14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft has rolled out new Windows 10 adoption figures earlier today, and one of the statements that have made some raise an eyebrow is this (emphasis is ours):
“One of the ways we measure our progress with Windows 10 is looking at how people are using Windows. Recently we reached another milestone - people have spent over 11 billion hours on Windows 10 in December alone, spending more time on Windows than ever before.”
Leaving aside the remarkable performance of Windows 10, it’s worth noting that Microsoft “is looking at how people are using Windows,” so basically, the company keeps an eye on computers running its operating system and can tell how long and what apps you use.
Encrypted data, not tied to a user account
After revealing some stats, there were concerns that Microsoft’s monitoring every single click to tell how long you use a Windows 10 PC, but in fact, there’s nothing too frightening.
First and foremost, it’s worth noting that Microsoft is not “monitoring how long you use Windows 10,” but keeping an eye on various usage patterns to determine how to improve the operating system. And what’s more, this is nothing new, as Microsoft itself mentions in the description of its telemetry settings that it might be tracking such information.
There are three different telemetry settings, namely basic, enhanced, and full, but all Windows 10 devices come by default configured to use the enhanced mode. According to Microsoft’s own statement, tracking how customers use their computers is included.
“Enhanced data includes all Basic data plus data about how you use Windows, such as how frequently or how long you use certain features or apps and which apps you use most often. We also use this information to measure reliability of devices, the operating system, and apps. If you select this option, we’ll be able to provide you with an enhanced and personalized Windows experience,” Microsoft explains.
Second of all, Terry Myerson, head of the operating systems group, said in a statement in 2015 that all information is encrypted and does not contain personal details. So while Microsoft knows how long you’ve been using your computer, it doesn’t know it’s you. So yes, you can keep playing games all night, Microsoft won’t tell anyone.