Windows 10 collects various data including speech, text, handwriting, apps, and device usage and health while you are using the system. It doesn’t mean it logs all data, and work as a keylogger, it only collects data points to improve the OS to make sure to improve the next version. The good news is that you can disable inking and typing recognition on Windows 10 easily.

If you are wondering why it’s a matter of concern because it does track what you type for next word prediction, spelling correction, and autocorrection that seems to act like a keylogger. That said, Microsoft has been pushed hard by Privacy Organizations including government to give users an option to opt-out of this kind of recording.

Starting with Windows 10 v1803, Microsoft has rolled out an option using which you can disable inking and typing recognition from the user experience. You should also know that Windows 10 comes with extensive options in Privacy Settings which you can configure even before installing the OS. These options are also available post-Windows 10 installations.

Disable Inking and Typing Data Collection

In this guide, I will share how you can disable this data collection step by step. However, remember that it will not help Microsoft to improve the experience, but it’s your choice, and it’s all right.

Open Settings > Click on Privacy > Click on Diagnostic & feedback. Turn off the Improve inking & typing recognition toggle switch. You can also choose to turn off “Tailored Experiences“. This feature offers personalized Tips, ads, and recommendations that enhance Microsoft products and services for your needs.

Once you do this, Windows 10 will no longer collect and send your inking and typing data to Microsoft. However, you can use the Diagnostic data viewer to find out what data Microsoft has collected till now. Its an official app from Microsoft which opens up every data Microsoft has collected from you, and can be used to see, and then delete all the data. It usually takes up to 1 GB of your hard disk space.

This guide only covers disabling of data collection through handwriting and typing. There are other types of Telemetry like speech which can not be controlled from here. You need to visit your Microsoft Account Portal Privacy settings to check each of the telemetries which include clear search history, browsing history, location activity, voice activity, media activity, product and service, performance, Cortana, and Microsoft Health Data.

Hope you find this feature useful!