Reviewing your Windows privacy settings
Windows collects some data by default, and apps can ask to reach your location, camera, and microphone. Tidying these settings reduces what is shared and limits the damage if an app is ever compromised.
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Open Privacy & security
Go to Settings > Privacy & security. There's a lot here, so focus on a few useful areas.
App permissions
Under App permissions, check Location, Camera, and Microphone. For each, turn off access for any app that has no reason to need it. A note-taking app doesn't need your camera, for example.
Diagnostic data and advertising ID
In Diagnostics & feedback, set the data level to the Required or basic option. Under General, you can turn off the advertising ID so apps can't use it to profile you.
A sensible balance
You don't have to switch everything off. The goal is simply that each app only reaches what it genuinely needs. Five minutes here is enough for a real improvement.
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