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Disable census 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.
  • Windows onlyThis script improves your privacy on Windows
  • Multiple actionsThis page belongs to a category, containing some changes with similar goal.
  • Impact: Minimum

    System Functionality / Data 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.
  • 3 scripts
  • No subcategories
  • Administrator rights requiredThis script requires privilege access to do the system changes
  • 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 focuses on disabling Windows Census.

Windows Census is a component that collects device configuration data 1. This configuration data includes your operating system, region, language, and hardware architecture 2. Microsoft uses this data to determine which updates are appropriate for your system 3.

Disabling Census enhances privacy by preventing the collection and transmission of device data to Microsoft 1 2 3. However, this may affect Windows' ability to provide tailored updates.

Safe for General Use
All actions in this script is recommended for all users. 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 — Everyday Privacy (Enterprise-Grade)​

  • 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 census data collection" using script​

  • ≈ 2 min to complete
  • Tools: Web Browser
  • Difficulty: Simple
  • ≈ 5 instructions
  1. 1

    Download

    Download the script file by clicking on the   Apply protection  button above.
    Use   Undo protection button above to restore changes.
  2. 2

    Keep the file

    If warned by your browser, keep the file.
  3. 3

    Open

    Open the downloaded file.
  4. 4

    Exit

    Once it's done, press any key to exit the window.
  5. 5

    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 census 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 census data collection
    2. Check the category by clicking on the checkbox of the category.
  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​

  • 3 Privacy settings

Choose what to protect based on your needs:

Click any option to learn more about what it does.

Each change can be applied and reversed individually.

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

Disable "Device" task

This script disables the "Device" scheduled task. According to the Task Scheduler, this task triggers the execution of the "%SYSTEMROOT%\\System32\\devicecensus.exe SystemCxt" command in Windows 10 and 11. This component collects device and configuration data, which is then sent to Microsoft. By disabling this task, users can prevent this specific data collection process, enhancing their privacy. Overview of default task statuses - "\\Microsoft\\Windows\\Device Information\\Device": •OS Version: Windo...

Disable "Device User" task

This script disables the "Device User" scheduled task. According to the Task Scheduler, this task triggers the execution of the "%SYSTEMROOT%\\System32\\devicecensus.exe UserCxt" command in Windows 10 and 11. This component collects device and configuration data, which is then sent to Microsoft. By disabling this task, users can prevent this specific data collection process, enhancing their privacy. Overview of default task statuses - "\\Microsoft\\Windows\\Device Information\\Device User": •OS Versio...

Disable device and configuration data collection tool

This script prevents the execution of "devicecensus.exe", also known as the "device and configuration data collection tool". This tool is located at "%SYSTEMROOT%\\System32\\DeviceCensus.exe" and is responsible for gathering data used for compatibility updates. Disabling this tool helps keeping the device's data private and preventing its usage for diagnostic collections or determining update applicability.

Similar Guides​

Wider Goal​

Guides 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.

Windows online privacy maintenance tip: disable Windows telemetry and data collection to enhance secure data privacy maintenance — this feature helps you analyze h...
Visit category page

Same Goal​

Other guides in Disable Windows telemetry and 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.

Disable diagnostics telemetry services
Disable enterprise/business focused data collection
Disable diagnostic and usage telemetry
Disable automatic cloud configuration downloads
Disable license telemetry
Disable error reporting

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

  • Public review by large community​

    • Privacy enthusiasts and professionals peer-reviewed
    • Millions of end-users tested across different environments

History​

We continually monitor our guides, their impact and all other 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