Microsoft Collects Typing Data from Windows Users

When you set up a new Windows PC, it's easy to click through Microsoft's privacy options without paying attention to what you've enabled. One of those settings allows Microsoft to collect samples of your typing data, which can be concerning for some users.

This data collection is used to improve features such as handwriting recognition, autocompletion, and spelling correction. However, Microsoft assures that the samples are processed to remove unique identifiers, sequencing information, email addresses, numeric values, and other information that could be used to reconstruct the original content or associate it with you.

To stop Microsoft from collecting your typing data, go to Settings > Privacy & security > Diagnostics & feedback and turn off Improve inking and typing. In some older versions of Windows, this option may not be available, so check the setting for Full diagnostic data instead.