Microsoft is testing Windows 11 options more frequently in the company’s preview rings. But sometimes a feature stands out that deserves extra attention. In this case it is a useful tool that offers more transparency in terms of privacy.
Microsoft is calling the brand new tool Privacy Checkup. David Weston, responsible for corporate and operating system security at Microsoft, showcases the component via his Twitter profile. Weston says Microsoft is now testing the option within the Dev channel of Windows 11, where functions sometimes drop or are drastically changed after initial login. The Dev Channel is where the company tests experimental parts with test equipment outside of the software manufacturer.
Privacy Tool for Windows 11
Testers will find the new feature in the privacy options of Windows 11. There you will find a list of recent activity on your system. This list shows, for example, when certain applications have applied to your microphone or webcam.
You can normally find apps that do this with the right permissions, such as Microsoft Teams, here, but you can discover apps here that you’re unsure of whether or not you’ve allowed. That’s why you should be able to quickly identify and resolve suspicious behavior with the new privacy tool.
In this environment, you’ll also see when apps can access things like your contact list, location data, phone calls, and more. You can see exactly when applications use components and data, and on what day. So this is very transparent.
We now have to wait and see when Microsoft will roll out the tool to every Windows 11 user. The feature is still in the Development channel so it could take months to get there.
Still, it’s good to see Microsoft working on such features because as a user of a digital system it’s always good to see when applications or systems have access to sensitive parts or data.
Microsoft has had quite a few privacy issues with Windows 10 in the past. The Dutch Data Protection Authority concluded this in both 2017 and 2019. At the time, Microsoft improved user privacy, but these improvements were accompanied by new data processing methods. It had to be re-examined.
In short, the Redmond company has had significant room for improvement in this area, and it looks like it’s finally making better use of that space.
Many more online privacy tips can be found in our online course: Security & Privacy!
Source: Computer Totaal
I am Bret Jackson, a professional journalist and author for Gadget Onus, where I specialize in writing about the gaming industry. With over 6 years of experience in my field, I have built up an extensive portfolio that ranges from reviews to interviews with top figures within the industry. My work has been featured on various news sites, providing readers with insightful analysis regarding the current state of gaming culture.
