Can Windows 11 Be Private Enough for a Linux User?

Privacy and Security Discussions
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I’ve been using Arch Linux as my main OS for almost 7 months due to its strong privacy and security focus. However, I recently had to shift to Windows 11 Pro to test a browser called Arc Browser, and now I’m running into a bit of a dilemma.

As someone who’s privacy-focused and security-conscious (I’m not that strict, I still use Meta apps, google services), Windows 11, with all its telemetry, bloatware, and tracking, doesn’t sit well with me. But since I’ve already shifted, I’ve done everything I can to make it as privacy-friendly as possible.

Here’s a rundown of all the steps I took to lock down my Windows install:

  • Local Account Setup: After installation, I used a local account instead of logging in with a Microsoft account, updated the system, and restarted.

  • Ran the “WinUtil” script (by ChrisTitusTech):

    • Disabled consumer features, telemetry, activity history, and GameDVR.
    • Disabled location tracking, storage sense, and WiFi sense.
    • Set services to manual, blocked Adobe network connections, and disabled IPv6.
    • Uninstalled OneDrive and other unnecessary apps.

  • Ran “Win11Debloat”:

    • Removed pre-installed bloatware, disabled telemetry, diagnostic data, app-launch tracking, targeted ads, Cortana, and web searches with Bing.
    • Disabled intrusive UI elements like Xbox game bar, and Windows Copilot.
    • Cleaned up the start menu and removed unwanted pinned apps.

  • O&O ShutUp10++: Applied recommended settings for maximum privacy and disabled unnecessary features.

  • Tweaked Windows Settings: Manually disabled more services in the registry, applied Hagezi DNS blocklist, and edited host files to block Windows servers.

  • DNS: I use NextDNS free plan with various filter list.

For context:

  • I don’t use OneDrive, Outlook, or any other Microsoft apps except Windows Terminal, Snipping Tool, etc.
  • My concern is whether these steps are sufficient to maintain privacy on Windows, or if I should just go back to Arch Linux where I feel more secure.
  • Lowkey loving the Arc Browser, and my fave app on Windows was the Photos app, but can’t seem to find anything like it on Linux. Also overall Windows experience is good for me, just the data collecting is pissing me off

Is there anything else I can do to enhance privacy on Windows 11? Or should I just revert to Arch Linux since I’m privacy-focused?

Looking forward to hearing your thoughts!

TL;DR: Moved from privacy-focused Arch Linux to Windows 11 Pro for testing purposes. After running several debloat/telemetry-disabling scripts and making various manual tweaks, I’m wondering if Windows can ever truly be privacy-friendly or if I should go back to Arch Linux.

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The future Windows updates might possibly undo some of the work you’ve done. Also, the controversial features like recall are in their pipeline. I’d probably consider switching back to Linux asap. It’s not worth playing the cat and mouse game with Microsoft.

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Ultimately, the choice is yours.
There are serious drawbacks depending on the setup.
Especially without making changes to the system.

The ones I found most annoying were:

  • Bing built into the start menu search with multiple dark patterns (including one that ignores a Policy which explicitly claims to disable web search in the start menu on Windows Professional)
  • Using OneDrive by default or making repeated attempts to give you a one-click option to enable it.
  • The fact that they even considered building recall in the first place.

I want windows to work when I need it so I’d much prefer simply going dual boot to trying to make system changes that Microsoft actively aims to undo. And if they break even that, I’d rather not use it at all if I can at all manage.

It sounds like you’re in a position where you’ve avoided most of the issues I have with Microsoft. So I guess you’re okay as long as you check in on things after updates.

I’ve used Linux for over ten years and before Windows 11 was installed on my system I honestly never thought I’d dump it and its conveniences to switch to Linux.
But at this point it’s a matter of principle. I simply cannot tolerate an operating system that isn’t willing to respect my decision.

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I think Linux will always win out in the privacy front, but it seems like you’ve done a lot of good work to push back against Microsoft’s data collection on your system. If you’re still using apps from Meta and Google then it sounds like Windows 11, especially stripped down, should be fine for your needs. You’ve set yourself to have the option of choosing.

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