With the increasing amount of personal data being collected by tech giants like Microsoft, many users are concerned about their privacy when using Windows 10 and 11. That’s where DoNotSpy11 comes in. Developed by pXc-coding, a software company based in Germany, DoNotSpy11 is a free tool that lets you manage how these operating systems and some of their applications respect your privacy. In this article, we’ll review the features and benefits of DoNotSpy11, as well as some of the potential risks and limitations of using it.
What is DoNotSpy11?
DoNotSpy11 is the successor of DoNotSpy10, the world’s first antispy tool for Windows 10. According to its website, DoNotSpy11 allows you to manage how Windows 10, Windows 11, Microsoft Edge, and Microsoft Office collect and use your data. It has a simple user interface that lets you enable or disable various settings related to privacy and security.
Features of DoNotSpy11
DoNotSpy11 can help you protect your privacy and security by giving you more control over how Windows 10 and 11 handle your data. Here are some of the features that DoNotSpy11 offers:-
Disabling telemetry and diagnostic data collection
One of the main privacy concerns for users is the amount of data that Windows collects about their usage and sends back to Microsoft. DoNotSpy11 allows you to disable telemetry and diagnostic data collection, which can reduce the amount of data that Microsoft and other third parties can access and use.
Disabling Cortana and web search in the Start menu
Cortana is a virtual assistant that comes with Windows 10 and Windows 11. While it can be useful, it also collects data about your usage and sends it back to Microsoft. DoNotSpy11 allows you to disable Cortana and web search in the Start menu, which can improve your privacy and reduce the network traffic and system resources that these features consume.
Disabling location services and access to your camera and microphone
Windows 10 and 11 can access your location, camera, and microphone, which can be a privacy concern for some users. DoNotSpy11 allows you to disable location services and access to your camera and microphone, which can prevent apps and services from accessing this information without your consent.
Disabling automatic updates and restarts
While automatic updates and restarts can be useful for keeping your system up-to-date and secure, they can also be annoying and disruptive. DoNotSpy11 allows you to disable automatic updates and restarts, giving you more control over when and how your system updates.
Disabling ads and suggestions in Windows and apps
Windows 10 and 11 can display ads and suggestions in various places, such as the Start menu and the lock screen. DoNotSpy11 allows you to disable ads and suggestions in Windows and apps, which can improve your privacy and reduce the distractions caused by these features.
Disabling OneDrive and Cloud sync
OneDrive is a cloud storage service that comes with Windows 10 and Windows 11. While it can be useful for syncing your files across devices, it can also be a privacy concern for some users. DoNotSpy11 allows you to disable OneDrive and cloud sync, which can prevent your files from being uploaded to Microsoft’s servers.
Disabling Windows Defender and SmartScreen
Windows Defender is a built-in antivirus software that comes with Windows 10 and Windows 11. While it can be useful for protecting your system from malware, it can also be a privacy concern for some users. DoNotSpy11 allows you to disable Windows Defender and SmartScreen, which can prevent these features from scanning your files and sending data to Microsoft.
Windows Defender uses real-time protection to scan your files and protect your system from threats. It also sends telemetry data to Microsoft about your system and the threats it encounters. Some users may not want their files scanned or their data shared with Microsoft, so disabling Windows Defender may be a viable option.
SmartScreen is a feature in Windows that helps protect you from phishing sites and malicious downloads. It works by checking the websites and files you download against a list of known threats. However, it also sends data to Microsoft about the files you download and the websites you visit. If you don’t want your browsing and downloading activity tracked, you can disable SmartScreen.
To disable Windows Defender and SmartScreen using DoNotSpy11, simply navigate to the “Privacy” tab and scroll down to the “Windows Defender” and “SmartScreen” sections. Click on the “Disable” button next to each option to turn them off. Note that disabling these features may leave your system more vulnerable to malware and phishing attacks, so make sure you have another antivirus program installed and that you are careful about what files you download and the websites you visit.
Disabling Password Reveal Button and Wi-Fi Sense
The password reveal button is a feature in Windows 10 and Windows 11 that allows you to see the password you’re typing in a text field. While this can be helpful if you’re not sure if you’re typing the password correctly, it can also be a security risk if someone is looking over your shoulder. DoNotSpy11 allows you to disable the password reveal button so that the password is always hidden when you type it.
Wi-Fi Sense is a feature in Windows 10 and 11 that allows you to share your Wi-Fi network with your contacts. While this can be convenient if you have friends or family members who visit your home frequently, it can also be a privacy concern if you don’t want your contacts to have access to your network. DoNotSpy11 allows you to disable Wi-Fi Sense to prevent your network from being shared.
To disable the password reveal button and Wi-Fi Sense using DoNotSpy11, simply navigate to the “Privacy” tab and scroll down to the “Password Reveal Button” and “Wi-Fi Sense” sections. Click on the “Disable” button next to each option to turn them off. Note that disabling Wi-Fi Sense may prevent you from connecting to certain networks or sharing your network with your contacts, so make sure you’re aware of the potential consequences before disabling this feature.
Download DoNotSpy11
You can download DoNotSpy11 from its official website.
Conclusion
DoNotSpy11 is a useful tool for Windows 10 and Windows 11 users who are concerned about their privacy and want more control over how their data is collected and used. It allows you to disable a variety of features that may compromise your privacy, such as telemetry data collection, Cortana, location services, and more. However, it’s important to note that disabling some of these features may leave your system more vulnerable to malware and other threats, so make sure you have another antivirus program installed and that you’re careful about what files you download and the websites you visit.
If you decide to use DoNotSpy11, be sure to read the descriptions of each setting carefully and understand what they do before enabling or disabling them. Backup your data before making any changes to your system settings and test your system and applications after applying any changes to make sure they work properly. And remember, use DoNotSpy11 with caution and at your own risk.
Update: The DoNotSpy11 has been updated, and now it supports Windows 11 23H2 and disables Copilot.
