🛠️ Data Collected During Setup and Feature Installation
KMS allows organizations to activate systems within their own local network. A local KMS host computer handles the activation requests.
The primary, official documentation for these policies can be found in the Windows 8.1 and Windows Server 2012 R2 privacy statement , which details how user data is handled. Key Privacy-Impacting Features During Installation
: GVLKs do not activate the system independently. When used, the OS avoids communicating with public Microsoft cloud infrastructure. Instead, it searches local DNS records to find an internal, organization-managed KMS host or an Active Directory domain controller. Telemetry regarding corporate infrastructure remains contained within the company network. Multiple Activation Keys (MAK) and Retail Keys 🛠️ Data Collected During Setup and Feature Installation
Microsoft designed the installation process for these operating systems to include several "privacy-impacting features" that users can make decisions about during setup. Key Installation Features
To ensure a smooth setup, this feature connects to Microsoft servers to download the latest installation files and drivers. While functional, it establishes an internet connection before the OS is even fully configured. Installation Improvement Program:
: Unless cross-device synchronization is required, a local account provides greater privacy by preventing Microsoft from associating usage patterns with a persistent cloud identity. and error reporting.
During the initial installation and setup phases, you can make decisions regarding the following features: Dynamic Update
: When activation occurs, Windows sends information about the PC to Microsoft, including a hardware hash derived from the computer’s components. Notably, a specific product key becomes associated with the PC hardware on which the software is installed—this association prevents the same product key from being used to activate multiple PCs. Making significant changes to computer hardware or other major configuration changes may require that the activation process be completed again.
Choose "Custom" rather than "Express" settings during the initial Windows 8.1 out-of-box experience (OOBE) to turn off automatic telemetry, location tracking, and error reporting. 🛠️ Data Collected During Setup and Feature Installation
: Choosing "Customize" instead of "Use express settings" allows you to toggle features like location services, browser protection, and error reporting. Post-Installation : Most settings can be adjusted in the section of PC Settings or via Group Policy for enterprise environments. Official Documents
: GCRJD-8NW9H-F2CDX-CCM8D-9D6T9
: Administrators can opt out through automated deployment answering files ( unattend.xml ). 3. Product Activation Technology
Microsoft offers users choices to control data collection during the installation process:
: Passwords and security information used for account authentication. Interactions