# Should I switch to Windows 11(from 10) **URL:** https://discuss.privacyguides.net/t/should-i-switch-to-windows-11-from-10/28318 **Category:** Questions **Tags:** software **Created:** 2025-06-13T23:52:06Z **Posts:** 11 ## Post 1 by @velsolus — 2025-06-13T23:52:06Z Before anyone starts repeating the obvious talking points, yes I use Linux, yes I know windows is bad for privacy, yes I still need windows for some things. With that out of the way I’m wondering if someone who knows a lot about windows can help me. I’ve a lot of things about windows 11’s privacy issues but never any actual details or proof of what people are claiming about it. Is windows 11 that much worse than 10 for privacy? Is the privacy sacrifice worth the security of being on a supported OS? Can you still delete some of the bloatware included like on windows 10? --- ## Post 2 by @TheDoc — 2025-06-14T00:16:23Z > [@velsolus](#): > > yes I still need windows for some things. If you have or can get 2 different storage drives, I’d recommend you consider dual booting and only use Windows for the Windows-exclusive apps. > [@velsolus](#): > > Is windows 11 that much worse than 10 for privacy? I don’t have a list of sources on me and don’t care to compile one because it won’t change my advice either way, but as someone who sort of follows privacy-related news I’d say I’m fairly positive Windows 11 is worse than Windows 10. Windows 10 was probably worse than previous versions so we can expect this trend to continue into the future. The Microsoft account requirement is one obvious example. That doesn’t mean Windows 10 was acceptable either and comparing the two in 2025 is kinda pointless now that Windows 10 is about to reach EOL in a few months. > [@velsolus](#): > > Is the privacy sacrifice worth the security of being on a supported OS? Yes, security updates will typically be preferable even if it comes with more data collection. Especially considering Windows 10 already collects tons of data to begin with. It’s not like you’re [comparing Windows to Linux](https://discuss.privacyguides.net/t/linux-privacy/23462/39) where there’s a notable difference in privacy and security features and you’d have to pick between different pros and cons. --- ## Post 3 by @velsolus — 2025-06-14T00:23:44Z Thanks for the answer. I am looking for specifics because some trade offs are obviously worse than others. I know recall is a thing but I highly doubt my computer can handle it so I’m not worried about that. Key logging is one thing that worries me. I have it disabled on 10 and I believe you can on 11 as well. --- ## Post 4 by @TheDoc — 2025-06-14T00:27:51Z Yeah if you have to use Windows 11, at least try to limit how much Microsoft spies on you. [Privacy Guides](https://www.privacyguides.org/en/os/windows/) and [The New Oil](https://thenewoil.org/en/guides/moderately-important/desktop-settings/) have some information on what you can do. Again, if you can, dual boot on a second storage drive or use a Linux-dedicated PC. That will always be the best solution for people who have to use Windows for some things. --- ## Post 5 by @Julie — 2025-06-14T01:17:53Z I can assist you using windows 11 LTSC IOT. Most software are compatibles with it. You could also create your own ISO of windows 11 tailored for privacy in minds. --- ## Post 6 by @user1 — 2025-06-14T05:41:48Z I recently updated from Windows 10 pro to 11 pro. My previous privacy settings and hardening configuration where maintained and local accounts too. I just had to tweak for some newer thing, like disable widgets and some recommendations on the start menu. If you start from scratch with a new install you’ll have to set up Windows using PG wikis and/or other third party tools like privacy.sexy or OOshutup if you are comfortable with that. Windows Recall is not even issue if you don’t have a super recent Copilot+ PC with some fancy specs needed to run it and you can disable it anyway. I would say that with a local account, disabled telemetry, opt-out privacy settings, avoiding using Edge (you can even uninstall it at least in EU version) and other Microsoft products like Office or Onedrive you’ll have a nice experience similar to Windows 10. Setting up a custom DNS could block further telemetry to some MS endpoints. I highly recommend to upgrade to 11 to benefit from better security features and future system updates. --- ## Post 7 by @velsolus — 2025-06-14T05:43:52Z Thanks for this --- ## Post 8 by @velsolus — 2025-06-14T05:45:01Z Getting past the Microsoft account being required hurdle is a lot harder now, but it seems like it’s doable still --- ## Post 9 by @user1 — 2025-06-14T05:48:33Z Yes, still doable and not really harder just with a different [method](https://www.tomshardware.com/how-to/install-windows-11-without-microsoft-account) for the latest builds. --- ## Post 10 by @crossroads — 2025-06-15T06:36:24Z I don’t know what programs you use on Windows, but maybe VM can be solution. VMware Workstation is free and has very good performance. It’s not like with GPU passthrough on KVM, but it is ok for standard office work. I use Windows 10 (IoT LTSC), as Windows 11 is also worse for me in other aspects, not just privacy, and plan to rely on this setup until it reaches EoL (2032) --- ## Post 11 by @win11.shading291 — 2025-06-16T21:21:32Z I’d recommend Privacy.Sexy: > [@Best tool to disable telemetry on Win11](https://discuss.privacyguides.net/t/best-tool-to-disable-telemetry-on-win11/18516): > > Hello, I know a lot of people would want me to not use Windows at all, but I’m not ready to do just that yet. So I went through a thread that talks about different tools to disable telemetry of Windows 11. I’m not sure which one I should use? [privacy.sexy](https://privacy.sexy/)[christitus windows-tool](https://christitus.com/windows-tool/)[Donotspy11](https://pxc-coding.com/donotspy11/)[Shutup10](https://www.oo-software.com/en/shutup10)[WPD.app](https://wpd.app/)[W10Privacy - Privacy made ​​easy - W10Privacy](http://w10privacy.de/english-home/) Also, this youtube video: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SvhRXLmsyJ8](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SvhRXLmsyJ8) Also, I’ve used Windows all my life and it’s the first time I’m considering switching to Linux. Probably in a couple years my PC will be Linux. Even if it means I’ll have to do some sacrifices. I just don’t like the idea of Windows Recall existing as a feature (even if turned-off). It could be turned-on “by mistake.” We’ve all seen these “mistakes” happen by big-tech. The direction Microsoft is going is pushing me away, like I’m sure, many other people. Windows 11 is definitely worse then 10 in terms of Privacy.