Windows, the OS that loves to phone home--if you let it. Here are some totally free/ad free portable applications to help gain back control of Windows 10.
Type: Freeware
Developer's description:
O&O ShutUp10 means you have full control over which comfort functions under Windows 10 you wish to use, and you decide when the passing on of your data goes too far. Using a very simple interface, you decide how Windows 10 should respect your privacy by deciding which unwanted functions should be deactivated. They also make other useful apps.
Note: I have been using this app for a couple years and it has never caused me any issues. It's a well made app that cautions you to create restore points before making changes.
O&O ShutUp10 is entirely free and does not have to be installed – it can be simply run directly and immediately on your PC. And it will not install or download retrospectively unwanted or unnecessary software, like so many other programs do these days!
Type: Open Source
Developer's description:
A tool that I created to use some of the known methods of disabling tracking in Windows 10.
Note: This one disables services and other features, all reversible by the user, AS WELL AS add entries to the HOSTS file. It is recommend backing up your existing HOSTS file just in case. It's a good practice to keep it backed up in any case, if you are a power-user that manually adds entries or use apps that add entries to the HOSTS file.
Type: Freeware
Developer's Description:
A small but powerful portable tool working via Windows API. WPD is the most convenient and proper way to customize privacy related settings in Windows.
Note: some of the blocking features of these programs can cause functionality issues in certain cases with various Windows apps, Windows core functionality (Windows Store, for example), and/or other apps that you have installed. Always backup your data/system/registry/create a restore point before changing advanced settings that you are not sure of.