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 is not pre-installed on Windows 11; you must download it from the Microsoft Store. After downloading, the Diagnostic Data Viewer uses the privacy settings you select in the Settings app. You can find the Diagnostic Data Viewer app by searching for 'Diagnostic Data Viewer' in the Microsoft Store.
Using the Settings App
You can easily turn the Diagnostic Data Viewer on or off in Windows 11 using the Settings app. Just open Settings, go to Privacy & security, then select Diagnostics & feedback. You’ll find a toggle switch there to control the viewer.
- 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.
You can manage diagnostic data viewing in Windows 11 by accessing **Settings**. First, select **Privacy & security** from the left-hand menu. Next, click the **Diagnostics & feedback** tile on the right. Then, expand the **View diagnostic data** tile and use the toggle to turn diagnostic data viewing **On** or **Off**. You can close the Settings app once you finish.
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
IT administrators manage diagnostic data settings on many computers at once using Group Policy, ensuring all devices follow privacy rules. Home users control diagnostic data settings directly. You can view your diagnostic data history online via 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
Controlling the Diagnostic Data Viewer in Windows 11 can be done using the Local Group Policy Editor, though you need administrator privileges. Open the Start menu, type ‘gpedit.msc’, and press Enter to find the setting under Windows Components > Data Collection.
- 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
For advanced users, the Registry Editor in Windows 11 lets you manage the Diagnostic Data Viewer, but proceed with caution and admin rights. Open the Registry Editor and go to 🗝️HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\DataCollection. You can then change the ‘EnableEventTranscript’ value to 1 to turn it on or 0 to turn it off.
- 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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