Disable Microsoft Office telemetry agent
Overview
This script improves your privacy on Windows.
These changes use Windows system commands to update your settings.
This script disables the scheduled tasks associated with the Office telemetry agent.
The Office Telemetry Agent, introduced in Office 2013, collects and uploads a variety of data for monitoring purposes 1.
This data includes runtime logs, properties of Office documents, and other insights from Office applications 1 2.
Notably, it can upload file names, paths, and document titles in their original format 1.
The data is stored locally before being uploaded to a shared folder (at %LOCALAPPDATA%\Microsoft\Office\16.0\Telemetry
) 3.
This poses privacy risks as it may contain personal or confidential information.
The OfficeTelemetryAgentLogOn
scheduled task, collects data for the Office Telemetry Dashboard 1. This task activates upon
user login to an Office client and continues to scan and collect data during the session 1. The types of data collected encompass
file names of recently accessed Office documents 2 3, names of add-ins and solutions interacting with Office 3, and system information
including user and computer names 2.
Disabling these tasks is recommended for enhancing privacy. The script effectively prevents privacy risks associated with telemetry data collection by disabling the related scheduled tasks. It prevents the collection and upload of potentially sensitive information, thereby protecting users from exposure of personal or internal process-related details.
Overview of default task statuses
\Microsoft\Office\OfficeTelemetryAgentFallBack
(tested on Office version 2208):
OS Version | Default status |
---|---|
Windows 10 22H2 | 🟡 N/A (missing) |
Windows 11 22H2 | 🟡 N/A (missing) |
\Microsoft\Office\OfficeTelemetryAgentFallBack2016
(tested on Office version 2208):
OS Version | Default status |
---|---|
Windows 10 22H2 | 🟢 Ready |
Windows 11 22H2 | 🟢 Ready |
\Microsoft\Office\OfficeTelemetryAgentLogOn
(tested on Office version 2208):
OS Version | Default status |
---|---|
Windows 10 22H2 | 🟡 N/A (missing) |
Windows 11 22H2 | 🟡 N/A (missing) |
\Microsoft\Office\OfficeTelemetryAgentLogOn2016
(tested on Office version 2208):
OS Version | Default status |
---|---|
Windows 10 22H2 | 🟢 Ready |
Windows 11 22H2 | 🟢 Ready |
This script uses Batch (batchfile) scripting language.
This script is recommended for all users. It helps to improve privacy without affecting stability.
Implementation Details
-
Language: batch
-
Required Privileges: Administrator rights
-
Compatibility: Windows only
-
Reversibility: Can be undone using provided revert script
Explore Categories
- Disable Microsoft Office telemetry
- Configure programs
This action belongs to Disable Microsoft Office telemetry category. This category includes scripts that disable various telemetry and data collection features in Microsoft Office applications. Microsoft Office collects telemetry data to improve user experience and product functionality. However, this data collection raises privacy concerns. The scripts in this... Read more on category page ▶
This action belongs to Configure programs category. This category configures Windows using 111 scripts. These scripts are organized in 22 categories. The category includes 5 subscripts and 9 subcategories that include more scripts and categories. Read more on category page ▶
Apply now
Choose one of three ways to apply:
- Automatically via privacy.sexy: The easiest and safest option.
- Manually by downloading: Requires downloading a file.
- Manually by copying: Advanced flexibility.
Alternative 1. Apply with Privacy.sexy
privacy.sexy is free and open-source application that lets securely apply this action easily.
You can fully restore this action (revert back to the original behavior) using the application.
privacy.sexy instructions
- Open or download the desktop application
- Search for the script name:
Disable Microsoft Office telemetry agent
. - Check the script by clicking on the checkbox.
- Click on Run button at the bottom of the page.
Alternative 2. Download
This script is irreversible, meaning there is no straightforward method to restore changes once applied. Exercise caution before running, restoring it may not be possible.
-
Download the script file by clicking on the button below:
-
Run the script file by clicking on it.
Download revert script
This file restores your system to its original state, before this script is applied.
Alternative 3. Copy
This is for advanced users. Consider automatically applying or downloading the script for simpler way.
- Open Command Prompt as administrator.
HELP: Step-by-step guide
-
Click on Start menu
- Windows 11
- Windows 10
-
Type cmd
- Windows 11
- Windows 10
-
Right click on Command Prompt select Run as administrator
- Windows 11
- Windows 10
-
Click on Yes to run Command Prompt
- Windows 11
- Windows 10
- Windows 11
- Windows 10
- Copy the following code:
:: Disable scheduled task(s): `\Microsoft\Office\OfficeTelemetryAgentFallBack`
PowerShell -ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted -Command "$taskPathPattern='\Microsoft\Office\'; $taskNamePattern='OfficeTelemetryAgentFallBack'; Write-Output "^""Disabling tasks matching pattern `"^""$taskNamePattern`"^""."^""; $tasks = @(Get-ScheduledTask -TaskPath $taskPathPattern -TaskName $taskNamePattern -ErrorAction Ignore); if (-Not $tasks) { Write-Output "^""Skipping, no tasks matching pattern `"^""$taskNamePattern`"^"" found, no action needed."^""; exit 0; }; $operationFailed = $false; foreach ($task in $tasks) { $taskName = $task.TaskName; if ($task.State -eq [Microsoft.PowerShell.Cmdletization.GeneratedTypes.ScheduledTask.StateEnum]::Disabled) { Write-Output "^""Skipping, task `"^""$taskName`"^"" is already disabled, no action needed."^""; continue; }; try { $task | Disable-ScheduledTask -ErrorAction Stop | Out-Null; Write-Output "^""Successfully disabled task `"^""$taskName`"^""."^""; } catch { Write-Error "^""Failed to disable task `"^""$taskName`"^"": $($_.Exception.Message)"^""; $operationFailed = $true; }; }; if ($operationFailed) { Write-Output 'Failed to disable some tasks. Check error messages above.'; exit 1; }"
:: Disable scheduled task(s): `\Microsoft\Office\OfficeTelemetryAgentFallBack2016`
PowerShell -ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted -Command "$taskPathPattern='\Microsoft\Office\'; $taskNamePattern='OfficeTelemetryAgentFallBack2016'; Write-Output "^""Disabling tasks matching pattern `"^""$taskNamePattern`"^""."^""; $tasks = @(Get-ScheduledTask -TaskPath $taskPathPattern -TaskName $taskNamePattern -ErrorAction Ignore); if (-Not $tasks) { Write-Output "^""Skipping, no tasks matching pattern `"^""$taskNamePattern`"^"" found, no action needed."^""; exit 0; }; $operationFailed = $false; foreach ($task in $tasks) { $taskName = $task.TaskName; if ($task.State -eq [Microsoft.PowerShell.Cmdletization.GeneratedTypes.ScheduledTask.StateEnum]::Disabled) { Write-Output "^""Skipping, task `"^""$taskName`"^"" is already disabled, no action needed."^""; continue; }; try { $task | Disable-ScheduledTask -ErrorAction Stop | Out-Null; Write-Output "^""Successfully disabled task `"^""$taskName`"^""."^""; } catch { Write-Error "^""Failed to disable task `"^""$taskName`"^"": $($_.Exception.Message)"^""; $operationFailed = $true; }; }; if ($operationFailed) { Write-Output 'Failed to disable some tasks. Check error messages above.'; exit 1; }"
:: Disable scheduled task(s): `\Microsoft\Office\OfficeTelemetryAgentLogOn`
PowerShell -ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted -Command "$taskPathPattern='\Microsoft\Office\'; $taskNamePattern='OfficeTelemetryAgentLogOn'; Write-Output "^""Disabling tasks matching pattern `"^""$taskNamePattern`"^""."^""; $tasks = @(Get-ScheduledTask -TaskPath $taskPathPattern -TaskName $taskNamePattern -ErrorAction Ignore); if (-Not $tasks) { Write-Output "^""Skipping, no tasks matching pattern `"^""$taskNamePattern`"^"" found, no action needed."^""; exit 0; }; $operationFailed = $false; foreach ($task in $tasks) { $taskName = $task.TaskName; if ($task.State -eq [Microsoft.PowerShell.Cmdletization.GeneratedTypes.ScheduledTask.StateEnum]::Disabled) { Write-Output "^""Skipping, task `"^""$taskName`"^"" is already disabled, no action needed."^""; continue; }; try { $task | Disable-ScheduledTask -ErrorAction Stop | Out-Null; Write-Output "^""Successfully disabled task `"^""$taskName`"^""."^""; } catch { Write-Error "^""Failed to disable task `"^""$taskName`"^"": $($_.Exception.Message)"^""; $operationFailed = $true; }; }; if ($operationFailed) { Write-Output 'Failed to disable some tasks. Check error messages above.'; exit 1; }"
:: Disable scheduled task(s): `\Microsoft\Office\OfficeTelemetryAgentLogOn2016`
PowerShell -ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted -Command "$taskPathPattern='\Microsoft\Office\'; $taskNamePattern='OfficeTelemetryAgentLogOn2016'; Write-Output "^""Disabling tasks matching pattern `"^""$taskNamePattern`"^""."^""; $tasks = @(Get-ScheduledTask -TaskPath $taskPathPattern -TaskName $taskNamePattern -ErrorAction Ignore); if (-Not $tasks) { Write-Output "^""Skipping, no tasks matching pattern `"^""$taskNamePattern`"^"" found, no action needed."^""; exit 0; }; $operationFailed = $false; foreach ($task in $tasks) { $taskName = $task.TaskName; if ($task.State -eq [Microsoft.PowerShell.Cmdletization.GeneratedTypes.ScheduledTask.StateEnum]::Disabled) { Write-Output "^""Skipping, task `"^""$taskName`"^"" is already disabled, no action needed."^""; continue; }; try { $task | Disable-ScheduledTask -ErrorAction Stop | Out-Null; Write-Output "^""Successfully disabled task `"^""$taskName`"^""."^""; } catch { Write-Error "^""Failed to disable task `"^""$taskName`"^"": $($_.Exception.Message)"^""; $operationFailed = $true; }; }; if ($operationFailed) { Write-Output 'Failed to disable some tasks. Check error messages above.'; exit 1; }"
- Right click on command prompt to paste it.
- Press Enter to apply remaining code.
Copy restore code
Copy and run the following code to restore changes:
:: Restore scheduled task(s) to default state: `\Microsoft\Office\OfficeTelemetryAgentFallBack`
PowerShell -ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted -Command "$taskPathPattern='\Microsoft\Office\'; $taskNamePattern='OfficeTelemetryAgentFallBack'; $shouldDisable = $false; Write-Output "^""Enabling tasks matching pattern `"^""$taskNamePattern`"^""."^""; $tasks = @(Get-ScheduledTask -TaskPath $taskPathPattern -TaskName $taskNamePattern -ErrorAction Ignore); if (-Not $tasks) { Write-Warning ( "^""Missing task: Cannot enable, no tasks matching pattern `"^""$taskNamePattern`"^"" found."^"" + "^"" This task appears to be not included in this version of Windows."^"" ); exit 0; }; $operationFailed = $false; foreach ($task in $tasks) { $taskName = $task.TaskName; if ($shouldDisable) { if ($task.State -eq [Microsoft.PowerShell.Cmdletization.GeneratedTypes.ScheduledTask.StateEnum]::Disabled) { Write-Output "^""Skipping, task `"^""$taskName`"^"" is already disabled, no action needed."^""; continue; }; } else { if (($task.State -ne [Microsoft.PowerShell.Cmdletization.GeneratedTypes.ScheduledTask.StateEnum]::Disabled) -and ($task.State -ne [Microsoft.PowerShell.Cmdletization.GeneratedTypes.ScheduledTask.StateEnum]::Unknown)) { Write-Output "^""Skipping, task `"^""$taskName`"^"" is already enabled, no action needed."^""; continue; }; }; try { if ($shouldDisable) { $task | Disable-ScheduledTask -ErrorAction Stop | Out-Null; Write-Output "^""Successfully disabled task `"^""$taskName`"^""."^""; } else { $task | Enable-ScheduledTask -ErrorAction Stop | Out-Null; Write-Output "^""Successfully enabled task `"^""$taskName`"^""."^""; }; } catch { Write-Error "^""Failed to restore task `"^""$taskName`"^"": $($_.Exception.Message)"^""; $operationFailed = $true; }; }; if ($operationFailed) { Write-Output 'Failed to restore some tasks. Check error messages above.'; exit 1; }"
:: Restore scheduled task(s) to default state: `\Microsoft\Office\OfficeTelemetryAgentFallBack2016`
PowerShell -ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted -Command "$taskPathPattern='\Microsoft\Office\'; $taskNamePattern='OfficeTelemetryAgentFallBack2016'; $shouldDisable = $false; Write-Output "^""Enabling tasks matching pattern `"^""$taskNamePattern`"^""."^""; $tasks = @(Get-ScheduledTask -TaskPath $taskPathPattern -TaskName $taskNamePattern -ErrorAction Ignore); if (-Not $tasks) { Write-Warning ( "^""Missing task: Cannot enable, no tasks matching pattern `"^""$taskNamePattern`"^"" found."^"" + "^"" This task appears to be not included in this version of Windows."^"" ); exit 0; }; $operationFailed = $false; foreach ($task in $tasks) { $taskName = $task.TaskName; if ($shouldDisable) { if ($task.State -eq [Microsoft.PowerShell.Cmdletization.GeneratedTypes.ScheduledTask.StateEnum]::Disabled) { Write-Output "^""Skipping, task `"^""$taskName`"^"" is already disabled, no action needed."^""; continue; }; } else { if (($task.State -ne [Microsoft.PowerShell.Cmdletization.GeneratedTypes.ScheduledTask.StateEnum]::Disabled) -and ($task.State -ne [Microsoft.PowerShell.Cmdletization.GeneratedTypes.ScheduledTask.StateEnum]::Unknown)) { Write-Output "^""Skipping, task `"^""$taskName`"^"" is already enabled, no action needed."^""; continue; }; }; try { if ($shouldDisable) { $task | Disable-ScheduledTask -ErrorAction Stop | Out-Null; Write-Output "^""Successfully disabled task `"^""$taskName`"^""."^""; } else { $task | Enable-ScheduledTask -ErrorAction Stop | Out-Null; Write-Output "^""Successfully enabled task `"^""$taskName`"^""."^""; }; } catch { Write-Error "^""Failed to restore task `"^""$taskName`"^"": $($_.Exception.Message)"^""; $operationFailed = $true; }; }; if ($operationFailed) { Write-Output 'Failed to restore some tasks. Check error messages above.'; exit 1; }"
:: Restore scheduled task(s) to default state: `\Microsoft\Office\OfficeTelemetryAgentLogOn`
PowerShell -ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted -Command "$taskPathPattern='\Microsoft\Office\'; $taskNamePattern='OfficeTelemetryAgentLogOn'; $shouldDisable = $false; Write-Output "^""Enabling tasks matching pattern `"^""$taskNamePattern`"^""."^""; $tasks = @(Get-ScheduledTask -TaskPath $taskPathPattern -TaskName $taskNamePattern -ErrorAction Ignore); if (-Not $tasks) { Write-Warning ( "^""Missing task: Cannot enable, no tasks matching pattern `"^""$taskNamePattern`"^"" found."^"" + "^"" This task appears to be not included in this version of Windows."^"" ); exit 0; }; $operationFailed = $false; foreach ($task in $tasks) { $taskName = $task.TaskName; if ($shouldDisable) { if ($task.State -eq [Microsoft.PowerShell.Cmdletization.GeneratedTypes.ScheduledTask.StateEnum]::Disabled) { Write-Output "^""Skipping, task `"^""$taskName`"^"" is already disabled, no action needed."^""; continue; }; } else { if (($task.State -ne [Microsoft.PowerShell.Cmdletization.GeneratedTypes.ScheduledTask.StateEnum]::Disabled) -and ($task.State -ne [Microsoft.PowerShell.Cmdletization.GeneratedTypes.ScheduledTask.StateEnum]::Unknown)) { Write-Output "^""Skipping, task `"^""$taskName`"^"" is already enabled, no action needed."^""; continue; }; }; try { if ($shouldDisable) { $task | Disable-ScheduledTask -ErrorAction Stop | Out-Null; Write-Output "^""Successfully disabled task `"^""$taskName`"^""."^""; } else { $task | Enable-ScheduledTask -ErrorAction Stop | Out-Null; Write-Output "^""Successfully enabled task `"^""$taskName`"^""."^""; }; } catch { Write-Error "^""Failed to restore task `"^""$taskName`"^"": $($_.Exception.Message)"^""; $operationFailed = $true; }; }; if ($operationFailed) { Write-Output 'Failed to restore some tasks. Check error messages above.'; exit 1; }"
:: Restore scheduled task(s) to default state: `\Microsoft\Office\OfficeTelemetryAgentLogOn2016`
PowerShell -ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted -Command "$taskPathPattern='\Microsoft\Office\'; $taskNamePattern='OfficeTelemetryAgentLogOn2016'; $shouldDisable = $false; Write-Output "^""Enabling tasks matching pattern `"^""$taskNamePattern`"^""."^""; $tasks = @(Get-ScheduledTask -TaskPath $taskPathPattern -TaskName $taskNamePattern -ErrorAction Ignore); if (-Not $tasks) { Write-Warning ( "^""Missing task: Cannot enable, no tasks matching pattern `"^""$taskNamePattern`"^"" found."^"" + "^"" This task appears to be not included in this version of Windows."^"" ); exit 0; }; $operationFailed = $false; foreach ($task in $tasks) { $taskName = $task.TaskName; if ($shouldDisable) { if ($task.State -eq [Microsoft.PowerShell.Cmdletization.GeneratedTypes.ScheduledTask.StateEnum]::Disabled) { Write-Output "^""Skipping, task `"^""$taskName`"^"" is already disabled, no action needed."^""; continue; }; } else { if (($task.State -ne [Microsoft.PowerShell.Cmdletization.GeneratedTypes.ScheduledTask.StateEnum]::Disabled) -and ($task.State -ne [Microsoft.PowerShell.Cmdletization.GeneratedTypes.ScheduledTask.StateEnum]::Unknown)) { Write-Output "^""Skipping, task `"^""$taskName`"^"" is already enabled, no action needed."^""; continue; }; }; try { if ($shouldDisable) { $task | Disable-ScheduledTask -ErrorAction Stop | Out-Null; Write-Output "^""Successfully disabled task `"^""$taskName`"^""."^""; } else { $task | Enable-ScheduledTask -ErrorAction Stop | Out-Null; Write-Output "^""Successfully enabled task `"^""$taskName`"^""."^""; }; } catch { Write-Error "^""Failed to restore task `"^""$taskName`"^"": $($_.Exception.Message)"^""; $operationFailed = $true; }; }; if ($operationFailed) { Write-Output 'Failed to restore some tasks. Check error messages above.'; exit 1; }"
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