How to Change Your Diagnostic Data Setting In Windows 11
- 5 steps
- Includes a restart or sign-out
Diagnostic data in Windows 11 is background information about your PC and apps that Windows sends to Microsoft. Microsoft uses it to fix bugs and improve stability. The setting has two levels: Required (basic details that keep your device secure) and Optional (extra details about websites you visit and app usage).
This tutorial shows how to switch between the two levels in Settings Privacy & security Diagnostics & feedback. Lowering the setting to Required stops the extra sharing, and your PC keeps running normally. Nothing is uninstalled, and no restart is needed.
Open Settings Privacy & security Diagnostics & feedback and switch Send optional diagnostic data to Off to share only Required data. The toggle takes effect immediately with no Save button, and Windows Update and security fixes keep working. Required data cannot be turned off.
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 dataThis is the basic information needed to keep Windows safe, updated and working. It includes your device’s setup and whether it is running correctly. You cannot turn this level off.
- Optional diagnostic dataThis is more detailed. It can include extra information about your device, how you use apps (called “usage data”) and fuller error reports. Sending it helps Microsoft find and fix problems faster. This is the level you can switch off.
Even if you send only 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 willing to share to help improve Microsoft products.
Here is how to adjust your diagnostic data settings.
- Press Win+I on your keyboard. The Settings app opens.
- If you prefer the mouse, click the Start button on the taskbar, then click Settings (the gear icon). It opens the same window, so use whichever method is quicker.
- In the left-hand menu, click Privacy & security. The right-hand pane now shows privacy options grouped by topic.
- Scroll down to the Windows permissions section and click Diagnostics & feedback. The page now shows the diagnostic data options, with more settings below them.
- Find Send optional diagnostic data and click its toggle. Set it to Off to send Required data only, or to On to share Optional data. The toggle changes at once and there is no Save button.
That’s it. Your PC now sends only the diagnostic data level you chose, and the change takes effect without a restart.
Navigate to Privacy & security
In the Settings window, look at the list on the left. Scroll down to Privacy & security and click it.Locate Diagnostics & feedback
In the “Privacy & security” section, find Diagnostics & feedback. This is where you control what Windows sends to Microsoft. Click on it.Adjust the Diagnostic data setting
Now you’re in the right spot! Look for the Diagnostic data section. You’ll see choices for how much data you want to send.Change your windows 11 diagnostic data setting by going to Privacy & security and then Diagnostics & feedback inside the Settings app. From that menu, you can switch your preference between the Required and Optional choices depending on how much system information you want to share with Microsoft.
Click the option you are most comfortable with. If you’re not sure, choosing “Required” is a good start.Practical Tip: If you want to know more about what “Optional” data includes, look for links on this screen. Microsoft often provides more details there.
Warning: You might need to restart your PC for these changes to fully work, especially if you switch between Required and Optional. Windows will usually tell you if a restart is needed.- RequiredSends only the essential data for security, reliability, and basic functions.
- OptionalIncludes Required data plus extra information to help Microsoft improve products and features.
If the toggle is greyed out, or a message says 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 the setting needs to change. To undo your own choice, return to the same screen and flip the toggle back.
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Review Other Related Settings
While you are on the Diagnostics & feedback page, 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. With only 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: The Delete diagnostic data button is on the same Diagnostics & feedback page in Settings. It deletes the device diagnostic data Microsoft has collected from your PC so far. It does not stop future collection, so set the toggle above to the level you want first.
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Summary
You can manage Windows 11 diagnostic data from the privacy settings. Open Settings Privacy & security Diagnostics & feedback to switch between Required and Optional reporting. From the same page you can turn off tailored experiences and use the Delete diagnostic data button to remove the data Microsoft has already collected from your device.
Come back whenever you want to limit what your computer shares. Every change here can be reversed the same way you made it.
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About the Author
Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard is a writer at Geek Rewind who turns complex IT tasks into clear, step-by-step guides. He draws on years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, focusing on Windows, Linux and WordPress: the problems people actually run into, and the fixes that work. His server and WordPress guides come from systems he runs himself. Richard builds and maintains the platform behind Geek Rewind, from its Ubuntu servers and Nginx configuration to its custom WordPress plugins. Many new tutorials start with readers' questions, and he's always glad to answer them in the comments.
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