How to Enable or Disable Diagnostic Data Viewer in Windows 11

Windows 11 collects information about your computer to keep it running well. This is called diagnostic data. Microsoft uses this to fix bugs, keep your device safe, and improve how things work.

Microsoft also uses Diagnostic data and feedback to learn how you use your computer. Another feature, Tailored experiences, uses your data to give you personalized tips and ads. Finally, Improve inking & typing lets Microsoft collect samples of your typing and handwriting to help with spelling and suggestions.

Why do this? You may want to check exactly what information your computer is sharing with Microsoft or stop that sharing completely.

What happens when done? If you enable the viewer, you can see the data your computer sends in real time. If you disable it, your computer stops sending this data, and you will no longer be able to use the viewer app.

Using the Settings App

This is the simplest way to control your data settings.

1. Open the Windows Settings app.
2. Select Privacy & security on the left.
3. Click the Diagnostics & feedback tile on the right.

4. Select the View diagnostic data tile to expand it.
5. Use the toggle switch to turn it On or Off.

6. Close the Settings app when you are finished.

Using the Local Group Policy Editor

Note: This method requires admin privileges.

You can use the Group Policy Editor for more advanced control.

1. Open the Start menu, type
   💻Code

   Copy

   gpedit.msc

   , and press Enter.
2. Navigate to this folder path: Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Data Collection and Preview Builds.
3. Find Disable diagnostic data viewer in the list and double-click it.

4. Choose Not Configured, Enabled, or Disabled.
5. Click OK to save. You may need to restart your computer for these changes to take effect.

Using the Registry Editor

Note: This method requires admin privileges. Be careful, as changing registry settings can affect your system.

1. Open the Windows Registry.
2. Go to the following path:
   🗝️Registry

   Copy

   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Diagnostics\DiagTrack\EventTranscript

3. Double-click EnableEventTranscript.
4. Change the value to 1 to turn it on, or 0 to turn it off.
5. If you do not see this item, right-click in the empty space, select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value, and name it
   💻Code

   Copy

   EnableEventTranscript

   .

6. Save your changes and restart your computer.

Summary

You can manage how much data your Windows 11 computer sends to Microsoft by using the Settings app, the Group Policy Editor, or the Registry Editor. Whether you want to view the data being sent or turn off the collection feature entirely, these steps allow you to balance your privacy needs with the performance of your operating system.