Some new options are included right in the installer

Oct 6, 2015 05:32 GMT  ·  By

Windows 10's privacy saga is far from coming to an end, but Microsoft seems to be keener on getting over this once and for all, so the company is working to make it easier for users to control their settings in the operating system.

The latest build that leaked to the web, 10558, comes with some improvements in this regard, including new options that are available right from the setup.

For example, @WinObs spotted that when installing Windows 10 build 10558, you are allowed to turn off the automatic connection to suggested Wi-Fi hotspots, but also to disable peer to peer sharing of Windows Updates.

We've also noticed another improvement in this regard, as Microsoft now displays a notification right after the install comes to an end, telling users in the action center that “Windows updates and apps will download from and be sent to PCs on your local network, and PCs on the Internet. Click to learn more.”

Clicking this notification gets you to the Windows Update configuration screen where you can disable P2P update distribution, which is clearly a welcome change to Windows 10.

All settings are still enabled

Although build 10558 comes with some improvements in terms of privacy and gives users more control straight from the installer, all data collection features are still enabled, which means some information is still being sent to Microsoft. So users have to manually disable services such as browsing history, location, and typed text tracking, or turn to third-party apps that can do that automatically.

Windows boss Terry Myerson has already confirmed that some anonymous data is collected from users' PCs in order to further improve the operating system, but he stated that nothing leaves your computer unencrypted and all details are stored in secure places at Microsoft.

Expect similar improvements to continue in the coming builds, but it remains to be seen to what degree Microsoft is actually willing to adjust data collection in Windows 10.

More privacy settings now displayed during the installer
More privacy settings now displayed during the installer

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P2P update distribution notification in the action center
More privacy settings now displayed during the installer
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