Desktop Settings To Change For Better Privacy

The desktop collects all kinds of information about us. That’s why it’s important to take control and limit what it knows about us.

Which Operating System Is More Private? Windows, Linux, or MacOS

Linux is the most privacy-respecting option. While Windows and MacOS dominate the market, they don’t prioritize user privacy as much as Linux (which is also open source).

Privacy Settings

Linux

Disable Telemetry

• Some distributions may send diagnostic data, usually off by default. You can search for how to disable it for your specific distribution.

Windows

Restrict App Permissions

• Navigate to Settings > Privacy & security.
• Scroll down to the App permissions section and adjust the following settings:
  • Location: Turn off “Location services”.
  • Camera: Turn off “Camera access”.
  • Microphone: Turn off “Microphone access”.

Disable Telemetry

• Go to Settings > Privacy & security > Diagnostics & feedback.
• Disable “Send optional diagnostic data”.
• Additionally, turn off:
  • “Improve inking and typing”
  • “Tailored experiences”
  • “View diagnostic data”

Disable Ad Tracking

• Access Settings > Privacy & security > General.
• Turn off “Let apps show me personalized ads by using my advertising ID”.

MacOS

Restrict App Permissions

• Navigate to System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Privacy Tab. In the following categories, turn off access if you don’t want any apps to use it, or allow it only for specific apps:
  • Location Services
  • Contacts
  • Calendars
  • Photos
  • Microphone
  • Camera
  • Files
  • Folders

Disable Telemetry

• Go to System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Privacy Tab > Analytics and turn off “Share Mac Analytics” and “Share with App Developers”.

Disable Ad Tracking

• Access System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Privacy Tab > Advertising and check the box “Limit Ad Tracking”.

Disable Siri

• Siri collects and sends a ton of information to Apple about you. Disable it by going to System Preferences > Siri and turn off “Enable Ask Siri”.