Why Windows users are being urged to turn off this little-known privacy setting

Microsoft needs this feature to improve typing and handwriting tools, but if you want more privacy, you can disable it in Windows settings.

The “inking and typing personalization” feature allows Microsoft to collect samples of typed and handwritten content from Windows devices, according to the company’s own documentation.

Microsoft says the data is used to improve language-based features, including autocorrect, spelling, word recommendations, and handwriting recognition.

The little-known telemetry setting was highlighted by tech site XDA Developers, which pointed out that users who don’t want to share the information can disable it with a single toggle – a feature that has existed since the days of Windows 10.

Why is this Windows feature raising concerns?

For its part, Microsoft insists the feature is not a keylogger. It says it doesn't record passwords, emails, or other sensitive data and that it doesn't capture every keystroke in real time.

However, XDA Developers argued that the anonymization promise doesn’t negate the risk once the data leaves the user’s machine and goes to a Microsoft server.

The moment your data leaves your computer, it carries a risk of being compromised,

XDA Developers.

What Microsoft says the data is used for

Despite the growing integration of AI into Windows, Microsoft does not say specifically that the information is used to train chatbots like Copilot. However, it is using it to improve its inking and typing technology.

Microsoft claims that it does not receive a continuous record of everything a user types and that samples are processed to remove anything that might associate it with the original author, including unique identifiers, sequencing information, email addresses, and numerical values.

“When Microsoft collects inking and typing diagnostic data, it is divided into small samples and processed to remove unique identifiers, sequencing information, and other data (such as email addresses and numeric values) which could be used to reconstruct the original content or associate the input to you.” Microsoft’s Support page reads.

How to turn it off

Windows 11 users who want to stop the collection can open “Settings,” select “Privacy & security,” followed by “Diagnostics & feedback,” and switch “Improve inking and typing” to “Off.”

Windows 10 users can find the equivalent control under Settings >Privacy>Diagnostics & feedback.

Turning it off does not disable all diagnostic data sent by Windows to Microsoft, but it does stop handwriting and samples from being collected through this particular setting. Users will lose their custom dictionary as a result.

Why settings shouldn't be enabled by default

Microsoft states that the feature is optional rather than being switched on automatically.

However, it is configured – on or off – during the Windows setup process, meaning it can easily be enabled without the user fully realizing it, or understanding what the setting actually does.

But, as XDA puts it, "These settings shouldn't even be enabled by default."

The site adds that most users remain "blissfully unaware" that their keystrokes, even in sample form, are ever leaving their PC at all.

Backlash over Microsoft telemetry

There has been a massive backlash against Microsoft’s device tracking after it was revealed earlier this year that the FBI arrested hacker Peter Stokes by tracking his persistent Windows GDID identifier.

While telemetry may have been used to arrest a bad guy, it sowed distrust on social media over Microsoft’s data collection practices.

“Glad a cybercriminal got put away, but another good reason to switch to Linux,” one user posted on Reddit.

Last month, it was revealed that Microsoft Paint and Photos are secretly stamping AI-generated images with a hidden ID linked to the user's Microsoft account, and even images created locally on a person's PC could be traced back to them.