Blocking These Domains Stops Windows 10 from Phoning Home

[Batu69]

Here’s the list of domains getting your data on Windows 10

Privacy on Windows 10 continues to be a very controversial topic these days, especially because Microsoft remains rather tight-lipped on this, so it’s no surprise that so many users turn to third-party apps that can block data from being collected in the operating system and sent to the company.

But now there’s an easy way to block data from reaching Microsoft, as the full list of domains where the information is being sent has reached the web. These domains can be easily added to the HOSTS files to prevent information from being sent to Microsoft, so if you don’t like third-party apps, this is the best way to go to enhance privacy on Windows 10.

The full list of domains, which you can find in the box after the jump, is reportedly being used by Microsoft to receive data collected by Cortana, such as contacts, calendar events, speech and handwriting patters, and typing history, but also from the other services running on a Windows 10 PC.

How to block them in the HOSTS file

[spudboy]

So what if they add new domains? ;) I stand by firewalling and/or removing/disabling the offending processes rather than using the hosts file.

[dcs18]

Oh yeah, nothing as elegant and effective as a firewall.

[liverpal]

Oh yeah, nothing as elegant and effective as a firewall.

Any tutorial controlling win 10 privacy with firewall??

[spudboy]

Oh yeah, nothing as elegant and effective as a firewall.

Any tutorial controlling win 10 privacy with firewall??

May not be 100% comprehensive & everyone should block what they personally choose, but this my setup:

Blocked using built in Windows Firewall & Windows Firewall Control (Link below - Set to Medium filtering & High notifications)

www.nsanedown.com/?request=141472782

CompatTelRunner.exe

SearchUI.exe

sihclient.exe

taskhostw.exe

wermgr.exe

wsqmcons.exe

And also disable the following services:

Diagnostics Tracking Service

Geolocation Service

Windows Error Reporting Service

Edit: A person can also browse through Task Manager and disable scheduled tasks that may potentially send any data. I haven't compiled a list yet but I did disable several.

[dcs18]

Oh yeah, nothing as elegant and effective as a firewall.

Any tutorial controlling win 10 privacy with firewall??

I am still running 8.1 and Windows 7, ATM — hats-off to all you guys who have raised the level to Windows 10.

Nevertheless, if many folks vote for that tutorial — it shall be certainly done, with pleasure. :)