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Disable Windows search data collection

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Works with Windows 10 and 11Works with Windows Vista, XP, 7, 8, 10, 11, and Windows Server 2008 or newer.
  • Multiple actionsThis page belongs to a category, containing some changes with similar goal.
  • Windows onlyThis script improves your privacy on Windows
  • Impact: MinimumSystem Functionality Loss Risk: Low
    This action improves privacy with minimal impact when you run the recommended script.
  • Batch (batchfile)These changes use Windows system commands to update your settings.
  • 29 scripts
  • 5 categories
  • Fully reversible

    You can fully restore this action (revert back to the original behavior) using this website.

    The restore/revert methods provided here can help you fix issues.

Overview​

This category is dedicated to minimizing the personal data collected and utilized by Windows Search and Cortana. It encompasses a range of scripts designed to curtail data sharing and bolster user privacy. These scripts are crucial for preventing the search function from transmitting sensitive information such as search history, account details, and location data to Microsoft's servers.

The Windows search functionality, often integrated with Cortana 1, is a key feature that allows for data collection through various means. This includes gathering user searches, contacts, location data, voice inputs, browsing history, and details from emails, calendars, and communication history 2.

The voice data thus collected aids in refining language understanding and machine learning models 2. Furthermore, Cortana's use of location data provides contextually relevant answers and suggestions, often estimating the user's location via their IP address 2. This feature extends to web browsing as well, where Cortana utilizes Microsoft Edge browsing history for personalized suggestions 2.

Contacts, calendar details, and email information are also accessed by Cortana to track and offer tailored suggestions 2 Additionally, when signed in, chat history with Cortana is retained, and typed searches are transmitted to Bing for enhanced recommendation quality, even when Cortana is not actively in use 2.

By using the scripts in this category, users can significantly enhance their privacy and security. These scripts enable users to control the extent of their personal data used by Windows, thereby ensuring a more secure and private search experience.

Safe for General Use
This script has Normal protection level option. This is recommended for all users to improve without any noticeable impact on the system functionality.
Sources
PrivacyLearn.com maintains strict sourcing standards for accuracy, integrity and up-to-date content. Our content relies on authoritative sources including vendor documentation, industry standards, and verified research. Learn more about our verification process and quality standards in our editorial standards page.

Apply Now​

Choose one of two ways to apply:

Download script​

Download and run the script directly
  • No app needed
  • Offline usage
  • Easy-to-apply
  • Free
  • Open-source

Normal — Functional Privacy​

  • Recommended for all
  • Safe for daily use
  • No impact on system stability

Read more about Normal and other protection levels

Help

How to apply or restore "Disable Windows search data collection" using script​

  • ≈ 2 min to complete
  • Tools: Web Browser
  • Difficulty: Simple
  • ≈ 6 instructions
  1. 1

    Choose protection

    Choose one of the options with different impact levels:

    • Normal​

      Some safe scripts minimal system impact.

    • High​

      Some advanced scripts with high system impact.

    Learn more about protection levels

  2. 2

    Download

    Download the script file by clicking on the   Apply protection  button above.
    Use   Undo protection button above to restore changes.
  3. 3

    Keep the file

    If warned by your browser, keep the file.
  4. 4

    Open

    Open the downloaded file.
  5. 5

    Exit

    Once it's done, press any key to exit the window.
  6. 6

    Restart

    Restart your computer for all changes to take effect.

Apply with privacy.sexy​

Guided, automated application with safety checks
  • Recommended for most users
  • Includes safety checks
  • Shows the code
  • Free
  • Open-source
  • Popular
  • Offline/Online usage
Open privacy.sexy
Help

How to apply or restore "Disable Windows search data collection" using privacy.sexy​

  • ≈ 3 min to complete
  • Tools: privacy.sexy
  • Difficulty: Simple
  • ≈ 4 instructions
privacy.sexy is free and open-source application that lets securely apply this action easily with more advanced options.
  1. 1

    Open or download

    Open or download the desktop application
  2. 2

    Choose script

    1. Search for the category name: Disable Windows search data collection
    2. Check the category by clicking on the checkbox of the category.

    Applying Normal to limit the impact.

  3. 3

    Run

    Click on ▶️ Run button at the bottom of the page.

    This button only appears on desktop version (recommended). On browser, use 💾 Save button.

Explore This Guide​

  • 29 Privacy settings
  • 3 Main categories
    • These settings are organized into 3 main categories for easy navigation.
    • Main categories may contain subcategories, further organizing related functionality.
  • 5 Total categories

Choose what to protect based on your needs:This script already includes these options.
You can review, apply or reverse each option individually.
Click any option to learn more about what it does.

  • Some settings and commands may require technical knowledge to apply correctly.
  • Most users find the Normal protection above sufficient.

Similar Guides​

Wider Goal​

The guide below includes this guide to achieve a wider goal.See other more general settings that includes this one as one of its actions.
These plans combine multiple privacy settings, including this one, for stronger protection.
Visit category: Disable OS data collection

Same Goal​

Other guides in Disable OS data collection See settings that are in the same category as this guide.
Using other actions in the same category may help you achieve your goal better.
See all 26 guides
Disable app access to personal information
Disable Customer Experience Improvement Program
Disable Application Experience data collection
Disable Application Compatibility Framework
Disable Windows telemetry and data collection
Disable connectivity checks
Disable update and app sharing
Disable location access
Disable targeted advertisements and marketing
Disable biometrics (breaks fingerprinting/facial login)
Disable Windows Insider Program
Disable cloud sync
Disable Recall
Disable cloud-based speech recognition
Opt out of Windows privacy consent
Disable Windows feedback collection
Disable text and handwriting data collection
Disable device sensors
Disable Wi-Fi Sense
Disable app launch tracking (hides most-used apps)
Disable Website Access of Language List
Disable automatic map downloads
Disable game screen recording
Disable internet access for Windows DRM
Disable typing feedback (sends typing data)
Disable Activity Feed feature

About the Creators​

These people have authored this documentation and written its scripts:

  • Avatar of undergroundwires. The creator of PrivacyLearn and privacy.sexy. Black and white portrait showing a person wearing a polka dot tie and suit jacket, reflecting the professional expertise behind the privacy protection tools.
    • Certified security professional
    • 7+ years experience securing banks
    • Open-source developer since 2005
    • EU advisor, Public Speaker, Moderator
    • Hundreds across the globe
    • Testers, reviewers, developers
    • Companies, military agencies
    • Community since 2017
About Us

Reviewed By​

This guide has undergone comprehensive auditing and peer review:

  • Expert review by undergroundwires​

    • Verified technical accuracy and editorial standards
    • Assessed system impact and user privacy risks
    • Audited and verified using automated security tests

  • Public review by large community​

    • Privacy enthusiasts and professionals peer-reviewed
    • Millions of end-users tested across different environments
    • Audited and verified using third-party security software

History​

We continually monitor our guides, their impact and other potential privacy options. We update our guides when new information becomes available. On every update, we publicly store who made the change, what has been changed, why the change was made and when the change was made.

Review Change History Our Change Process