Started with Windows 7 I'd say.
https://www.ghacks.net/2017/02/11/blocking-telemetry-in-windows-7-and-8-1/
ms was already wiretapped by the nsa in the XP era, according to snowden.
Really kicked in with Windows 8 though, that's when they started pushing the Microsoft Store app to install programs. If I recall correctly Secure Boot also became the standard requirement to install Windows in 8.1.
In other words, began with 7 but kicked into high gear with 8.
But up until recently you could download packages and utilities directly from their site, now you are forced to do it through Microsoft Store. I just started this new Win11 laptop and right after debloating the shit out of it I noticed the updates didn't install HEIC and AV1 codecs and there was no way for me to install them without getting Microsoft Store back, so I restored it and downloaded them and then removed Microsoft Store... guess what? Removing it removed the downloads as well lol
Fucking hell
And they keep making it harder and harder to not use a Microsoft Account.
It was the switch to Microsoft accounts. Everyone started using online accounts to login and when people complained apple said “okay, you don’t need to and here’s some ways to make it safer” after some high profile leaks, google said “we’ll anonymize your data so when we use it for tracking it’s not tied to you, also here’s some ways to make it safer” after everyone realized they weren’t not being evil and Microsoft said “are you fucking stupid? It says right there in the tos that we’re gonna take and use everything!”.
Go to massgrave.dev and start reading. Convert your Microsoft account to a local user account. You will still have a Microsoft account but you won’t use it to login. You will lose access to stuff you bought under your Microsoft account until you sign in. This may or may not be acceptable to you.
Use your knowledge from massgrave to convert your windows edition to enterprise iot ltsc if you’re on 21h2, otherwise either downgrade or flatten and reinstall that edition. You will now be able to receive security updates and stay on windows 10.
What's a winded window?
I think the op meant when did
One that's out of breath?
Inquiring minds want to know.
If u are okay with piracy download windows server edition and u can use it very different
Years ago. Like post xp. MS hates its customers and it shows.
When it became the dominate OS run by a greedy corporation.
Windows 10 or 11?
You might wanna check out this link
Not a perfect solution by any means but at least it makes Windows more privacy-friendly if you want to.
If you use something like simplewall or Portmaster you can block every OS communication with the mothership and make it look like you are offline for them :)
Probably soon they are making it that you can't use Windows offline though lol
I just set a static IP in Windows, then block that IP from the internet in my OpenWRT firewall.
Privacy has become a very important issue in modern society, with companies and governments constantly abusing their power, more and more people are waking up to the importance of digital privacy.
In this community everyone is welcome to post links and discuss topics related to privacy.
much thanks to @gary_host_laptop for the logo design :)