Required diagnostic data is the minimum data necessary to help keep Windows secure, up to date, and performing as expected. Optional diagnostic data includes additional details about your device, its settings, capabilities, and device health. We use this data to improve and personalize your experience.
Even at the minimum 'Required' level, Microsoft collects device identifiers, error logs, and hardware information; the 'Optional' level significantly expands the scope of data collection to include detailed application usage and browsing behaviour within Microsoft apps.
Microsoft collects a wide range of personal data — including location, voice recordings, search queries, browsing history, and content you create — across all its products and uses this data for advertising personalisation, AI training, and product improvement. Users with a Microsoft account have rights to access, correct, delete, and export their data, and can opt out of interest-based advertising, but many data uses are bundled under broad legitimate interest or contractual necessity grounds that cannot be individually declined. You can review, download, and delete your personal data, and adjust advertising and diagnostic data settings, by visiting the Microsoft Privacy Dashboard at account.microsoft.com/privacy.