How to Change Your Diagnostic Data Setting In Windows 11

What is Diagnostic Data?

Windows 11 diagnostic data is the information your computer automatically sends to Microsoft about your device health and how you use the system. Microsoft splits it into two levels: required data for basic security and optional data that adds details about app usage and website visits.

There are two main types:

• Required diagnostic data: This is the basic info needed to keep Windows safe, updated, and working. It includes your device’s setup and whether it is running okay. You cannot turn this level off.
• Optional diagnostic data: This is more detailed. It can include extra info about your device, how you use apps (called “usage data”), and more detailed error reports. Sending it helps Microsoft find and fix problems faster, which makes Windows better for everyone. This is the level you can switch off.

Even if you only send Required data, your device stays secure and works normally. You still get Windows Update 🔃 and security fixes. The choice is only about how much extra information you are okay with sharing to help improve products.

Ready to take control? Here is how to adjust your diagnostic data settings in Windows 11.

1. Press the Windows key + I on your keyboard at the same time. The Settings app opens right away.
2. If you prefer the mouse, click the Start button on the taskbar, then click Settings (the gear icon). It opens the same Settings window. Use whichever method is quicker for you.
3. In the left-hand menu, click Privacy & security. The right-hand pane now shows privacy options grouped by topic.
4. Scroll down to the Windows permissions section and click Diagnostics & feedback. You should now see the diagnostic data options, with more settings below them.
5. Find Send optional diagnostic data and click its toggle. Turn it Off to send Required data only. Turn it On if you want to share Optional data. The change applies immediately, so you do not need to click Save or restart.

If the toggle is greyed out, or you see a message that some settings are managed by your organization, a policy is controlling it. This is common on work or school PCs and on Windows 11 Pro devices managed by an administrator. Windows 11 Home has no such local management unless a policy was applied some other way. Ask your IT department if you need the setting changed. To undo your choice, return to the same screen and flip the toggle back.

• Review Other Related Settings

  While you are on the Diagnostics & feedback screen, look at the other settings below the main toggle. They control extra features such as inking and typing improvements and tailored experiences. These secondary toggles decide whether Microsoft can use your writing samples and diagnostic data to personalize your device.

  The exact list can vary a little between Windows 11 versions, so you may not see every option described here. Each toggle works on its own and can be switched back at any time.

  • Improve inking & typing: If you use a pen or touch screen, this lets Windows collect samples of your handwriting and typing to improve handwriting recognition and text suggestions. If you only use a keyboard and mouse, you can safely leave it off.
  • Tailored experiences (or Personalized offers): This uses your diagnostic data to give you personalized tips and recommendations in Microsoft services. Turn it off if you prefer not to see personalized offers. In most Windows 11 builds this option works best when optional diagnostic data is on, so it may be unavailable once you switch to Required only.
  • Delete diagnostic data: You might see an option to delete diagnostic data already collected from your device. Deleting clears what Microsoft has stored so far. It does not stop future collection, so set the toggle above to the level you want first.

Reference:

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/diagnostics-feedback-and-privacy-in-windows-28808a2b-a31b-dd73-dcd3-4559a5199319

Summary

You can manage Windows 11 diagnostic data from the privacy settings. Open Privacy & security and then Diagnostics & feedback to switch between Required and Optional reporting. From the same screen you can turn off tailored experiences and delete the diagnostic data already collected. Come back whenever you want to limit what your computer shares. Every change here can be reversed the same way you made it.