deGDID Tool Removes Microsoft's Tracking Identifier from Windows
The privacy-focused tool deGDID has been developed by Windscribe to help users remove Microsoft's Global Device Identifier (GDID) from their Windows systems. The script, which runs through PowerShell with administrator privileges, targets the GDID and prevents it from being reissued by Windows.
When executed, deGDID removes cached tracking keys from the Windows registry and modifies Access Control Lists and registry permissions to prevent Windows from reissuing the GDID. It also blocks Microsoft's DeviceAdd endpoint, which is used to track devices.
However, users should note that running deGDID will break some Microsoft account services, including login.live.com and account verification. Windscribe acknowledges that keys already stored on Microsoft's servers cannot be deleted, meaning the company retains indefinite access to previously collected data.
The script is available for download from GitHub and offers four execution flags that control its behavior. While deGDID provides a workaround for users concerned about their privacy, it is essential to understand the limitations of this solution.