Privacy, as we once knew it, no longer exists. In a world where every device is a potential data collector, the idea of true privacy is now more a memory of the late ’90s than a living, breathing reality. We live surrounded by smartphones, smart TVs, IoT devices, and laptops—each one silently tracking our actions, clicks, and even our conversations. Even something as seemingly simple as a mouse, keyboard, or webcam can come with hidden drivers that require an online connection to work, opening the door to potentially unnecessary data collection.
Take a simple piece of RAM in your computer. It comes with a typewriter-length sheet full of unique data, and while it’s not directly a privacy issue, it is a part of a larger system where every component, from memory chips to sensors, is traceable. In short, every device and every action we take on these devices has the potential to expose us—whether we like it or not.
One example that many people are unaware of is the Intel Management Engine (ME). This hidden component exists on most Intel motherboards and is essentially a small, isolated processor within your main CPU. It runs independently of your operating system and can access memory, hardware, and even the keyboard and network. In some cases, it’s possible for this engine to be used for purposes that may be beyond your control or awareness. This is just one example of the layers of “invisibility” that pervade our digital lives, and these are things that can’t be easily disabled.
So, while the dream of complete privacy is long gone, there are still ways to limit the digital footprint you leave behind. As a user, you can take control, but you’ll have to be realistic about how much privacy is truly achievable.
How I Install Windows 11 to Preserve Privacy (But Not Fully Secure)
When it comes to Windows 11, my goal is to minimize the impact of telemetry and bloatware while still maintaining a usable, fast system. Sure, I’m not under the illusion that I’ll ever achieve 100% privacy or security—there’s no such thing. The moment you connect to the internet, you’ve already opened up the potential for data leakage. But, I’ve found ways to at least preserve as much privacy as possible, and that’s a win in my book.
One of the most effective methods for installing Windows 11 is using Rufus to create a bootable USB drive with the Windows 11 ISO. This way, I can bypass the Microsoft account requirement, a key step in minimizing data-sharing with Microsoft. But there’s another neat trick: choosing the “English World” installation option during setup. This seemingly small choice helps avoid some of the bloatware that typically comes with Windows installations, especially when it comes to pre-installed Microsoft apps and services.
While this method of installation has its advantages, the best assurance for minimizing telemetry is to use Chris Titus’s Ultimate Windows Utility script. You can find more about this tool here (link).
Chris Titus’s Ultimate Windows Utility: A Must-Use Script
This script automatically debloats the system, disables unwanted features, and most importantly, minimizes telemetry by cutting out unnecessary background processes and services. The Ultimate Windows Utility interface allows you to easily apply all the changes you want—whether it’s disabling Copilot, turning off Microsoft’s telemetry collection, or removing unwanted apps like OneDrive and Xbox features.
Once this is done, my computer will only download security updates. By cutting out the bloatware and unnecessary telemetry collection, I significantly reduce the running processes and free up valuable system resources. This is particularly important when I’m running demanding applications, such as Blender for rendering large animations or running virtual machines in Virtualbox.
Security and Telemetry: What You’re Not Being Told
While security and telemetry are real concerns, they are by no means as catastrophic as countless forums and YouTube videos often make them out to be. The truth is, no one is spying on you—at least not in the way many claim. Most telemetry is anonymous data that helps Microsoft and other software developers improve the product, fix bugs, and enhance security. Yes, there is the potential for abuse, but in the case of Windows 11, the most invasive features can be disabled, and the telemetry collection can be limited.
Here’s what I don’t do:
- I don’t install Razer software just to colorize my keyboard keys.
- I don’t install mouse software to assign custom functions to buttons.
- I don’t use Logitech’s software to add more features to my webcam.
These extra utilities often come with bloatware, and in some cases, they may even feed more data to their respective manufacturers than necessary. With a little planning and common sense, it’s still possible to use your devices without contributing too much to the data-harvesting machine that exists behind the scenes.
The Secret to Protecting Your Data: Minimize Unnecessary Features
Ultimately, software developers need telemetry. They use it to improve products, fix bugs, and understand how users interact with their systems. But until they give us full transparency—showing us what data is being collected and how it’s being used—we must remain diligent.
Sometimes, it’s worth passing on the “optional” features that look appealing at first—whether it’s a flashy color customization for your keyboard or another overhyped utility that promises to make your experience “better.” In my experience, these extras do very little to improve the user experience but add unnecessary complexity and privacy risks.
Both Linux and Windows have their pros and cons when it comes to privacy. But the truth is, neither operating system offers more privacy than the other. That’s why I’ve taken the extra step of using a network switch with an on/off switch for my devices. When I’m not in my office, there’s no reason for my devices to be connected to the internet, and by powering off the switch, I effectively block external connections from accessing my systems.
I don’t encrypt my operating system anymore, but I do encrypt secondary hard drives, where the bulk of my sensitive data is stored. It’s a practical balance that serves me well. In fact, this strategy has worked for me for 25 years, and it’s one I’ll continue to fine-tune as new technologies emerge.
When I have some more time, I plan to document some of the data obfuscation techniques I use to make it more difficult for anyone to access my information. For example, my email accounts and server logins use hard-to-crack passwords like this one:
9IHuwd._Zgw(6~w.&$T&ha=)Yz~1!{xgOwoptGPlV=Tza<RoR
Even if someone were to acquire my hard drives, without my permission and without the right technology, the data would be rendered all but useless.
It’s About Control, Not Illusion
The bottom line is that privacy in today’s world is about control, not illusion. There’s no magic bullet to protect yourself fully, but by following a few simple strategies and making conscious choices about the software you install and the data you share, you can still have a more secure, private experience in this digital age.
So, yes, telemetry is an issue. But with the right tools, a little knowledge, and common sense, it’s possible to minimize its impact while still enjoying all the benefits modern computing has to offer.