3 ms·

Serious question: does MS sell a version of Window 10 outright that doesn't include all of the snooping? I've been a Windows user my whole life but I will NEVER

Serious question: does MS sell a version of Window 10 outright that doesn't include all of the snooping? I've been a Windows user my whole life but I will NEVER use an OS that collects data on the OS level.

LeoPanthera 10y ago
The LTSB edition is supposed to be this version, except it still includes the ads for OneDrive, so who knows what they're doing.
- criddell 10y ago
  Consumers can't buy that edition though.
  - LeoPanthera 10y ago
    Right. For consumers, there is no version of Windows 10 where telemetry can be switched off. I use the "Shutup10" tool to disable everything can be disabled, but I don't use Windows 10 as my everyday OS.
- HeavenBanned 10y ago
  For people who like dead comments: get the Windows (N) LTSB Enterprise edition. It's not _just_ the LTSB edition. Some perks to note of: * No bloatware * Updates every 60-90 days (as opposed to the oppressive every 5-7 days); choice to reboot auto or not. * No Windows Media Player * No MSFT Edge; Only Windows Explorer classic * Classic calculator * No Windows App Store * No background apps * No upselling shenanigans annoying my experience * No MSFT cloud * Cortana is removed completely not disabled * Mission-critical updates only...avoids needless flair in favor of stable security. * Never seen an ad ever. All in all, I would highly recommend it. For those that can see dead comments: you're welcome.
  - drdaeman 10y ago
    I've noticed there's a "vouch" button for dead comments, and I believe your comment is informative. Although, problem is, this edition is just not available to mere mortals... well, legally. As far as I understand, it requires Volume Licensing, which may not be available for individuals (depends on reseller and jurisdiction, I guess - most probably won't bother to deal with non-companies at all) and, AFAIK, requires to purchase at least 5 licenses.
AndrewHMoore 10y ago
I'm also interested. Can a person buy/subscribe to a LTSB version? I've found news links saying it was to be both for volume enterprise customers and also subscription based? What happened to that?
boondaburrah 10y ago
The only option mere mortals can get their hands on is Win 10 EDU, which has to be downloaded through schools IIRC. (enterprise isn't an option for us individual types) EDU can be managed with Group Policy, like Enterprise. Apparently Group Policy is the only way to configure it to stop snooping.
jftuga 10y ago
If you are not a gamer or don't care about invasive/live widgets, etc. and just want a more simplistic desktop interface then you should consider running Server 2016 as your desktop OS. You can turn off the telemetry.
- morrbo 10y ago
  Not sure what you mean about "not a gamer". After my problems installing the drivers (which turned out to be me downloading the wrong thing) i'm using server 2016 as my daily driver, with an rx480 and getting 60fps ultra on overwatch. Server 2016 is fine for dx11/12 and will be great for any games. Would highly recommend (i did the same with server 2012 for years, ran several games with no issues whatsoever).

LeoPanthera 10y ago

The LTSB edition is supposed to be this version, except it still includes the ads for OneDrive, so who knows what they're doing.

criddell 10y ago
Consumers can't buy that edition though.
- LeoPanthera 10y ago
  Right. For consumers, there is no version of Windows 10 where telemetry can be switched off. I use the "Shutup10" tool to disable everything can be disabled, but I don't use Windows 10 as my everyday OS.
HeavenBanned 10y ago
For people who like dead comments: get the Windows (N) LTSB Enterprise edition. It's not _just_ the LTSB edition. Some perks to note of: * No bloatware * Updates every 60-90 days (as opposed to the oppressive every 5-7 days); choice to reboot auto or not. * No Windows Media Player * No MSFT Edge; Only Windows Explorer classic * Classic calculator * No Windows App Store * No background apps * No upselling shenanigans annoying my experience * No MSFT cloud * Cortana is removed completely not disabled * Mission-critical updates only...avoids needless flair in favor of stable security. * Never seen an ad ever. All in all, I would highly recommend it. For those that can see dead comments: you're welcome.
- drdaeman 10y ago
  I've noticed there's a "vouch" button for dead comments, and I believe your comment is informative. Although, problem is, this edition is just not available to mere mortals... well, legally. As far as I understand, it requires Volume Licensing, which may not be available for individuals (depends on reseller and jurisdiction, I guess - most probably won't bother to deal with non-companies at all) and, AFAIK, requires to purchase at least 5 licenses.

AndrewHMoore 10y ago

I'm also interested. Can a person buy/subscribe to a LTSB version? I've found news links saying it was to be both for volume enterprise customers and also subscription based? What happened to that?

boondaburrah 10y ago

The only option mere mortals can get their hands on is Win 10 EDU, which has to be downloaded through schools IIRC. (enterprise isn't an option for us individual types) EDU can be managed with Group Policy, like Enterprise. Apparently Group Policy is the only way to configure it to stop snooping.

jftuga 10y ago

If you are not a gamer or don't care about invasive/live widgets, etc. and just want a more simplistic desktop interface then you should consider running Server 2016 as your desktop OS. You can turn off the telemetry.

morrbo 10y ago
Not sure what you mean about "not a gamer". After my problems installing the drivers (which turned out to be me downloading the wrong thing) i'm using server 2016 as my daily driver, with an rx480 and getting 60fps ultra on overwatch. Server 2016 is fine for dx11/12 and will be great for any games. Would highly recommend (i did the same with server 2012 for years, ran several games with no issues whatsoever).