You Can Know What Diagnostic Data Windows 10 Uploads To Microsoft Servers

Microsoft may be able to appease some of its critics with the release of the new tool and Windows 10 users will finally have an idea of exactly what data the company is collecting from their systems.

READ NEXT:Canada's National Research Council trials blockchain technology The next Windows 10 update promises to give you more control over the diagnostic data collected from your device.

Privacy has become a major concern for computer users, so Microsoft has announced that it has new features that are rolling out right now to Windows Insiders and will become part of the next major update for Windows 10.

Microsoft announces Windows Diagnostic Data Viewer & other new privacy features. Coming soon to Insiders

Microsoft 's Marisa Rogers, Windows and Devices Group Privacy Officer, "Our commitment is to be fully transparent on the diagnostic data collected from your Windows devices, how it is used, and to provide you with increased control over that data". Windows Core OS and CShell aim to provide the same look, feel and features for all users. It took the Redmond Windows maker more than a year, multiple lawsuits and fear of global penalties to start rethinking about how it collects user data. Users will be able to view information on their devices and their configurations, including connected peripherals, settings and the network information pertaining to a given device.

"Trust and confidence" Some of the data Microsoft collects includes details about accessories connected to your PC, a list of installed applications and their update history, device reliability metrics and statistics on the services and apps you use the most. Microsoft stresses this is "not meant to capture user viewing or, listening habits".

This includes things like common data (operating system name, version, device ID, device class, and diagnostic level selection), device connectivity, service performance data, product and service usage, and software setup and inventory.

It is different from Microsoft Privacy Dashboard and can be accessed from the Microsoft Store. The company has already admitted that it collects user data to better its services. Users can download this free tool without the need for a Microsoft account.

However, Windows 10 Enterprise remains the only edition where users can virtually disable data collection by Windows 10, with Microsoft saying a base level of data collection is necessary to run Windows Update in other editions.

The viewer can filter data by the categories above, and also lets users search for specific terms.

Participants in the Windows Insider Program will have the first opportunity to explore all of these new features.