If you’re an avid gamer, you may have noticed that Windows 10 has a feature that automatically shares what games you’re playing with your Xbox friends. While this may seem harmless, it can also be a privacy concern for some users. In this article, we’ll explore how to stop Windows 10 from telling your Xbox friends what games you’re playing and take control of your privacy settings.
Why Is This a Privacy Concern?
Lack of Control Over What Is Shared
One of the main concerns with Windows 10’s automatic game sharing feature is the lack of control over what is shared. By default, Windows 10 will automatically share what games you’re playing with your Xbox friends without giving you the option to choose which games to share.
This means that any game you play, even if it’s a private or sensitive game, will be shared with your Xbox friends. This lack of control over what is shared can be a major privacy concern for many users.
Sharing Personal Information
Another concern with this feature is the potential for sharing personal information. When you play a game, your Xbox friends will not only see the game title, but also the time you started playing and the duration of your play session.
This can reveal personal information such as your gaming habits, daily routine, and even your location. For some users, this level of information sharing may be uncomfortable and unwanted.
How to Stop Windows 10 From Telling Your Xbox Friends What Games You’re Playing
Step 1: Access Your Privacy Settings
The first step to stopping Windows 10 from sharing your game activity is to access your privacy settings. To do this, click on the Start menu and select “Settings”. Then, click on “Privacy” in the settings menu.
Step 2: Navigate to the Xbox Privacy Settings
In the privacy settings menu, click on “Xbox privacy settings” under the “App permissions” section.
Step 3: Turn Off Game Activity Sharing
In the Xbox privacy settings, you’ll see an option for “Game activity”. Click on this option and toggle the switch to “Off” to stop Windows 10 from sharing your game activity with your Xbox friends.
Step 4: Customize Your Privacy Settings
While you’re in the Xbox privacy settings, you can also customize your privacy settings for other features such as friend requests, messages, and more. This allows you to have more control over what information is shared with your Xbox friends.
Other Ways to Manage Your Privacy on Windows 10
Use the Privacy Dashboard
Windows 10 also has a privacy dashboard that allows you to manage your privacy settings in one place. To access the privacy dashboard, go to the Microsoft website and sign in with your Microsoft account. Then, click on “Privacy” in the top menu and select “Privacy dashboard”.
From here, you can manage your privacy settings for various Microsoft products and services, including Windows 10.
Use a Third-Party Privacy Tool
If you want even more control over your privacy on Windows 10, you can use a third-party privacy tool. These tools allow you to customize your privacy settings and manage what information is shared with Microsoft and other apps.
Some popular privacy tools for Windows 10 include O&O ShutUp10, W10Privacy, and Privacy Repairer.
Take Control of Your Privacy on Windows 10
While Windows 10’s automatic game sharing feature may seem convenient, it can also be a privacy concern for many users. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can stop Windows 10 from telling your Xbox friends what games you’re playing and take control of your privacy settings.
Remember to regularly check and customize your privacy settings to ensure that your personal information is not being shared without your consent. With these tips, you can enjoy your gaming experience on Windows 10 without compromising your privacy.
