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You can use an automated tool such as Spybot Anti-Beacon. Some are worse than others, and some can do damage. This one should be fine.
Since you are installing Windows 10, you can block a lot of it during the install. Review this to get a better understanding. Doing things manually is always your best approach.
Windows 10 Home has so many annoying "features" it is scary. You can't even tell your PC not to download updates unless you say you have a metered internet connection.
On top of that the privacy settings are insane. Takes a good 30 minutes to disable everything trying to send Microsoft information. Some of the information being for advertising purposes.
And of course they install and run One Drive by default, which is another "feature" you have to disable.
Stick with Windows 7, if it lets you...
Update:
/u/Ryesagain knew of some software to help disable tracking in Windows 10.
- Classic shell: http://www.classicshell.net/
- Spybot Anti Beacon (blocks telemetry): https://www.safer-networking.org/spybot-anti-beacon/
Remove Metro Apps: Open Windows Powershell as an admin and run
get-appxpackage -allusers | remove-appxpackage
Change default programs by opening PC settings and typing 'default' in the searchbar, should be self explanatory from there.
Check this out if you decide to stick with Windows 10, https://www.safer-networking.org/spybot-anti-beacon/
Edit: It blocks ALL data collection from Microsoft, many options if you wish to leave some things enabled although I don't know why you would want too.
Just a heads up: This update (1511) is known to reset some privacy settings to "on", and install additional ones, of course also with default "on".
So you may want to recheck the settings.
Start -> type "privacy" -> click on any "X privacy settings" menu entry
Then go through the tabs on the left and switch off anything you don't want.
Especially "Background Apps" seems to re-enable everything.
Also Spybot Anti-Beacon helps with disabling all those unwanted features for Win 7, 8.x and 10 (like "telemetry"/spying, Ad-ID, CEIP, Peer2peer-Updates using your upload and so).
It's in beta right now, but works great.
There's even a portable and a standalone version.
Spybot is known for their popular anti-malware product "Search&Destroy", and has a very good reputation in the IT world.
Re-posting from elsewhere:
For Win7/8.1 users, be sure to protect your computers with GWX Control Panel and Spybot Anti-Beacon.
This is why I use SpyBot Anti Beacon. It has an option to redo all the blocks every time you start up your computer.
It's not enough though. I use Peerblock, and while using my computer for something unrelated to any Microsoft program (playing a game in fullscreen), it will go haywire and start blocking dozens of Microsoft server requests in the span of 2 seconds. Haven't found anything to prevent these requests from even being created.
You will get spammed everytime you use your computer and unless you are very cautious you may still end up with win10 installed on your computer because it can schedule itself to be installed. A lot of people have started their computer one day and notice it has been updated to win10 during the night for example. Or an update can start completely out of the blue while you are working on something. And if you install it and then choose to rollback to your previous windows version the spam will start again. Also win10 may simply choose to uninstall some software on its own that it finds incompatible. You also need to register all your software again if you have paid versions.
Windows 7 and 8 will also download the win10 update all on its own which can break your datacaps. Windows will also use p2p to share windows patches which also adds traffic coming and going from your computer. And it also sends data to microsoft.
Win10 also comes with a lot of spying software that basically makes it a privacy risk imho (I'd not be surprised if it recorded all your keyboard inputs, websites you visit and all your metadata. You you know, what programs you use, when and so forth...). Windows offers some options to turn that shit off but you need some other software or registry hacking to get rid of it all. And when windows updates itself it turns some of those settings back on which you had turned off previously. Also win10 has removed a lot of control from the windows update so you can't really control how, what and when you install (or not) the windows updates.
And if that wasn't enough microsoft has been putting these same spying addons into windows 7 and 8.1. So either way you probably want to do some cleaning up unless you have no problem with the spying. One option is to run http://dws.wzor.net/. Other good option is https://www.safer-networking.org/spybot-anti-beacon/. Be careful with whatever you use as there are some fake win10 softwares as well.
90% fix, at least in Europe. Don't know how fucked you Americans are regarding privacy.
- Completely reinstall windows, wipe your drives
- Reinstall it, uncheck all anti-privacy boxes. Completely avoid Cortana. ALSO DO NOT USE A MICROSOFT ACCOUNT. Use a local account.
- After the reinstallation, go to settings --> privacy and uncheck all access like location, microphone, background apps, everything. Applications still work like before (windows 7)
- Delete all the pre-installed windows apps like Xbox via Windows Powershell, here's all the codes: https://www.howtogeek.com/224798/how-to-uninstall-windows-10s-built-in-apps-and-how-to-reinstall-them/amp/
- Download CCleaner and delete all leftover pre-installed Windows apps. https://www.piriform.com/ccleaner/download
- Download Spybot anti-beacon, it blocks a lot of data going directly to Microsoft. https://www.safer-networking.org/spybot-anti-beacon/
(7). When installing any new programme, never press the 'quick install' button. Check if it doesn't install toolbars or extra virus scanners.
This obviously doesn't fix everything, MS still has countless ways of spying on you and can still access everything in your computer. If not, luckily Intel has the solution for them with CPU backdoors Https://www.techrepublic.com/google-amp/article/is-the-intel-management-engine-a-backdoor/
The creators of Spybot Search and Destroy also put out a telemetry blocking software. Its called Spybot anti-beacon.
They are a pretty reputable company.
I just dropped a new 1 TB as my primary hard drive and had to do a fresh intall.
You have to beat windows into submission. This is a good tool.
Use Spybot Anti-Beacon to disable all of that and lots of other stuff that nobody likes.
It's especially good with Windows 10, but also blocks telemetry stuff from Windows 7, 8 and 8.1 too.
It's one the worst O.S. for privacy, but you can fix it up a bit: * Change privacy settings (Start > Settings > Privacy) * Install Spybot Anti-Beacon
If you're uncomfortable with the data collections in Windows 10, you shouldn't. Basically all Windows OSes since XP phone home back to Microsoft in some way.
There is no way to turn it off completely or avoid it. You need the source code of Windows to do that.
The privacy thing started because Windows 10 made it completely obvious they were collecting more data and the fact that they have these settings turn on to default.
If it bothers you a lot, just downgrade to 7 or 8.1, which have less tracking than 10.
If you insist on Windows 10, you can use Spybot's antibeacon tool, block the telemetry points, and call it a day
https://www.safer-networking.org/spybot-anti-beacon/
Server OSes are not really meant for gaming or tasks that are not related to hosting of services
I use Spybot Anti-Beacon to get rid of the telemetry. I unpinned all the apps on the start menu so it isn't full of tiles and I got rid of Cortana.
Of course, it's all optional and won't change much.
I'm surprised I don't see more people recommending Spybot Anti Beacon by Safer Networking. It's quite nearly a one-and-done solution to all the telemetry / ad-related crap in Win10. Yes, the ads should not be there to begin with, but since we can't change that, Spybot is a really nice all in one package solution for most of these annoyances. I've been using it since the beginning of my Win10 days and I've never seen any ads with it installed.
Install the Spybot Anti-Beacon.
> Spybot Anti-Beacon is a standalone tool which was designed to block and stop the various tracking (telemetry) issues present in Windows 10. It has since been modified to block similar tracking functionality in Windows 7, Windows 8 and Windows 8.1 operating systems.
Just click "Immunize" and sometime when running it I believe it asks you if you want it to startup with windows and re-undo all the spy stuff.
Most people complain about nowadays is privacy issues and some incompatibilities with programs. (and the forced upgrading, which is pretty much a dick move)
As far as privacy concerns, this should do the trick: https://www.safer-networking.org/spybot-anti-beacon/
The compatability test performed before upgrading should check if your apps and hardware are compatible.
My own view: i like it, haven't had a problem with it. The majority of the people like it. Forcing to upgrade is a dick move, but i understand it from microsofts perspective. (if the majority of the systems run on the same os, troubleshooting will be easier). People who hate it will always hate it, but i feel that some are really overreacting,
Its pretty much windows 7 with the good windows 8 features.
I have a bad track record with my posts being ignored in TechSupport so I figured I would ask here, the friendliest sub on all of Reddit!
When I use my GoogleFu to ask "What Windows 10 features should I disable?" I get links to ways to disable Windows 10 tracking and telemetry; it's good information, but I've already got tracking turned off so that's not so helpful.
(If you haven't already disabled Windows 10 tracking, hit this link up.)
I use my PC for gaming, web surfing, file sharing, plotting world conquest, the normal stuff. So what can I safely disable? Is there anything that would be beneficial to enable? Is there a website that would have answered all these questions?
You should update; however they've stuffed various tracking bits (unlabeled as such) n the 'necessary' sections. Running something like Sptbot Anti-Beacon will kill the trackers, and something like GWX Control Panel will 'immunize' you from Win10.
Why are you afraid? Do you have anything to hide?
Anyway, how efficient are these 2 programs?
GWX Control Panel This is a free tool that can remove and disable the 'Get Windows 10' notification area icon on Windows 7 and Windows 8. Recent versions can also disable 'Upgrade to Windows 10' behavior in the Windows Update control panel and do much more. http://ultimateoutsider.com/downloads/
Spybot Anti-Beacon is a standalone tool which was designed to block and stop the various tracking (telemetry) issues present in Windows 10. It has since been modified to block similar tracking functionality in Windows 7, Windows 8 and Windows 8.1 operating systems. https://www.safer-networking.org/spybot-anti-beacon/
This probably isn't the right subreddit, since this is more for Windows news or enterprise Windows sysadmin information, but I'll give you a short list of things to do anyway.
1) McAfee is garbage and potentially contributing to the slowness. Uninstall it (and stop paying for it if you have a subscription) and activate the built in Windows Defender.
2) Check what programs are running along with startup. If you don't know how to do that, use a piece of software like CCleaner which can show you startup items easily. You can also see what is running in the system tray.
3) Beyond that, download and run Spybot Anti-Beacon. It will disable a bunch of Windows garbage as well as potentially streaming updates to other computers which could be impacting your own device performance.
Assuming you aren't very technical you may need to search for guides on how to do these things or take it to someone more savvy. It's also possible that your laptop just contains a very slow crappy 5400RPM hard drive which is fairly out of date these days. Replacing it isn't expensive, but it is difficult for a novice.
Since you're using Windows 10, I would use Spybot Anti-Beacon, and for security I personally use Sophos Home.
"Spybot Anti-Beacon is a standalone tool which was designed to block and stop the various tracking (telemetry) issues present in Windows 10."
Yeah just the other day i was looking at sticky notes app and it sends "usage statistics" unless you disable it , but even then i have my doubts.
Win 10 is the most intrusive OS to date.
Edit: link for those wishing to reclaim some of their privacy back
Compulsory Addendum - https://www.safer-networking.org/spybot-anti-beacon/
Not at all. disabling it in preferences won't make it stop from running in the background.
This is how I removed it. Easily.
- Open task manager, Details. Locate Cortana.
- Right click on the process, show file location.
- Try to change the name of the folder, it won't let you because it's running... don't press cancel.
- Kill the process in the task manager, and go back FAST and click retry.
- Now the folder is renamed and won't be launched again!
It worked for me. Now I do not have cortana. I'm a bit happier now.
I also used the /r/tronscript that removes some tracking, also Spybot anti-beacon.
Windows 7 & 8.1 have been updated with the same telemetry that is in Windows 10. You can also use a one click tool to block as much of it as possible. https://www.safer-networking.org/spybot-anti-beacon/
/u/AtlasPwn3d is right about it being anti-vac'ers of the tech world.
You will require 2 programs to accomplish this:
Once you got those, you can officially take full control of your Windows 10 OS.
Spybot antibeacon. Install check everything, forget it exists. It will auto reapply on reboots, so even when windows "helpfully" turns things back on, it turns it back off.
Simply install a lightweight piece of software called Spybot Anti-beacon https://www.safer-networking.org/spybot-anti-beacon/
Been using it since around the start of W10 public release and I have never seen any adds on my copy of W10.
Spybot Anti-Beacon works well, it's free and lightweight.
https://www.safer-networking.org/spybot-anti-beacon/
Don't listen to all of the "your privacy isn't being invaded" people, they're wrong.
Also, Office Online is really good these days, almost all features are available.
>spybot antibeacon
Guessing this is thew right one?
>That said go for Pro/Enterprise for greater control over the updates than Home.
Looking on Microsoft's website the home and pro editions are exactly the same and also I get even find the option to buy the pro edition.
EDIT: I managed to find the option to buy Windows 10 Pro but fuck its expensive.
You might try https://www.safer-networking.org/spybot-anti-beacon/ "Spybot Anti-Beacon is a standalone tool which was designed to block and stop the various tracking (telemetry) issues present in Windows 10. It has since been modified to block similar tracking functionality in Windows 7, Windows 8 and Windows 8.1 operating systems."
Your concerns about tracking look to align with mine more or less. by the looks of that first comment they're taking measures with more sophisticated means of digital privacy, for now start with the basics and work with what you got currently.
Start off with installing the Firefox browser than go to https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/ and install these add-ons, uBlock Origin (will need some learning curve), HTTPS Everywhere, Decentraleyes, and Privacy Settings (use the developers recommendations).
Instead of Tor look for a reputable VPN... until you find one use the StartPage search engine, & make use of its proxy feature if you feel the need for additional privacy.
Another tool that I've used in the passed and recommended by others to block Windows telemetry should be found here https://www.safer-networking.org/spybot-anti-beacon/ (simple to use).
I know there's even more one can for starters but start with this or adjust as you feel needed, this way you won't feel overwhelmed by more advanced measures people are throwing at you, some of this stuff takes years to learn properly.
They've started gathering user data. Happens on 7 too though, albeit slightly less extensive, if you have auto-updates enabled.
Spybot Antibeacon and some tweaking in the settings should get rid of that for you without any problem.
Windows' telemetry (a.k.a. spying/spyware) can be disabled with a program called: Spybot Anti-Beacon.
You can disable automatic updates as well, I did it with Winaero Tweaker
Also consider downloading and installing this little utility: https://www.safer-networking.org/spybot-anti-beacon/
Microsoft slipped in browser tracking and revenue generation software in a few windows 'critical updates' a while back.
This is the very same software that made everyone avoid windows 10.
These updates enable Microsoft (or an attacker, say a thief or the NSA) to know everything you do at any moment you do it, even clicks, by sending this data back to them.
They then sell this information, essentially using you as an unwitting data slave.
EDIT: If anyone here wants to use Windows 10 but is worried about privacy issues, I really recommend you to install SpyBot Anti-Beacon. It makes local search a lot faster, too.
There are many, many alternatives. But I would suggest you using Spybot Anti-Beacon, made by the same guys that have been making Spybot S&D for eons. Trustworthy and free. Works great, too.
I've had decent success with the new Spybot Anti-Beacon. Run it and it disables all the privacy invasive / Wifi Sense / P2P windows updates shit that comes turned on by default with Windows 10.
https://www.safer-networking.org/spybot-anti-beacon/
Some similar tools listed here: http://www.ghacks.net/2015/08/14/comparison-of-windows-10-privacy-tools/
I run a computer repair shop, and see this issue occasionally. With W10 it is almost always telemetry. Run the Spybot anti beacon and see if that helps.
When McAfee expires, consider replacing it with Malwarebytes Pro. If you have any AV theres no point having Spybot – Search & Destroy sometime they seem to conflict with each other, however I do highly recommend Spybot Anti-Beacon! I'm a big privacy freak. CCleaner is also great in my opinion just don't use the registry cleaner.
Whenever I install a new Win10 installation I run these two right after updates
https://www.safer-networking.org/spybot-anti-beacon/
https://github.com/Nummer/Destroy-Windows-10-Spying/releases
Cortana still "exists" but is so crippled she can't run. OR walk.
Give em a whirl
Instead of a VPN, you'll get more utility from an app that will turn off the various telemetry features of Win10.
A good, basic one is SpyBot AntiBeacon
As far as privacy issues go - Win7, Win8, and Win8.1 all have tracking features as well (most people just don't know about them) - SpyBot AntiBeacon works with those versions of Windows, too.
I don't know man, better read the privacy policy and/or terms of service before committing. People who like Windows and don't want to convert to Linux should probably just stick with Windows 7. Windows 7 will continue to receive security updates (LTS) until 2021, so it's still safe to use Windows 7. Windows 7 plus the anti-spy beacon found here https://www.safer-networking.org/spybot-anti-beacon/ will stop most if not all of the telemetry. You should also probably follow some of these steps mentioned here as well. https://spreadprivacy.com/windows-7-privacy-tips/
I'm dual booting Windows 10 and Linux Mint on my T460. I can tolerate Windows 10 only because of the debloating I can do with https://github.com/Sycnex/Windows10Debloater and the anti-telemetry of https://www.safer-networking.org/spybot-anti-beacon/.
If you install Windows 10, try using Spybot Anti-beacon (https://www.safer-networking.org/spybot-anti-beacon/) to increase your privacy. Also, follow any of the guides out there that gives you suggestions on which system settings to toggle.
Have you used Spybot Anti-Beacon? It's free and I one of the options in there should disable the advertising along with all the other intrusive crap.
First thing I do after every update is disable all the 10 telemetry with Spybot's Anti Beacon: https://www.safer-networking.org/spybot-anti-beacon/
Second thing I do is disable nvidia telemetry. You can do this one of two ways: either do a custom install by extracting the nvidia drivers before you install and delete the telemetry folder, or you can keep it in and disable it through the task scheduler (much easier): https://www.ghacks.net/2016/11/07/nvidia-telemetry-tracking/?PageSpeed=noscript
These two things you have to redo after every update of the os, or driver update, or geforce experience update.
As for windows, in the settings/gaming section disable everything: game bar, game dvr, game mode, true play and xbox. I used a reg edit to disable xbox completely.
Also, on the bf1.exe (C:\Program Files (x86)\Origin Games\Battlefield 1) right click bf1.exe, select compatibility, check 'disable full screen optimizations', hit apply, hit ok, reboot the machine to take effect.
Finally (yeah, a hassle I know), I always do this for fps games: https://forums.battlefield.com/en-us/discussion/42847/high-cpu-usage-low-fps-potential-fix
Setting render ahead provides the lowest amount of input lag. I just happened to notice with bf1 that, along with an fps cap, it also reduces cpu load.
Again though, if you haven't already updated to the Fall update, you should. It's much better than CU.
A titre personnel j’utilise Spybot Anti-Beacon contre la télémétrie et les autres trackers de W10. C’est un freeware mais il y a peut-être un équivalent open-source ?
https://www.safer-networking.org/spybot-anti-beacon/
> Spybot Anti-Beacon is a standalone tool which was designed to block and stop the various tracking (telemetry) issues present in Windows 10. It has since been modified to block similar tracking functionality in Windows 7, Windows 8 and Windows 8.1 operating systems.
> Anti-Beacon is small, simple to use, and is provided free of charge. It was created to address the privacy concerns of users of Windows 10 who do not wish to have information about their PC usage sent to Microsoft. Simply clicking “Immunize” on the main screen of Anti-Beacon will immediately disable any known tracking features included by Microsoft in the operating system.
> Anti Beacon 2If any issues occur with your PC while using Anti-Beacon, undoing the changes made can be done by clicking the “Undo” button in the main window. This will re-enable all tracking services.
Spybot antibeacon. Install check everything, forget it exists. It will auto reapply on reboots, so even when windows "helpfully" turns things back on, it turns it back off.
I just block anything that I don't use (so basically anything other than Windows Updates) from connecting to the internet. If you don't know how, tools like Anti-Beacon can help you while still allowing you to pick what you let through and what you don't.
Edit - Comedy Option: Linux (as if normal users are willing, or even best served to leave the cozy, "easy-mode" environment of Windows...). For those adventurous enough, Ubuntu seems to be the leading "easy" distro, but I prefer Mint.
AVAST + Spybot S&D + Hitman Pro/Malware Bytes + CCleaner is my go to. Then for Broswer add Adblock Plus or Ublock Origin + Decentraleyes + Ghostery. Also don't forget to use anti-telemetry like Anti-Beacon save yourself a bunch of issues down the road.
It's not possible to recognize telemetry packets and block them automatically. Best you could do is Sybot Anti-beacon for Windows Telemetry, this for Nvidia and use DuckDuckGo instead of Google.
Anti-spyware programs need to detect telemetry enabled software as spyware. I think that will help convince people.
From "Windows" itself to "GeForce Experience", when software doesn't give an opt-out option for personal data collection, it is spyware.
Spybot Anti-Beacon is a tool that disables built in spyware on windows 7/8/10. Now, a similar tool is needed to protect against Nvidia.
Hopefully, more security firms rise to the occasion and begin implementing software that protects users from the threat of "trusted" name-brand companies collecting personal data without consent or an option to opt-out.
You're getting downvoted because your comment is completely irrelevant.
Since your a bit slow I'll give you the play by play:
User one says that it's harder to block the telemetry features on windows 7 than windows 10 because theres no gui:
>Unlike Windows 10, Windows 7/8.1's telemetry has no GUI to turn it off.
User two provides a link that makes it easy for windows 7/8
>https://www.safer-networking.org/spybot-anti-beacon/
The point of User 2's post was that even without the gui it isnt difficult on windows 7 to stop the telemetry. So it working on windows 10 also doesn't matter nor does it detract from his arguement.
Here this link may help you: https://collegeinfogeek.com/improve-critical-thinking-skills/
No worries.
You can turn off 90% of the information sharing in Win10 by just changing settings in the control panel. If you're still worried about what Win10 might be sending to MS, you can use a program like Spybot Anti-Beacon to block the remaining telemetry.
Overall I would say the pros outweigh the cons, especially since the cons can easily be circumvented.
What's your Windows 10 version?
First of all (I have to ask this regardless) Is your computer connected to a domain? If not, keep reading.
Did you use programs to disable telemetry like Anti-Beacon? Or did you at least changed any group policy? I am suspecting that the telemetry has been disabled in group policy. Can you check by following this guide?
What about these telemetry blocking techniques?
http://www.thewindowsclub.com/windows-10-telemetry
https://www.safer-networking.org/spybot-anti-beacon/
Interested to hear people's opinions/experience as my rollback date is coming up on the 26th.
This might not directly answer your question (as apparently other people already did), but you can shut off most or all of the spying mechanisms in Windows 10 with Spybot Anti-Beacon.
I don't know about that software but this is made by a fairly well known company who makes anti-virus normally but made this for free, I've seen a couple of actual Windows developers endorse it, like Barnacules. You still need to pay attention after a Windows update though because Microsoft may let you turn things off but they often turn things back on with updates, they even went as far as installing replacement of things that software blocked with different names through a random security update that didn't mention it once. They are being really sketchy pieces of shit so keep the software up to date and make sure you read up on it every once in a while.
Honestly, just about every con outside compatibility issues with much older games (as is pretty much common with any new OS upgrade) has been taken care of. I would say give it a go. Between both of my computers and both of my wife's Win 10 has done us well.
Just grab Spybot Anti-Spybeacon to shut off the things that most people were worried about with Win10. And set your connection to "Metered" so downloads don't automatically update.
Sure. You might not like some of them though. I'm pro usability of my machine, so I go eccentric with it.
Firstly, on windows 10 there is a lot of security leakage. Even when disabling the keylogger, a lot of your valuable information gets sent to Microsoft. A safe, virus-free method to remove that this happens is this. https://www.safer-networking.org/spybot-anti-beacon/
No explanation needed, you click a button and it removes the spyware. Do this every windows update.
Now, for usability. First, I disable cortana and remove the search bar in the task bar. I just don't like the search bar personally.
I then install classic start shell. http://www.classicshell.net/
This will allow you to customise your start bar to how YOU like it.
I choose to go with classic with sidebar. This means it's similar to windows xp in some ways. I dislike that in windows 7, when searching you are limited to a small area that you scroll inside of. Using this style fixes that and also fixes that browsing files is in that same tiny area. just personal taste on that front. Customise to how you like.
I then right click my task bar, go to properties and choose "Use small taskbar buttons" This just makes your task bar about half the size. Gives you more desktop to work with. It takes a bit to get used to, but I find it optimal.
If you want me to further explain anything let me know. I likely forgot something sadly, if I did I'll get back to you though.
Install this tool for the privacy settings and then run a silent powershell script to uninstall metro apps on startup. It works, though I agree it shouldn't be needed to be fucked with in the first place.
PeerBlock primarily blocks addresses within certain ranges, it also can block any non-HTTPS connection. Basically the way mine is set up is I have a bunch of lists of things that I'd never want to connect to (common malware sources, Bogons, known bad IPs, etc) and have a list of MS IPs that I block so the updater can't even phone home unless I tell it to. Basically the updater thinks the machine is offline because none of its pings can go through. There are a bunch of common lists users have set up to make it easy to block stuff.
AntiBeacon does more or less the same thing but on an automated and specific use case level. It's main purpose is to specifically disable certain Windows functions from phoning home.
Just be aware that both of these pieces of software (among other similar things) WILL break stuff if set up improperly and can also have unintended side effects with other software. For example, if you turn on all the bells and whistles in AntiBeacon you'll basically sever your entire computer from the outside world. I've also had occasional problems with PeerBlock intercepting things that I didn't want blocked, mainly Steam. There's been a lot of occasions where I'm trying to play a game online with a buddy and I can't connect to the server because something is getting inadvertently blocked. You also might have issues if certain pieces of software are forced to phone home just to boot up (Office 365 I think needs to, certain Adobe Suites, certain games) so you have to be very aware of what you're blocking at any given time.
If you must use 10, install Spybot's Anti-Beacon to block the worst of Microsoft's telemetry.
Otherwise, for your non-school needs, use a live Linux distro (TAILS for example) with persistence (so that you can keep some data on the same USB stick) which will leave the 10 installation untouched.
If you mean the "upgrade to Windows 10" app, I recommend installing GWX Control Panel. The program is pretty straightforward to use, but do read the documentation.
If you're concerned about telemetry sent to Microsoft, which is now a function included in one of the recent Win7/8.1 updates, try Spybot Anti-Beacon.
Actually we DO know that. Try a quick google search to see how much data Windows can collect off of you. And not just windows 10, Windows 8 does the same thing thanks to numerous patches that were released after W10 was.
Not just Windows though, tons of other companies too like Apple, Facebook and Google.
Of course, just because they do it, doesn't mean VAC should. I'm not arguing one way or the other. Just trying to inform.
Take a look at this for Windows though: Spybot Anti-Beacon.
Well, I quite like Windows 10 and personally I haven't had any issues with it so far. Here are a couple of tools I recommend using in either Win 10 or 8.1:
http://www.classicshell.net/ - Just makes the UI more like Windows 7. Maybe not to everyones taste, but it just gives Windows a more classic feel.
https://www.safer-networking.org/spybot-anti-beacon/ - Turn off all the telemetry in Windows....I don't like how much info is shared with Microsoft without people knowing. Was previously only a Windows 10 issue....but now it is patched into Windows 8
https://www.piriform.com/ccleaner/download - Keeps the system all nice and clean.
We know that windows is sending lots of information about PC usage (not the filesystem) to microsoft by default. Since this this concerns you you can switch it all off easily with Spybot Anti-Beacon
Yes, be sure to turn off all that Win 10 bullshit. Spybot makes a tool that turns off other hidden Windows 10 telemetry settings that you can't access easily from control panel.
Yes you can. The person who posted to your comment has no idea what's they are talking about.
https://www.safer-networking.org/spybot-anti-beacon/
This tool works for blocking the trackers in 7 & 8 as well.
On another PC get a windows 10 iso and use rufus to make a bootable USB with it then boot into it on the machine you want to install it on and run as usual.
If you need a key for install you can look up generic keys that will let you install it (go with the pro version to let you manage settings better over the home version) and use Spybot Anti-beacon to disable all the windows 10 privacy Bullshit once you have the clean install done.
https://www.safer-networking.org/spybot-anti-beacon/ Spybot Anti-Beacon was initially designed to address the privacy concerns of users of Windows 10. They do not want to have information about their PC usage sent to Microsoft by various tracking (telemetry) features. It has since been modified to block similar tracking functionality in the Windows 7 to 8.1 operating systems. It’s simple to use and free of charge, and will also be part of a future Spybot – Search & Destroy.
Check this one:
https://www.safer-networking.org/spybot-anti-beacon/ Or you can just copy etc host files after install and apply:
Then just use reg.exe bat file to add to registry https://www.askvg.com/truth-behind-disallowing-telemetry-and-data-collection-trick-in-windows-10/
Well in the past I would've recommended a roll back to Windows 7, however I've recently found out the opt-out updates are no longer opt-out. Which I think is very sleezy on Microsoft's behalf. They release Windows 7 saying it's LTS and will be supported until 2021 and then they force updates on you, go figure. I would recommend a switch to Linux as soon as possible. In the meantime check out this https://spreadprivacy.com/windows-10-privacy-tips/ and also add the anti-spy beacon to block telemetry found here https://www.safer-networking.org/spybot-anti-beacon/. Sandboxie is good, also use the Windows defender. Do you have Windows 10 professional or home edition? If you have professional also use Bitlocker to encrypt your drive. If you have home edition sorry, it doesn't support full disk encryption (what a shitty OS, lol).
Use Windows Privacy Tweaker by PhrozenSoft (DarkComet Author) https://www.phrozen.io/page/windows-privacy-tweaker
And or
Spybot Anti-Beacon https://www.safer-networking.org/spybot-anti-beacon/
Spybot Anti-Beacon is a standalone tool which was designed to block and stop the various tracking (telemetry) issues present in Windows 10. It has since been modified to block similar tracking functionality in Windows 7, Windows 8 and Windows 8.1 operating systems.
In that case go with whatever is easiest. Encrypting a OS that's running in a VM will likely not offer full protection considering much of the cache and memory leaks over into the host. I'm sure someone some where knows how to exploit this behavior. The best thing you can do is mitigate some of th privacy concerns of Windows 10. Read this https://spreadprivacy.com/windows-10-privacy-tips/. Also use the anti spy beacon found here https://www.safer-networking.org/spybot-anti-beacon/
I think you were shadowbanned. Anyway, here's what you need to satisfy your tinfoil hat issue. Click and you're done. Now go get Win10 and stop hamstringing yourself for no reason.
I'm recommending everyone installing Windows, especially for mining rigs, installs and runs Spybot Anti-Beacon, which gets rid of a lot of unwanted things that report telemetry from your machine, as well as a few other tweaks.
It's free.
Re-run this after any Windows Updates
I've read what you've written and you've got funny ideas about what Windows 10 does and doesn't do, peppered with a good dose of hyperbole.
All your concerns about privacy/functionality/updates etc are solved and dealt with.
A tiny app will stop any telemetry. Called Spybot Anti-Beacon.
Anything you miss about the look and feel of Windows 7 can be restored easily along with classic apps. A few minutes on Google will sort any of that.
Updates don't forcibly restart your computer if you have the Pro version, which you'll get upgraded to if you have Windows 8.1 Pro or 7 Pro (You can still upgrade for free)
> "You just hate change" is a shitty argument. If Windows 10 was actually good, you wouldn't need to resort to such shitty arguments.
I'm not the person that said that, but it is pretty much tradition that people hate every new version of Windows, so it's not unreasonable to assume those that those who stubbornly cling to Windows 7 are doing so for not entirely rational reasons.
It seems Windows 10 is kinda the beginning for how Windows is gpoign to be going forward. If you want to cling on to 7 whilst you await a version you'll find acceptable, you're gonna be waiting a long time. You'd be better finding a way to make Windows 10 work for you, or just bite the bullet and switch to Linux - at least on Linux your OS would be up to date.
An ssd may help, but it's ultimately win*10's fault, too high disk usage. Install (portable) spybot anti beacon. Now it's the hdd holding you back, but as soon as you disable the high disk usage things (maybe with an ssd) it will *soon hit a hard cpu limit. (so don't expect insane speed with the ssd, the cpu is weak for it)
You can try this tool to block Microsoft telemetry:
https://www.safer-networking.org/spybot-anti-beacon/
It may help with the start-up time issue. You can also block Office in your firewall, but that would prevent cloud features from working.
Fairly certain if you set render ahead to 0 it will revert to the default of 3. You have a -1 option? What driver set are you running? Nvidia changed the way they render ahead a while ago and removed 0 as an option, and, to the best of my knowledge, -1 doesn't exist, unless it's a setting specific to sli? I have no such setting, nor do I recall seeing it, and I always set render ahead to 1 for all fps games.
>anything else you were thinking of specifically?
I was thinking of all the updating 10 does in the background which eats up cpu cycles. Since bf is so poorly optimized, we can't really afford to give any to anything else when playing, even with a hyper threaded cpu.
Along with setting all my updates to manual/off, I use Spybot's anti beacon: https://www.safer-networking.org/spybot-anti-beacon/
Out of curiosity, can you disable one of your gpu's?
edit
Also, how much ram, how fast, is it dual channel?
I had the exact opposite problem. Updates were set to automatic and it never found anything. I had to manually install two updates that repaired the updater.
Since your Windows won't let you not update, what about disabling telemetry via third party software?
Don't think Tron is what you're looking for. It's for fixing your Windows machine when it shits itself or gets computer herpes.
I would guess that Spybot's Anti-Beacon is a closer possibility to what the OP mentioned: https://www.safer-networking.org/spybot-anti-beacon/
Have you run antibeacon?
https://www.safer-networking.org/spybot-anti-beacon/
90% of the time I see high disk usage like this, its windows telemetry fucking up and anti-beacon does the trick with shutting it down and keeping it shut down.
I see. Well, just so you know it's extended support (ongoing updates) ends January 14, 2020 so it's kind of on the way out now.. I believe after this they will only supply any critical security updates.
If you wanted you could use the Win 10 Media Creation Tool and see if your Windows 7 key will activate it.
Then grab something like Spybot Anti-Beacon to take some of the privacy concern away.
I was reluctant to Win10 at first, but I prefer it now that I'm used to it.
I do this list of installs and edits every time i encounter windows 10. run 20x better
- spybot anti beacon https://www.safer-networking.org/spybot-anti-beacon/
- Destroy windows spying https://github.com/Nummer/Destroy-Windows-10-Spying/releases
- i also enabled best performance in system properties
- i have also edited the registry to stop the silent install window store apps https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wgKJMsJ-6XU
windows 10 has been fine for me, i have installed
- spybot anti beacon https://www.safer-networking.org/spybot-anti-beacon/
- Destroy windows spying https://github.com/Nummer/Destroy-Windows-10-Spying/releases
- i also enabled best performance in system properties
- i have also edited the registry to stop the silent install window store apps https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wgKJMsJ-6XU
For one, you could use an SSD. Two, if telemetry is causing that much of a system draw, you might try installing and activating Spybot Anti-Beacon which disables a lot of the spyware Microsoft has deemed necessary to package with every copy of Windows 10. Be sure to check out both the "Protection" tab and "Optional" tab in the program.
I usually see this because of Window Telemetry wigging out.
I like to use anti-beacon to disable it. https://www.safer-networking.org/spybot-anti-beacon/
Nobody wants Microsoft knowing everything you do anyway.
Possibly. After installing it took me to a basic install screen with the privacy settings and I just made sure I disabled them.
Also, check out: https://www.safer-networking.org/spybot-anti-beacon/
Plug for Spybot Anti-beacon. Handy. Still, check all your settings again after, some things can be missed.
Also, if you don't check your settings after an install, you're computering not write.
I may have got out on the wrong foot with you . I'm sorry . I am no Microsoft lover but its what we have to deal with as they own a monopoly (part of the reason i refuse to purchase it legit unless running a Business or for a client . I personally use Linux where i can BUT i'm a gamer so main is Windows
anyways . activated though KMS (which is how windows activates ) I'm just activating though a hacked KMS server (it works the same way corporations activate though a local KMS server .
Its fully activated for 6 months at a time , FULLY all updates everything is Fully activated .
as far as running 8.1 over 10 , i see absolutely no reason . 10 is everything 8.1 and better IMHO . all the telemetry shit is back ported to 8.1 and even 7 anyways (unless you run a outdated system and don't use updates)
and if your that worried about it https://www.safer-networking.org/spybot-anti-beacon/
ALL windows have had to be tweaked and its my experience installing and maintaining hundreds and hundreds of systems . Windows 10 just works , and works well and fix's itself for the most part vs older versions .
BUT . YES the forced driver updates and shit is annoying as hell , the ad's are fucking bullshit . but this is just an annoyance and can be stoped with the right knowledge .
If i install windows 7 I have to do many many tweaks to get it working properly . it lacks native usb3 / proper ssd support . its i/o and memory handling is shit . its startup speed is shit . Profiles randomly corupt. It handles hardware failure HORID and will corupt itself ez . etc etc. there is to many under the hood improvement made with 10 (and yes 8.1 does include most )
Put simply , I can't tweak 7 or 8.1 to run as good as 10 under the hood . But i can tweak 10 to run Perfectly . 10's issues are surface deep and can be fixed , 7's can't
Do not use dx12. Do not use compute in the new nvidia drivers (it's not meant for games). Disable nvidia telemetry: http://www.ghacks.net/2016/11/07/nvidia-telemetry-tracking/?PageSpeed=noscript
Disable 10's xbox game dvr. Disable all that other shit that 10 does: https://www.safer-networking.org/spybot-anti-beacon/
Also, the last set of nvidia drivers don't seem to be getting good reviews for bf1, use an earlier set. I'm using 376.60's (the hotfix) and they the best bf1 drivers I've run so far.
It's a piece of software that disables the phoning home stuff in Windows 10. But apparently Forza needs some of that stuff for achievements and stuff. Here's a link.
> I don't trust Windows 10 with all that spy thing.
Just avoiding Win 10 isn't really going to help you in the long run though as more and more games will adopt DX12, another feature supported on only Win 10.
A possible alternative is to run something like Spybot Antibeacon which disables most of the hidden"spy" stuff in Win 10 in addition to all the things you can disable yourself in the settings.