Microsoft has rolled out a new Windows 11 Insider Preview build that significantly enhances privacy controls for users in the European Union, aligning with strict GDPR requirements. The update, available to testers in the Dev Channel, introduces granular settings for data sharing and improved transparency around Microsoft's data collection practices.

Key Privacy Enhancements in the Latest Build

The Windows 11 Build 26040 (or higher) includes several notable changes designed specifically for EU compliance:

  • Expanded Data Collection Controls: Users now have more detailed toggles for diagnostic data sharing
  • Clearer Privacy Notices: Microsoft provides more transparent explanations of what data is collected
  • Browser Choice Prompt: EU users will see a new interface for selecting default browsers
  • Separate Search Widget: The search experience has been decoupled from web results for better control

GDPR Compliance Takes Center Stage

These changes come as Microsoft prepares for the EU's Digital Markets Act (DMA) taking full effect in March 2024. The company has been working to ensure Windows 11 meets all requirements for:

  1. Data processing transparency
  2. User consent mechanisms
  3. Interoperability with third-party services
  4. Fair competition in core platform services

What This Means for Windows Users

European users will notice several practical differences:

  • During setup, clearer options to opt out of data sharing
  • New privacy dashboard in Settings with expanded explanations
  • Ability to completely disable certain connected experiences
  • More control over advertising-related data collection

Technical Implementation Details

The build implements these changes through:

New Group Policy settings for enterprise control
Updated privacy manifests for applications
Modified telemetry collection architecture
Region-specific UI variations

Looking Ahead: The Future of Windows Privacy

Microsoft has indicated this is just the first phase of changes coming to Windows 11's privacy framework. Future updates may include:

  • Even more granular diagnostic data controls
  • Additional browser choice mechanisms
  • Tools for easier data export and deletion
  • Enhanced transparency reports

How to Access the New Features

EU-based Windows Insiders can test these changes by:

  1. Joining the Windows Insider Program
  2. Selecting the Dev Channel
  3. Updating to Build 26040 or later
  4. Checking for region-specific privacy options

Note that some features may roll out gradually and require specific regional settings to appear.