| Feature | Data Collected | Purpose | |---------|----------------|---------| | (Windows 8.1 consumer SKUs) | Location, browsing history, error reports, personalized ads | Simplifies setup but enables full telemetry and ad ID. | | Microsoft Account Integration | Email address, name, sync settings (themes, passwords, browser favorites) | Enables cloud sync across devices. | | Windows Update | Device ID, update status, installed updates list | Delivers security and critical patches. | | Customer Experience Improvement Program (CEIP) | Hardware configuration, software usage patterns, crash dumps | Improves Microsoft products (optional for Server 2012 R2). | | Error Reporting (WER) | Application and kernel fault logs, memory dumps | Helps diagnose and fix crashes. |
: This feature performed a one-time check with Windows Update during installation to retrieve the latest critical security patches and drivers.
: Mandatory for all users, activation links a specific product key to your hardware to prevent counterfeiting. Data sent includes product codes, installation date, PC make and model, and the hashed Product Key. | Feature | Data Collected | Purpose |
For volume licensing environments, administrators can use Key Management Service (KMS) keys to activate systems internally, reducing the need for individual devices to communicate directly with Microsoft's activation servers. Windows 8.1 and Windows Server 2012 R2 KMS Keys
How updates are downloaded during installation. | | Customer Experience Improvement Program (CEIP) |
CEIP collects telemetry data regarding how you interact with the operating system.
It is important to note that the original "Windows 8.1 Privacy Statement" linked in the OS settings often redirects to the modern . : Mandatory for all users, activation links a
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Automatically happens during setup to verify your copy of Windows is genuine.
During the installation of Windows 8.1 and Windows Server 2012 R2, several features are designed to enhance functionality but involve sending data over the internet. 1. Dynamic Update
: Cross-references files with a cloud database of known malicious applications to block threats early. Enterprise Control and Privacy Management