For a direct look at the features you can control while installing, Microsoft uses the following shortcut link:
Setting up an operating system involves more than just hitting "Next." For those still deploying or managing Windows 8.1 Windows Server 2012 R2 For a direct look at the features you
| 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. | | | Customer Experience Improvement Program (CEIP) |
Navigating Privacy During Your Windows 8.1 & Server 2012 R2 Setup software usage patterns
| Resource | URL | |----------|-----| | Official privacy statement (archived) | https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=521839 | | Microsoft Privacy (current) | https://privacy.microsoft.com | | Group Policy Settings download | https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=40750 | | Windows 8.1 Lifecycle | https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/lifecycle/products/windows-81 | | Windows Server 2012 R2 Lifecycle | https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/lifecycle/products/windows-server-2012-r2 |