Dive Brief:
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Microsoft has expanded its diagnostic data collection with Windows 10, making a previously voluntary telemetry program mandatory.
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In earlier editions of the OS, Microsoft's data gathering was optional.
- Data collected includes everything from where Web browsers were directed to how often the USB port on the device was used.
Dive Insight:
According Microsoft, the collected data will be used "to improve the products and features customers use most often and to help solve problems."
The Customer Experience Improvement Program (CEIP) harvests data from Microsoft's own software, including the operating system, and from "third-party applications that interact with Microsoft products."
Previously, users had to agree to join the CEIP to send data to Microsoft. But with Windows 10, the equivalent of CEIP is mandatory. In return for the data harvesting, Microsoft promises "an enhanced and personalized Windows experience.”
IT administrators of Windows 10 Enterprise, however, can completely switch off diagnostic data gathering using group policies.
