When you first get a new Windows computer (or set up an old computer), you may focus on downloading your favorite applications and transferring your files. This is also a good time to configure or Protect Windows 10 Privacy with a VPN Service.
We all need to protect our private data. Whether you carry sensitive work files, sensitive images, or just passwords, there is certain information that you do not want others to possess. When you set up a computer for the first time, you are establishing the habits that you will use the whole time you have this device. Instead of waiting to take care of your privacy later, it’s best to start on your feet.
With the increased usage of Windows 10, we decided that it was better to write this guide on How to Protect Windows 10 Privacy with a VPN Service. Many of these settings, where applicable, are still present in Windows 8, but maybe in a different location or, they have slightly different names. In fact, even in later versions, the settings are often duplicated in multiple places within the OS, but we’ll cover them as best we can.
Also worth noting is that Windows still allows you to install any app you want. Once installed, these apps can do almost anything. Securing your privacy in Windows won’t work much if you install other apps that can still read your data.
Protect Windows 10 Privacy with VPN
Needless to say, anyone who is concerned with privacy must have a VPN installed on their computer. When you encode all incoming and outgoing Internet traffic and routing it through a remote server, VPNs protect both the content of that traffic and the identity of the person looking at it. Windows 10 users, in particular, have three main reasons to employ a VPN service:
- If any information is infiltrated by the above tool and received by Microsoft, it will not be demountable.
- It is known that Microsoft has complied with the NSA’s mass surveillance programs.
- Windows 10 sends DNS requests in parallel with all available resources at once, including LAN and ISP
This third point aims to improve web browsing speed, but it actually means more entities can see your DNS requests, which include data about the websites you visit. With these three tools, you should be able to thwart any attempt by Windows to send the information back to Microsoft. Check out our list of over 75 free privacy tools for more advice on protecting your privacy.
If you’re setting up Windows 10 for the first time on a device, take the time to customize the settings rather than just using the express setup. The “Use Quick Settings” option gives you automatic access to all data collection and behaviour tracking from Microsoft.
Click on the option that focuses the least on “customizing settings” and turning off all so-called “personalization” features. These include sending writing and speech data to Microsoft, using your advertising ID to target your ads, and letting Skype book your addresses.
When Windows provides you with connection and error reporting settings, automatically turn off the connection options for open contacts and networks that your contacts share. Also turn off the option to send diagnostic information to Microsoft, allowing the company to collect detailed information about your computer and the content on it.
On the last page of settings, you can change browser settings, protection, and updates. The first option to turn off SmartScreen only affects Microsoft Edge and doesn’t handle data collection, so it’s nice to leave that turned on. Turn off page predictions and updates from other computers.
SETTING UP A VPN IN WINDOWS 10
- The first step is to create a VPN profile that you will fill in with details from your VPN service.
- Click the Windows button, then go to Settings> Network & Internet> VPN. Click Add VPN connection.
- In the fields on the page, select Windows (included) for your VPN provider. Name your VPN under the name of the connection. Enter the server name or address, VPN type, and login type.
- Add a username and password for extra security (this is optional, but recommended). You can choose to have your computer remember your login information.
- Click Save
- To connect to your VPN, refer to Settings> Network & Internet> VPN. Click on your VPN name.
- If you like, at this point, you can select advanced options to edit connection properties, clear login information, or set up a VPN proxy.
- Select a connection and enter a password if you set one.
CONCLUSION
The concept of “100% protection” no longer exists. Your valuable personal information can be stolen at any time without you noticing it. TO Protect Windows 10 Privacy with a VPN Service might have been the last thing to cross your mind as far as protecting your privacy in Windows 10 is concerned. But using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) can do wonders.