How To Clear Full Diagnostic Data History Manually In Windows 11

What Is Diagnostic Data in 🪟 Windows 11?

Diagnostic data in Windows 11 is a collection of technical details about your computer and how it works that helps Microsoft fix bugs and keep your system running smoothly. Windows collects this information automatically while you use your device, splitting the details into basic required data and optional extra usage stats.

• Required diagnostic data: This is the basic information needed to keep your device secure, up to date, and running properly. It includes details about your device setup, capabilities, and whether apps are running correctly.
• Optional diagnostic data: This includes extra information about how you use your apps, website activity, crash reports, and advanced device health data. Microsoft uses this to make deeper improvements to Windows and other Microsoft products.

Fortunately, Windows 11 version 22H2 and newer versions give you built-in settings to delete this stored diagnostic data history completely.

Where 🪟 Windows 11 Stores Diagnostic Data

Windows stores temporary diagnostic files and logs in system directories on your main drive, usually found at 📁C:\Windows\Logscopy and other hidden temporary folders. Instead of searching for these hidden folders manually, you can use built-in Windows settings ⚙️ to safely wipe your stored history without accidentally deleting important system files.

Using the official settings menu ensures that all related log files, telemetry caches, and viewing histories are wiped clean at the same time. This prevents leftover files from lingering on your hard drive.

How to Clear Diagnostic Data History in 🪟 Windows 11

Clearing diagnostic data history in Windows 11 is a simple process you can complete right from your main settings menu. Open the settings app, go to your privacy settings, and click the delete button to remove all the technical logs your computer has saved and sent to Microsoft.

1. Click the Start button on your taskbar and select the Settings app, which looks like a gear icon. Alternatively, press the Windows Key + I keyboard shortcut.

   

2. In the Settings window, click on Privacy & security from the menu on the left side.

   

3. Under the Windows permissions section, click on Diagnostics & feedback.

   

4. Scroll down the page until you find the section labeled Delete diagnostic data.

   

5. Click the Delete button next to it. Windows will immediately clear all stored diagnostic data history from your device.

This action permanently deletes the diagnostic history currently saved on your computer.

Configuring Diagnostic Data and Telemetry Levels

After clearing your history, you may want to change how much information Windows collects moving forward. You can adjust these settings to limit data collection to the absolute minimum.

Disabling Optional Diagnostic Data via Settings

Disabling optional diagnostic data in Windows 11 lets you stop your computer from sending extra usage habits and app activity back to Microsoft. You can easily turn off this extra tracking by opening your privacy settings and switching the optional data toggle to the off position.

1. Open the Settings app by pressing the Windows Key + I.
2. Go to Privacy & security and then click Diagnostics & feedback.

   

3. Look for the Send optional diagnostic data toggle switch.
4. Click the switch to turn it Off. Your system will now only send the minimum required data needed for security updates.

Note for Windows Home Users: Some users on Windows 11 Home editions may find that specific registry or policy toggles behave differently depending on system updates. If you cannot change certain settings through standard menus, sticking to the main Privacy & security settings page is the safest approach.

Managing Diagnostic Data Using Group Policy

Managing diagnostic data using Group Policy is an advanced method for Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise, and Education users to control what information their system shares. You can open the policy editor using the run command window to lock down your telemetry settings so they stay set the way you want.

1. Press the Windows Key + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type gpedit.msc and press Enter on your keyboard.
3. In the window that opens, use the left sidebar to navigate to: Computer Configuration › Administrative Templates › Windows Components › Data Collection and Preview Builds.
4. Look for the setting named Allow Telemetry in the list on the right side and double-click it.
5. Select the Enabled option.
6. Under the options section, use the drop-down menu to select your preferred telemetry level, such as 0 - Security or 1 - Basic.
7. Click Apply and then click OK to save your changes.

Managing Diagnostic Data with Registry Settings

Managing diagnostic data with Registry settings is an alternative way to control your system's data collection if your version of Windows does not include the Group Policy Editor. You can open the registry tool using the run dialog box to manually change how much technical information your computer shares.

1. Press the Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type regedit and press Enter.
3. A security prompt will appear asking if you want to allow the app to make changes. Click Yes.
4. In the Registry Editor window, use the left sidebar to navigate step by step by clicking the arrows next to the folder names:

   • Click on HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE
   • Click on SOFTWARE
   • Click on Policies
   • Click on Microsoft
   • Click on Windows
   • Click on DataCollection (If you do not see the DataCollection folder, right-click on Windows, select New, click Key, and name it DataCollection).
5. With the DataCollection folder selected, look at the empty space on the right side. Right-click an empty area, select New, and then click DWORD (32-bit) Value.
6. Name this new value exactly AllowTelemetry and press Enter.
7. Double-click your newly created AllowTelemetry value.
8. In the box that appears, set the base to Hexadecimal and type 0 (for security data only) or 1 (for basic data) into the Value data box.
9. Click OK and close the Registry Editor. Restart your computer for the changes to take full effect.

Clearing Windows Telemetry Data with PowerShell

Clearing Windows telemetry data with PowerShell lets advanced users run command-line tools to wipe cached log files and automate system cleanups. While the standard settings app is easier for most people, opening PowerShell with administrator rights gives you a direct way to remove leftover diagnostic files.

1. Click the Start button, type PowerShell in the search box.
2. Right-click on Windows PowerShell in the search results and choose Run as administrator.
3. Click Yes on the confirmation prompt that appears on your screen.
4. To stop and restart the diagnostic tracking service, type the following commands one by one and press Enter after each line:
   Stop-Service DiagTrack
Remove-Item -Path "C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Diagnosis\*" -Recurse -Force -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue
Start-Service DiagTrack
   
5. Close the PowerShell window once the commands finish running.

Summary

Clearing diagnostic data history in Windows 11 helps you protect your privacy by removing stored telemetry logs and controlling what technical details your computer shares. This guide covered how to use your built-in settings, adjust optional sharing levels, and use advanced tools like PowerShell or the registry when needed.