab page- Sites to open when the browser starts
Set to Disabled		 HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Edge\RestoreOnStartupURLs
REG_SZ name: 1 Set to about:blank
UpdateDefault Computer Configurations/Administrative Templates/Windows Component/Microsoft Edge Update/Applications-Update policy override default
Set to Enabled - 'Updates disabled'		 HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Edge\EdgeUpdate
REG_DWORD name: UpdateDefault Set to 0
AutoUpdateCheckPeriodMinutes Computer Configurations/Administrative Templates/Windows Component/Microsoft Edge Update/Preferences- Auto-update check period override
Set to Enabled - Set Value for Minutes between update checks to 0		 HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Edge\EdgeUpdate
REG_DWORD name: AutoUpdateCheckPeriodMinutes Set to 0
Experimentation and Configuration Service Computer Configurations/Administrative Templates/Windows Component/Microsoft Edge Update/Preferences- Auto-update check period override
Set to RestrictedMode		 HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Edge\EdgeUpdate
REG_DWORD name: ExperimentationAndConfigurationServiceControl Set to 0

14. 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. See the Microsoft Networking Blog to learn more.

In versions of Windows 10 prior to version 1607 and Windows Server 2016, the URL was http://www.msftncsi.com/ncsi.txt.

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

    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).

15. Offline maps

You can turn off the ability to download and update offline maps.

  • Turn Off the feature in the UI by going to Settings -> Apps -> Offline maps -> Map updates, toggle the Automatically update maps switch to Off

    -or-

  • Enable 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, and Windows 11 Enable 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).

16. OneDrive

To turn off OneDrive in your organization:

  • Enable 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-

  • Enable the Group Policy: Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > OneDrive > Prevent OneDrive from generating network traffic until the user signs in to OneDrive (Enable)

    -or-

  • Create a REG_DWORD registry setting named PreventNetworkTrafficPreUserSignIn in HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\OneDrive with a value of 1 (one)

17. Preinstalled apps

Some preinstalled apps get content before they're 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-

    Important

    If you have any issues with the following commands, restart the system and try the scripts again.

  • 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

18. Settings > Privacy & security

Use Settings > Privacy & security 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.

18.1 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):

  • Turn off the feature in the UI.

    Note

    When you turn this feature off in the UI, it turns off the advertising ID, not just resets it.

    -or-

  • Enable 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).

    -and-

  • 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):

  • Turn off the feature in the UI.

    Note

    When you turn this feature off in the UI, it turns off the advertising ID, not just resets it.

    -or-

  • Enable 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 Microsoft Defender SmartScreen to check web content (URLs) that Microsoft Store apps use:

  • Turn off the feature in the UI.

    -or-

  • Create a REG_DWORD registry setting named EnableWebContentEvaluation in HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\AppHost 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.

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 device:

  • 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.

18.2 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-

  • Enable the Group Policy: Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Location and Sensors > Turn off location.

    -or-

  • Create a REG_DWORD registry setting named DisableLocation in HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\LocationAndSensors with a value of 1 (one).

To turn off Allow apps to access your location:

  • Turn off the feature in the UI.

    -or-

  • Enable the Group Policy: Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > App Privacy > Let Windows apps access location and set the Select a setting box to Force Deny.

    -or-

  • Create a REG_DWORD registry setting named LetAppsAccessLocation in HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\AppPrivacy with a value of 2 (two).

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.

18.3 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).

To turn off Choose apps that can use your camera:

  • Turn off the feature in the UI for each app.

18.4 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-

  • 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.

18.5 Notifications

To turn off notifications network usage:

  • Enable the Group Policy: Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Start Menu and Taskbar > Notifications > Turn off Notifications network usage

    -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)

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-

  • Create a REG_DWORD registry setting named LetAppsAccessNotifications in HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\AppPrivacy with a value of 2 (two)

18.6 Speech

In the Speech area, you can configure the functionality as such:

To turn off dictation of your voice, speaking to Cortana and other apps, and to prevent sending your voice input to Microsoft Speech services:

  • Toggle the Settings -> Privacy -> Speech -> Online speech recognition switch to Off

    -or-

  • Disable the Group Policy: Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Control Panel > Regional and Language Options > Allow users to enable online speech recognition services

    -or-

  • Create a REG_DWORD registry setting named HasAccepted in HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Speech_OneCore\Settings\OnlineSpeechPrivacy with a value of 0 (zero)

If you're running at Windows 10, version 1703 up to and including Windows 10, version 1803, 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 automatic update of Speech Data

    -or-

  • Create a REG_DWORD registry setting named AllowSpeechModelUpdate in HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Speech with a value of 0 (zero)

18.7 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-

  • Create a REG_DWORD registry setting named LetAppsAccessAccountInfo in HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\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.

18.8 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-

  • Create a REG_DWORD registry setting named LetAppsAccessContacts in HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\AppPrivacy with a value of 2 (two).

18.9 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-

  • Create a REG_DWORD registry setting named LetAppsAccessCalendar in HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\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.

18.10 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-

  • Create a REG_DWORD registry setting named LetAppsAccessCallHistory in HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\AppPrivacy with a value of 2 (two).

18.11 Email

In the Email area, you can choose which apps have access and can 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-

  • Create a REG_DWORD registry setting named LetAppsAccessEmail in HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\AppPrivacy with a value of 2 (two).

18.12 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-

  • 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.

To turn off Message Sync

  • Create a REG_DWORD registry setting named AllowMessageSync in HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Messaging and set the value to 0 (zero).

    -or-

  • Apply the Group Policy: Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Messaging

    • Set the Allow Message Service Cloud Sync to Disable.

18.13 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 and set the Select a setting box to 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.

18.14 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 and set the Select a setting box to 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.

18.15 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 by going to Settings > Privacy & security > Other devices > "Communicate with unpaired devices. Let apps automatically share and sync info with wireless devices that don't explicitly pair with your PC, tablet, or phone" and Turn it OFF.

    -or-

  • Enable the Group Policy: Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > App Privacy > Let Windows apps communicate with unpaired devices and set the Select a setting box to 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-

  • Enable the Group Policy: Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > App Privacy > Let Windows apps access trusted devices and set the Select a setting box to Force Deny.

    -or-

  • Create a REG_DWORD registry setting named LetAppsAccessTrustedDevices in HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\AppPrivacy with a value of 2 (two).

18.16 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. 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.

Note

Feedback frequency only applies to user-generated feedback, not diagnostic and usage data sent from the device.

To change how frequently Windows should ask for my feedback:

  • 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 Required (Basic) or Optional (Full) options.

    -or-

  • Enable the Group Policy: Computer Configuration\Administrative Templates\Windows Components\Data Collection And Preview Builds\Allow Telemetry and set it to a value of 0.

    -or-

  • Create a REG_DWORD registry setting in HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\DataCollection\AllowTelemetry with a value of 0.

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 and Windows 11 Enterprise edition.

To turn off tailored experiences with relevant tips and recommendations by using your diagnostics data:

  • Turn off the feature in the UI.

    -or-

  • Enable the Group Policy: Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Cloud Content > Turn off Microsoft consumer experiences

    -or-

  • Create a REG_DWORD registry setting named DisableWindowsConsumerFeatures in HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\CloudContent with a value of 1

    -and-

  • Enable the Group Policy: User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Cloud Content > Do not use diagnostic data for tailored experiences

    -or-

  • Create a REG_DWORD registry setting named DisableTailoredExperiencesWithDiagnosticData in HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\CloudContent with a value of 1 (one)

18.17 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 the Background apps settings page, set Let apps run in the background to Off.

    -or-

  • In the Background apps settings page, turn off the feature for each app.

-or-

  • Enable the Group Policy (only applicable for Windows 10 version 1703 and above and Windows 11): Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > App Privacy > Let Windows apps run in the background and set the Select a setting box to Force Deny.

    -or-

  • Create a REG_DWORD registry setting named LetAppsRunInBackground in HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\AppPrivacy with a value of 2 (two)

Note

Some apps, including Cortana and Search, might not function as expected if you set Let apps run in the background to Force Deny.

18.18 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-

  • Enable the Group Policy: Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > App Privacy > Let Windows apps access motion and set the Default for all apps to 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).

18.19 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-

  • Create a REG_DWORD registry setting named LetAppsAccessTasks in HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\AppPrivacy with a value of 2 (two).

18.20 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-

  • Enable the Group Policy: Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > App Privacy > Let Windows apps access diagnostic information about other apps

    -or-

  • Create a REG_DWORD registry setting named LetAppsGetDiagnosticInfo in HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\AppPrivacy with a value of 2 (two).

18.21 Inking & Typing

In the Inking & Typing area you can configure the functionality as such:

To turn off Inking & Typing data collection:

  • In the UI go to Settings -> Privacy -> Diagnostics & Feedback -> Improve inking and typing and turn it to Off

    -OR-

    Disable the Group Policy: Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Text Input > Improve inking and typing recognition

    -and-

    Disable the Group Policy: User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Control Panel > Regional and Language Options > Handwriting personalization > Turn off automatic learning

    -OR-

  • Set RestrictImplicitTextCollection registry REG_DWORD setting in HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\InputPersonalization to a value of 1 (one)

    -and-

  • Set RestrictImplicitInkCollection registry REG_DWORD setting in HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\InputPersonalization to a value of 1 (one)

18.22 Activity History

In the Activity History area, you can choose turn Off tracking of your Activity History.

To turn this Off in the UI:

  • Turn Off the feature in the UI by going to Settings -> Privacy -> Activity History and un-checking the Store my activity history on this device AND unchecking the Send my activity History to Microsoft checkboxes

-OR-

  • Disable the Group Policy: Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > System > OS Policies named Enables Activity Feed

    -and-

  • Disable the Group Policy: Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > System > OS Policies named Allow publishing of User Activities

    -and-

  • Disable the Group Policy: Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > System > OS Policies > named Allow upload of User Activities

-OR-

  • Create a REG_DWORD registry setting named EnableActivityFeed in HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\System with a value of 0 (zero)

    -and-

  • Create a REG_DWORD registry setting named PublishUserActivities in HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\System with a value of 0 (zero)

    -and-

  • Create a REG_DWORD registry setting named UploadUserActivities in HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\System with a value of 0 (zero)

18.23 Voice Activation

In the Voice activation area, you can choose turn Off apps ability to listen for a Voice keyword.

To turn this Off in the UI:

  • Turn Off the feature in the UI by going to Settings -> Privacy -> Voice activation and toggle Off the Allow apps to use voice activation AND also toggle Off the Allow apps to use voice activation when this device is locked

-OR-

  • Enable the Group Policy: Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > App Privacy > named Let Windows apps activate with voice and set the Select a setting box to Force Deny

    -and-

  • Enable the Group Policy: Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > App Privacy > named Let Windows apps activate with voice while the system is locked box to Force Deny

-OR-

  • Create a REG_DWORD registry setting named LetAppsActivateWithVoice in HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\AppPrivacy with a value of 2 (two)

    -and-

  • Create a REG_DWORD registry setting named LetAppsActivateWithVoiceAboveLock in HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\AppPrivacy with a value of 2 (two)

18.24 News and interests

In the Windows Feeds area, you can choose which apps have access to your diagnostic information.

To turn this off:

  • Create a REG_DWORD registry setting named EnableFeeds in HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Windows Feeds with a value of 0 (zero).

19. 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 and Windows 11:

  • Enable 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).

For Windows Server 2019 or later:

  • Enable 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).

For Windows Server 2016:

  • Create a REG_DWORD registry setting named NoAcquireGT in HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Software Protection Platform with a value of 1 (one).

Note

Due to a known issue the Turn off KMS Client Online AVS Validation group policy does not work as intended on Windows Server 2016; the NoAcquireGT value needs to be set instead. The Windows activation status will be valid for a rolling period of 180 days with weekly activation status checks to the KMS.

20. Storage health

Enterprise customers can manage updates to the Disk Failure Prediction Model.

For Windows 10 and Windows 11:

  • Disable this Group Policy: Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > System > Storage Health > Allow downloading updates to the Disk Failure Prediction Model

    -or-

  • Create a REG_DWORD registry setting named AllowDiskHealthModelUpdates in HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\StorageHealth with a value of 0.

21. Sync your settings

You can control if your settings are synchronized:

  • In the UI: Settings > Accounts > Sync your settings

    -or-

  • Enable the Group Policy: Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Sync your settings > Do not sync. Leave the "Allow users to turn syncing on" checkbox unchecked.

    -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).

To turn off Messaging cloud sync:

  • Create a REG_DWORD registry setting named CloudServiceSyncEnabled in HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Messaging and set to a value of 0 (zero).

    Note

    There is no Group Policy corresponding to this registry key.

22. 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.

Note

If you disable Teredo, some XBOX gaming features and Delivery Optimization (with Group or Internet peering) 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.

23. 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 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 in Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi

    -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).

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.

24. Microsoft Defender Antivirus

You can disconnect from the Microsoft Antimalware Protection Service.

Important

Required Steps BEFORE setting the Microsoft Defender Antivirus Group Policy or RegKey on Windows 10 version 1903

  1. Ensure Windows and Microsoft Defender Antivirus are fully up to date.
  2. Search the Start menu for "Tamper Protection" by clicking on the search icon next to the Windows Start button. Then scroll down to the Tamper Protection toggle and turn it Off. This will allow you to modify the Registry key and allow the Group Policy to make the setting. Alternatively, you can go to Windows Security Settings -> Virus & threat protection, click on Manage Settings link and then scroll down to the Tamper Protection toggle to set it to Off.
  • Enable the Group Policy Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Microsoft Defender Antivirus > MAPS > Join Microsoft MAPS and then select Disabled from the drop-down box named Join Microsoft MAPS

-OR-

  • Use the registry to set the REG_DWORD value HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows Defender\Spynet\SpyNetReporting to 0 (zero).

    -and-

  • Delete the registry setting named in HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows Defender\Updates.

You can stop sending file samples back to Microsoft.

  • Enable the Group Policy Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Microsoft Defender Antivirus > MAPS > Send file samples when further analysis is required to Never Send.

    -or-

  • Use the registry to set the REG_DWORD value HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows Defender\Spynet\SubmitSamplesConsent to 2 (two) for Never Send.

You can stop downloading Definition Updates:

Note

The Group Policy path for 1809 and earlier builds is Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Microsoft Defender Antivirus > Signature Updates

  • Enable the Group Policy Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Microsoft Defender Antivirus > Security Intelligence 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 > Microsoft Defender Antivirus > Security Intelligence 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\Signature Updates with a value of FileShares.

    -and-

  • Remove the DefinitionUpdateFileSharesSources reg value if it exists under HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows Defender\Signature Updates

You can turn off Malicious Software Reporting Tool (MSRT) diagnostic data:

  • Set the REG_DWORD value HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Policies\Microsoft\MRT\DontReportInfectionInformation to 1.

    Note

    There is no Group Policy to turn off the Malicious Software Reporting Tool diagnostic data.

You can turn off Enhanced Notifications as follows:

  • Set in the UI: Settings -> Update & Security -> Windows Security -> Virus & Threat Protection -> Virus & Threat Protection Manage Settings -> scroll to bottom for Notifications, click Change Notifications Settings -> Notifications -> click Manage Notifications -> Turn off General Notifications

    -or-

  • Enable the Group Policy Turn off enhanced notifications under Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Microsoft Defender Antivirus > Reporting.

    -or-

  • Create a new REG_DWORD registry setting named DisableEnhancedNotifications in HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows Defender\Reporting and enter the decimal value 1.

24.1 Microsoft Defender SmartScreen

To disable Microsoft Defender SmartScreen:

In Group Policy, configure:

  • Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Defender SmartScreen > Explorer > Configure Windows Defender SmartScreen to be Disabled

    -and-

  • Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > File Explorer > Configure Windows Defender SmartScreen : Disable

    -and-

  • Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Defender SmartScreen > Explorer > Configure app install control : Enable, and select Turn off app recommendations

-OR-

  • Create a REG_DWORD registry setting named EnableSmartScreen in HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\System with a value of 0 (zero).

    -and-

  • Create a REG_DWORD registry setting named ConfigureAppInstallControlEnabled in HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows Defender\SmartScreen with a value of 1.

    -and-

  • Create an SZ registry setting named ConfigureAppInstallControl in HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows Defender\SmartScreen with a value of Anywhere.

25. Personalized Experiences

Personalized experiences provide features such as different background images and text on the lock screen, suggested apps, Microsoft account notifications, and Windows tips. Example features include Windows Spotlight and Start Suggestions. You can control them by using the Group Policy.

Note

This excludes how individual experiences (e.g., Windows Spotlight) can be controlled by users in Windows Settings.

If you're running Windows 10, version 1607 or later, or Windows 11, you need to:

  • Enable the following Group Policy User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Cloud Content > Turn off all Windows spotlight features

    -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).

-AND-

  • Enable the following Group Policy Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Cloud Content > Turn off cloud optimized content

    -or-

  • Create a new REG_DWORD registry setting named DisableCloudOptimizedContent in HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\CloudContent with a value of 1 (one).

    Note

    This must be done within 15 minutes after Windows 10 or Windows 11 is installed. Alternatively, you can create an image with this setting.

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 can't 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.

  • Disable 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).

-AND-

  • Enable 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).

27. 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

    -or-

  • Create a new REG_DWORD registry setting named EnableAppUriHandlers in HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\System with a value of 0 (zero).

28. Delivery Optimization

Delivery Optimization is the downloader of Windows updates, Microsoft Store apps, Office, and other content from Microsoft. Delivery Optimization can also download 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 Peer-to-Peer option 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 or Windows 11 will only use Delivery Optimization to get and receive updates for PCs and apps on your local network.

Use the UI, Group Policy, or Registry Keys to set up Delivery Optimization.

In Windows 10, version 1607 and above, and Windows 11 you can stop network traffic related to Delivery Optimization Cloud Service by setting Download Mode to Simple Mode (99), as described below.

28.1 Settings > Update & security

You can set up Delivery Optimization Peer-to-Peer from the Settings UI.

  • Go to Settings > Update & security > Windows Update > Advanced options > Choose how updates are delivered.

28.2 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

  • None. Turns off Delivery Optimization.

  • Group. Gets or sends updates and apps to PCs on the same local network domain.

  • Internet. Gets or sends updates and apps to PCs on the Internet.

  • LAN. Gets or sends updates and apps to PCs on the same NAT only.

  • Simple. Simple download mode with no peering.

  • Bypass. Use BITS instead of Windows Update Delivery Optimization. Set to Bypass to restrict traffic.
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.

For a comprehensive list of Delivery Optimization Policies, see Delivery Optimization Reference.

28.3 Delivery Optimization

  • Enable the Download Mode Group Policy under Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Delivery Optimization and set the Download Mode to "Simple Mode (99)" to prevent traffic between peers as well as traffic back to the Delivery Optimization Cloud Service.

-or-

  • Create a new REG_DWORD registry setting named DODownloadMode in HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\DeliveryOptimization to a value of 99 (Ninety-nine).

For more info about Delivery Optimization in general, see Windows Update Delivery Optimization: FAQ.

For IT Professionals, information about Delivery Optimization is available here: Delivery Optimization for Windows 10 updates.

29. 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_SZ value named WUServer to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsUpdate and ensure it's blank with a space character " ".

    -and-

  • Add a REG_SZ value named WUStatusServer to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsUpdate and ensure it's blank with a space character " ".

    -and-

  • Add a REG_SZ value named UpdateServiceUrlAlternate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsUpdate and ensure it's blank with a space character " ".

    -and-

  • Add a REG_DWORD value named UseWUServer to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsUpdate\AU and set the value to 1 (one).

-OR-

  • Set the Group Policy Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Update > Do not connect to any Windows Update Internet locations to Enabled

    -and-

  • Set the Group Policy Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > System > Internet Communication Management > Internet Communication Settings > Turn off access to all Windows Update features to Enabled

    -and-

  • Set the Group Policy Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Update > Specify intranet Microsoft update service location to Enabled and ensure all Option settings (Intranet Update Service, Intranet Statistics Server, Alternate Download Server) are set to " "

    -and-

  • Set the Group Policy User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Update > Remove access to use all Windows Update features to Enabled and then set Computer Configurations to 0 (zero).

You can turn off automatic updates by doing the following. This isn't recommended.

  • Add a REG_DWORD value named AutoDownload to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\WindowsStore\WindowsUpdate and set the value to 5.

For China releases of Windows 10 there's one additional Regkey to be set to prevent traffic:

  • Add a REG_DWORD value named HapDownloadEnabled to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\LexiconUpdate\loc_0804 and set the value to 0 (zero).

30. Cloud Clipboard

Specifies whether clipboard items roam across devices. When this is allowed, an item copied to the clipboard is uploaded to the cloud so that other devices can access it. Clipboard items in the cloud can be downloaded and pasted across your Windows 10 and Windows 11 devices.

Most restricted value is 0.

ADMX Info:

  • GP Friendly name: Allow Clipboard synchronization across devices
  • GP name: AllowCrossDeviceClipboard
  • GP path: System/OS Policies
  • GP ADMX file name: OSPolicy.admx

The following list shows the supported values:

  • 0 – Not allowed
  • 1 (default) – Allowed

31. Services Configuration

Services Configuration is used by Windows components and apps, such as the telemetry service, to dynamically update their configuration. If you turn off this service, apps using this service may stop working.

You can turn off Services Configuration by setting the following registry entries:

Add a REG_DWORD value named DisableOneSettingsDownloads to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\DataCollection and set the value to 1.

32. Widgets

Widgets is a news and feeds service that can be customized by the user. If you turn off this service, apps using this service may stop working.

To turn off Widgets, you can use Group Policy or a custom setting in an MDM solution, such as Microsoft Intune.

  • For Group Policy, you can use the “Allow widgets” policy, which is also available in the Intune settings catalog.
  • For an MDM solution, you can use the AllowNewsAndInterests setting in the NewsandInterests configuration service provider (CSP).

For more information about AllowNewsAndInterests and the “Allow widgets” policy, review this information.

33. Recommendations

The Recommended section on the Start menu displays a list of recommended apps and files.

To turn off these recommendations, you can use any of the following methods:

  • In Group Policy, set the "Remove Recommended from Start Menu" policy to Enabled under User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Start Menu and Taskbar.
  • In an MDM solution, such as Microsoft Intune, you can use the HideRecentJumplists setting in the Start Policy configuration service provider (CSP).
  • In the registry, you can set HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced\Start_TrackDocs to 0.
  • In the UI, you can turn off Show recently opened items in Start, Jump Lists, and File Explorer under Settings > Personalization > Start.

Allowed traffic list for Windows Restricted Traffic Limited Functionality Baseline

Allowed traffic endpoints
activation-v2.sls.microsoft.com/*
crl.microsoft.com/pki/crl/*
ocsp.digicert.com/*
www.microsoft.com/pkiops/*

To learn more, see Device update management and Configure Automatic Updates by using Group Policy.