How to Enable or Disable Diagnostics Access in Windows 11

What is App Diagnostics Access?

App diagnostics access (this feature allows apps to share information about how they function with Microsoft) in Windows 11 lets apps share information about how they work with Microsoft. This helps developers find and fix problems so your apps run better and are more reliable.

Diagnostic tools help check system health by gathering information about running apps. These diagnostic tools provide insights into how different applications interact, which can be useful for troubleshooting or performance analysis.

Turning off diagnostic data sharing benefits users concerned about privacy or wanting faster computer performance. Disabling diagnostic data sharing stops apps from sending diagnostic information to Microsoft. This privacy control was a feature in Windows 11.

How to Turn On or Off App Diagnostics Access (Using Settings)

Turning app diagnostics access on or off in Windows 11 is a process using the Settings app. Go to Privacy & security, then find and select App diagnostics to make your choice.

1. ⚙️ Open Settings: Click the ⊞ Start menu (Windows icon) at the bottom left, then ⚙️ click Settings. Or, press Windows key + I on your keyboard to open Settings directly.
2. Go to Privacy & Security: In ⚙️ the Settings window, click Privacy & security on the left side.
3. Find App Diagnostics: Scroll down on the right and click on App diagnostics.
4. Turn On or Off App Diagnostics Access: Use the toggle switch under App diagnostics access to turn it On or Off.
5. Control Access for Current User: If you want to control diagnostics only for your user account, use the toggle for Let apps access diagnostic info about your apps below it.
6. Close Settings: When done, just close ⚙️ the Settings window.

How to Turn On or Off App Diagnostics Access (Using Group Policy Editor)

1. Open Group Policy Editor: ⚠️ Admin privileges required Click the ⊞ Start menu, type Edit group policy, and press Enter.
2. Navigate to the Setting: Go to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > App Privacy
3. Find the Policy: Double-click Let Windows apps access diagnostic information about other apps.
4. Choose Your Option:

   • Not Configured – Use Windows default settings.
   • Enabled with Force Allow – Turns on diagnostics access for all users.
   • Enabled with Force Deny – Turns off diagnostics access for all users.
   • Disabled – Turns off the policy (similar to Not Configured).
5. Click OK to save.

How to Turn On or Off App Diagnostics Access (Using Registry Editor)

1. Open Registry Editor: ⚠️ Admin privileges required Press Windows key + R, type regedit, and press Enter
2. Go to this folder: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\AppPrivacy
3. Create or edit a DWORD: Right-click in the AppPrivacy folder > New > DWORD (32-bit) Value. Name it LetAppsGetDiagnosticInfo.
4. Set the value: Double-click the new DWORD and enter:

   • 1 to turn on App diagnostics access
   • 0 to turn it off
5. Close Registry Editor and 🔄 restart your computer to apply changes.

Summary

App diagnostics in Windows 11 helps developers improve apps by collecting usage information, and you have control over this. You can turn it on or off using the Settings app, Group Policy Editor, or Registry Editor to manage your privacy.

What happens when you turn it off? Your apps will stop sharing diagnostic information, which means more privacy and control over your computer data.

How to control it: You can turn this feature on or off in Windows 11 using Settings, the Local Group Policy Editor, or the Registry Editor.

Controlling diagnostic data sharing on a Windows 11 PC allows users to determine the amount of information applications can send. This control ensures user privacy by letting individuals decide which app activities are reported. For example, a user might choose to limit sharing of browsing history to protect personal preferences.

Reference: Microsoft Support – Windows App Diagnostics and Privacy