New Windows 11 preview build improves privacy for European users

[Alfonso Maruccia]

In a nutshell: Microsoft recently announced a new Windows 11 Insider Preview Build for the Dev and Beta Channels, providing beta testers with new features and privacy-abiding changes. Redmond uses Insider builds to test potentially disruptive changes to Windows, so we will have to wait to see if these improvements will become permanently added to upcoming stable Windows releases.

The Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.3281 (KB5052086) removes the Location History API, a feature previously used by the Cortana personal assistant to access the last 24 hours of device history. The technology helped Cortana keep updated location information for customers who frequently traveled with their laptops. However, Windows has depreciated it because Copilot has replaced Cortana, and it does not need the API.

Microsoft explained that Windows would no longer save location data locally. However, it did not provide any specific notes or remarks about any cloud-based database of users' location data. Developers also removed location history options from the Windows Setting app.

Another interesting change for privacy-minded users is Microsoft's removal of "account-based content" in File Explorer. The Windows shell will stop showing user data under the Recent, Favorites, Details, and Recommended sections. This change only applies to those using the Entra ID access management solution. Formerly known as Microsoft Azure Active Directory, Entra ID is a cloud-based identity management solution providing a unified sign-on experience for corporate users.

Microsoft removed user data from File Explorer to comply with the latest regulations in the European Economic Area. In other words, the company is finally reining in its Entra ID service to adhere to GDPR's enhanced privacy protections. Of course, this change applies only to customers in the European Union.

The new Preview Build 26120.3281 also includes some additional changes that have nothing to do with privacy in the EU. Users can soon expect to seamlessly resume working on their OneDrive documents when going from their phone to a PC. Developers also improved the Recall feature, although the update will delete all existing Recall snapshots.

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New Windows 11 preview build improves privacy for European users

 

[winjer]

At least the EU is doing something to protect user privacy.
Not much, but it's better than nothing.

 

[Eldrach]

At least the EU is doing something to protect user privacy.
Not much, but it's better than nothing.

As long as you don’t use a browser or log in to any online service including microsoft office..you’re totally protected

 

[NumberNine]

Egress firewall.

 

[RudyBob]

Privacy my behind...with europe it's the opposite of what is stated

 

[daffy duck]

You can turn off telemetry with any install of Win 11 if you use an autounattend.xml file, no need to live in the EU.

 

[Beerfloat]

Privacy my behind...with europe it's the opposite of what is stated

Yeah it's much better to just let them hand your tax returns and health info directly to Guy who runs Twitter.

 

[koblongata]

What's the point to have privacy but no freedom of expression?

 

[Mister_K]

Yeah it's much better to just let them hand your tax returns and health info directly to Guy who runs Twitter.

At this point I think its a fake account just trolling on Techspot.

 

[Beerfloat]

At this point I think its a fake account just trolling on Techspot.

It's possible but don't underestimate the meth epidemic.

 

[BuckarooBonzaii]

One day privacy will come with a price as your Government will need to know more about you so they can protect you from outside eyes.

 

[ArmorJr]

At this point I think its a fake account just trolling on Techspot.

Just report and Ignore that profile. Probably a Nazi bot account. Looked at post history...disgusting

 

[Jack77]

What's the point to have privacy but no freedom of expression?

Plenty freedom of expression over here in the EU.

 

[rugbysta]

The US is way behind of the EU in terms of user privacy. GDPR, Right to be Forgotten, Digital Markets Act, AI Act - all are meant to protect users from greedy corporations who make great money on collecting a lot of valuable user data. The US govt should learn from the EU how to protect their citizens, but unfortunately there is corporatocracy.