How to Enable or Disable Diagnostic Data Viewer in Windows 11
You enable or disable the Windows 11 Diagnostic Data Viewer to control the telemetry data your PC sends to Microsoft.
The Diagnostic Data Viewer is a built-in Windows tool that shows you precisely what diagnostic information your computer collects and shares. This allows you to see details ranging from general usage patterns to specific system configurations.
By default, Windows 11 gathers diagnostic data to help Microsoft enhance its products and services, like improving system stability and security. For example, basic data collection is always on to maintain Windows’ core functions.
Enabling the viewer gives you real-time insight into this collected data. Disabling it stops the detailed logging, though essential security and operational data collection continues.
To enable or disable the Diagnostic Data Viewer in Windows 11, open Settings, navigate to Privacy & security, then Diagnostics & feedback. Expand the View diagnostic data section and use the toggle switch.
Is the Diagnostic Data Viewer Installed by Default?
The Diagnostic Data Viewer doesn’t come pre-installed on Windows 11; you need to get it from the Microsoft Store. Once you have it, it works with the privacy settings you choose in the Settings app. You can find the app by searching for ‘Diagnostic Data Viewer’ in the Microsoft Store.
Using the Settings App
You can turn the Diagnostic Data Viewer on or off right from the Windows 11 Settings app.
- Open the Windows Settings app.
- Select Privacy & security on the left.
- Click the Diagnostics & feedback tile on the right.
- Select the View diagnostic data tile to expand it.
- Use the toggle switch to turn it On or Off.
On the left, select Privacy & security. Then, click the Diagnostics & feedback tile on the right. Expand the View diagnostic data tile and use the toggle to turn it On or Off. You can exit the Settings app when you’re done.
Troubleshooting: Cannot Find or Enable the App
If you can’t find the Diagnostic Data Viewer in Windows 11, first check that you’ve downloaded it from the Microsoft Store.
Enterprise and Privacy Context
For businesses, IT administrators often use Group Policy to manage diagnostic data settings across many computers at once, ensuring everyone follows the same privacy rules. Home users, however, have full control over these settings themselves. You can also check your data history online through the Microsoft Privacy Dashboard.
Data Management and History
The Diagnostic Data Viewer lets you see what data your Windows 11 device has collected and when.
Using the Local Group Policy Editor
You can control the Diagnostic Data Viewer using the Local Group Policy Editor in Windows 11, but you’ll need administrator rights.
- Open the Start menu, type
gpedit.msc, and press Enter. - Navigate to this folder path: Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Data Collection and Preview Builds.
- Find Disable diagnostic data viewer in the list and double-click it.
- Choose Not Configured, Enabled, or Disabled.
- Click OK to save. You may need to restart your computer for these changes to take effect.
Using the Registry Editor
- Open the Windows Registry.
- Go to the following path:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\DataCollection - Double-click EnableEventTranscript.
- Change the value to 1 to turn it on, or 0 to turn it off.
- If you do not see this item, right-click in the empty space, select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value, and name it
EnableEventTranscript.
Save your changes and restart your computer.
Summary
You have several ways to manage how much data your Windows 11 computer sends to Microsoft, like using the Settings app, Group Policy Editor, or Registry Editor.
Can I view Microsoft 365 diagnostic data in the same viewer?
Yes, the Diagnostic Data Viewer is designed to show diagnostic information from Windows. If you have Microsoft 365 apps installed, the viewer can often display diagnostic logs for those applications as well, provided the diagnostic data settings are enabled within the individual Office application privacy settings.
Does disabling diagnostic data affect Windows updates?
Disabling diagnostic data does not stop your computer from receiving critical security updates. However, it may limit the information Microsoft receives to troubleshoot specific update errors. Essential data required for the Windows Update service to function remains active even if you turn off optional diagnostic data collection.
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About the Author
Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.
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