There has been some concern over how Windows 10 handles personal information and sends it back to Microsoft, which the company addressed on Monday.

The operating system collects two types of information: the first is personalization data — which is applied to tailoring Cortana's individual user experience, and the other is telemetry data — which allows Microsoft to see how Windows 10 is being utilized by its users.

Many of these features can be switched off to minimize the data collected by the company. However, even when a user turns off as many features as possible, the operating system still offers Microsoft things like anonymous device identification numbers, as well as information about the type of device a person is using and any data related to app crashes.

Businesses that want to keep information locked down will be able to turn off any data collection when Windows 10 updates later this year. This will include all personalization data and telemetry data.

Of course, Microsoft itself strongly recommends against this, as this kind of data is extremely important for things like bug fixes.

Microsoft was also quick to point out that it does not collect any data related to a users' files or emails to serve those users ads, which was a bit of a shot at Google.

The announcement is an important step by Microsoft in ensuring its customers understand the data that's being collected about them. While Windows 10 certainly collects a lot of data, the real issue is that users don't know about it or what they need to do in order to change it.

Via: PCWorld