Stop Microsoft from getting your data!

2 ways to stop sending your personal data to Microsoft and block the Windows data from leaving your computer - take control of your data and privacy!
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[@alexlowe2054]

Shutup10 is really what the new Windows settings menu should have been. It's incredible how worthless the Windows settings menu is, how hard it is to find different settings, and how little information you get in the settings menu. Shutup10 is one of the first programs I install on any machine.

[@ReikiMaulana]

not to be pessimistic, but does it actually blocks Microsoft's telemetry completely?

[@vvorldnewsmedia]

dont use this nothing but your local stuff will show up i just did this and i could not get on the internet as I have internet i checked everything just does not work

[@Johnny-gc1er]

And? Have you solved the Problem? Can you now to on the internet

[@robertsaca3512]

He said it wasn't a program you had to install.

[@MondoLeStraka]

I was an IT consultant and won a Microsoft Achievement Award and this is one of the most incredible security/privacy videos I have seen.

[@LironSegev]

Appreciate you being here 🔥

[@Insomnia74]

@@LironSegev or, you can just get Linux mint. It's so easy that a child can do it.

[@LironSegev]

@@Insomnia74 there is so much wrong with this statement it's ridiculous. Let's start by compatibility issues (can't run Adobe apps as an example), Libre office doesn't do macros, gaming is getting better but still isn't there yet, drivers for peripherals are buggy etc.

[@chrismoule7242]

@@Insomnia74 yes it may be. Won't run apps that are crucial for me. So....

[@Insomnia74]

@@LironSegev Unrelated to the subject, it's all about getting Microsoft out the way.

[@winterspree1]

I followed the instructions and was worriedly uncomfortable with the amount of data being harvested !!! I encourage everyone who has had enough of the constant gathering of our browser habits to delve into this. Thank you, Liron Segev

[@vvorldnewsmedia]

do no use this you won't get access to the internet just your local i just did it and have to do a system restore cuz i couldn't do anything just a heads up

[@Cypherdude1]

@@vvorldnewsmedia Why did you have to do a System Restore? All you had to do was change the HOSTS file name back.

[@jtc1947]

I keep telling people that MS wants TOTAL control of THEIR Personal Computers! MS doesn't want you doing things for YOURSELF! Many Thanks Liron!

[@gregvisioninfosoft]

dont forget, it used to be "My Computer', today its 'This Computer', tomorrow 'Subscription based Computer'... they try to be subtle, when its not subtle at all. we need to avoid companys who try to lead us into the slaughter house.

[@BlindLibrary]

@@gregvisioninfosoft Even I miss when it was called "my Computer".

[@6hypnone]

Could also be said of the state of the world as well re ownership, so absolutely makes sense ms is going this way. But, another story.

[@JeanTheron-cf8zl]

Richard Stallman has been warning us against this for decades.

[@jeffmccloud905]

You're thinking of Apple.

[@katokatokato4354]

Just found out your video. I started doing your recommendations, opening my task manager, my cpu from 90% went down to 5%, thanks man, one subscribe for you. You dont know how much I thank you for this

[@Corteum]

Wow, youve been running your cpu at 90% for years and now suddenly only in the last few hours you fixed it just as this video came out

[@katokatokato4354]

@@Corteum the way you put it make it sound like I run multiple heavy applications at once for years... I just stated the estimates. Before I follow his suggestions, my pc has many microsoft whatshit in task manager and running and uses my pc's resources. I cant end them all fearing errors or something bad might happen, it was high at 60% - 90% and I uses two browsers with multiple tabs and one vpn, I open the same applications after Im done with his suggestions (include restart) and voila it was now at the range of 5% to 20%.

[@Corteum]

@@katokatokato4354 At least you found a solution that works. Many peoeple havnet got clues about any of this stuffs

[@aros007z]

Awesomeness

[@TheBoyCalzone]

Just sounds like you had a terrible computer to begin with to be honest

[@davidj231]

Block anything MS-related at an external firewall level. IMHO, trusting the OS to block all paths back to its maker, through host files, seems incredibly naïve in 2024.

[@teekev125]

A step you missed is flushing the cached DNS entries on your computer. The least technical way to do it is to reboot the computer once the host file is updated. Of course, you can flush the DNS for an ipconfig command in a command prompt.

[@eduardopekurned1505]

Not everyone can flush the toilet, What is the command?

[@teekev125]

@@eduardopekurned1505 OPen a command prompt. Ctrl R CMD then type ipconfig /flushdns enter This will delete all cached DNS entries

why would it matter? None of them are going anywhere after you set it up like he said. They are all blocked.

[@Mikein203]

​@@eduardopekurned1505lmao! Remember Google is your friend 🧡

[@therealromster]

DNS entries are cached with a TTL (time to live), I am pretty sure those DNS entries will be cached the moment the PC is on the internet. "ipconfig /flushdns" To flush the DNS cache.

[@spikekent]

Great video Liron. I've just added the list to my Pihole, that way it works across all devices on my network.

[@LironSegev]

Perfect!

[@dotTom.c0m]

that may be a worthwhile video for Liron to cover. Making and setting up a Pihole.

[@billant2]

I used to run a separate Pihole, but recently swithed to AdBlock-Lean running on my OpenWRT router. No need for all the traffic to hop through another device. Also, it's easier to administer and configure on a single device.. ;)

[@billant2]

​@@LironSegev - Hey Liron, at 6:55 you used "0_0_0_0" as a DNS "black-hole". A better option is to use local the host address "127_0_0_1" ("_" is a dot).

[@spikekent]

@@dotTom.c0m There are many tutorials out there. But it would be good to have one from Liron too 👍

[@samuraiwarriorsunite]

Great info as usual, Liron. Also, kudos to Gerd hagezi who apparently took the time and effort to compile these lists.

[@dotTom.c0m]

I second that. 👍 Gerg Hagezi

[@GUIRADE95]

I'm watching your videos and I i like it very much, straight to the point with no bs. Keep on going my man. Kind regards from Bogotá.

[@starkiller7278]

Almost 700 as of 5 sept 2024. Thanks Mr.Liron, this is a huge help, not just for Microsoft, but for a lot of other sites like Amazon.

[@coskuarsiray]

provided link takes user to o&o web page and it says "Microsoft Partner" ...what?

[@AppleyardAndy]

The only real problem with using the hosts file is that some software, not Windows yet but probably soon, don't use DNS as the ip address is hard coded into the software.

[@adamnealis]

Then it's firewall time to block access to those IPs via your home router, etc.

[@beyondpc9421]

Sounds like some really weak software. Maybe find a better alternative.

[@AppleyardAndy]

@@beyondpc9421 it's more common in mobile apps than Windows software at the moment. KZbin on android is one of them.

[@johnison76]

Another great segment. Thank you as always, Liron!

[@LironSegev]

Thanks again!

[@Theopheus]

The consensus seems to be that anytime you take action against Microsoft, they fix it with an update or when you reboot it overwrites the file you changed. What makes this method different?

[@LironSegev]

This has been around since the original Windows and so this isn't a feature but rather integral to how the system works.

[@ddgyt50]

I recently watched somebody install Linux Mint. It was easy and it was fast.

[@SpaceCadet4Jesus]

Installing Wiindows is easy and it's fast. In fact, if you buy a new computer, it's already installed. So what's your point?

[@Maikro-cg7ph]

@@SpaceCadet4Jesus probably that microsoft doesnt own linux

[@rawmaterials3909]

​@@SpaceCadet4Jesus until you have to reinstall it. Happens quite often.

[@SpaceCadet4Jesus]

@@rawmaterials3909 dude, let's be honest. If you have to reinstall your operating system and it happens quite often, it's not the operating system's fault. The code hasn't been nearly that unstable since Windows 8, which was quickly countered with Windows 8.1 which was stable. You might want to look at the user who's screwing it up so bad, doesn't know the real answer to the problem and just simply reinstalls thinking that's going to solve their issue. Reinstalling is the same code you had before, so what's the difference? The difference lies in the screw-ups that people have wiped out by reinstalling. Another thing people don't seem to understand is that hard drives decay. That is, they get worse over time and people think that reinstalling is solving the base problem but the fact is the hard drive needs change out. It's likely you don't even know how to diagnose a condition based on an increasingly bad hard drive. Lastly, another easy tip is corrupt operating system files which can be fixed easily with an Administrator Command Prompt running the command "Sfc /scannow".

[@SpaceCadet4Jesus]

@@Maikro-cg7ph How you got that conclusion out of the OPs statement is incredible. There wasn't a single hint that I could see that was referencing, or secretly alluding to Company ownership. Apple doesn't own Linux, nor does it own Microsoft. So? Ford doesn't own GM and Toyota doesn't own Kia. What does that got to do with the cars being able to be driven, or that they're easy and fast to operate?

[@shokama]

Hmm... I wonder what kind of risks are when changing the DNS for Windows/Microsoft telemetry. Will I be unable to access certain apps?

[@AceMoonshot]

This is why you have a well deserved 1m subs. Glad I am one of them. Thank you.

[@LironSegev]

Appreciate you 🔥

[@boines]

Note that some browsers use an internal dns server Bypassing hosts etc. also at a work environment gp settings can be stored on a server thus using it instead host. Reason why i use pihole with added dns from iblocklists and its across all devices on network free.

[@LironSegev]

note that these apps don't use the browser - they do the DNS lookup and that uses the host file. I was just showing the browser so you can visually see what happens. Its not like Office opens up your browser first.

[@johnflores3103]

Liron, always making helpful videos! 👍

[@xomox5316]

Its might be my imagination but after doing the host stuff it really helped with computer speed issues when gaming online.

[@stopthink7202]

Awesome video. Thank you so much for all your helpful advice and for not telling us all to click lots of obscure folders and options that simply don't exist on our machines. (like so many other You Tube clips do)

[@test-rj2vl]

Keep in mind that if you have "wrong" addresses in hosts file then Windows Defender wants to "liberate" you from "virus" so make sure make sure you do backup so you don't lose your effort and you could even start by adding exception for that file.

it's "lose". not "loose"

[@test-rj2vl]

Tnx, fixed.

[@robh5695]

Great video as always, Liron. This is priceless information. 👏

[@LironSegev]

Much appreciated!

[@lioncolor3]

Incredible sollution. Done. Thanks Liron.

[@northwestrepair]

I never expected those options to actually do anything.

[@JamaicaWhiteMan]

I stopped them about 5 years ago by installing Linux Mint on my machines. A bonus is they run faster, workflow is faster, and it's all totally free.

[@qtrax100]

Jah!

[@jeffmccloud905]

Microsoft owns tens of thousands of patents on tech used in Linux. But they were nice and didn't sue anyone over them.

[@hahanah1463]

Makes me sick how these companies work

[@buckeyered9]

I stopped using Windows years ago (Linux Rocks) but I still like watching your videos to see whats going on and to learn from them. Love your Linux videos by the way!

[@LironSegev]

I appreciate that!

[@Flytrap]

What OS do you use?

[@buckeyered9]

@@Flytrap If your starting out with Linux, Zorin is a great choice. Mint is great as well and that is what I use now.

[@Flytrap]

@@buckeyered9 I've used Linux-based OS's for around 20 years. I have never been impressed by them.

[@D.von.N]

Going that direction myself now.

[@itsqlex]

What are your thoughts on 0patch? Would you recommend it for people who want to stay on W10 after October 2025?

[@peterschmidt9942]

I'm on a Linux PC ATM watching this. I'll definitely be revisiting this next time I login to my Windows machines. I just pulled up the MS blocklist suggestion from your link and WOW! I wouldn't have thought there was so many addresses that collect data and this is just from MS! However I have a couple of questions that if you block all of these domains, will - Windows updates still work? - The Outlook app still work? Will Outlook still work through a browser? - In the blocklist it specifically states - "Expires: 7 Days", so I gather you'd have to update your config file every 7 days?

[@georgijandrejev7585]

And what about Windows updates then?

[@JS-tr7oo]

THAT is a very good question, however Liron answered this question at the very beginning of his video.

[@LironSegev]

those are going to be fine as long as you don't block any Windows update urls - those are not in the host list as of the time of commenting this. But you can just google what are the urls for the update and make sure those are not there.

[@RobC1999]

@RAM_845that means you’re not getting security updates which mean your computer is more vulnerable to attacks. Many websites have malicious code.

@RAM_845 so does all the malicious code that gets on your computer from not updating. Not updating is like leaving your front door to your home unlocked....just ridiculous.

@RAM_845 you're clueless.

[@jameslong3351]

The original HOST file came from the Unix OS. Think about it, in the seventies there were no DNS servers so everyone had to know the numerical address of every node on the network that they wanted to get to. I have over 16K servers that route to [0.0.0.0] in my HOST file, I don't see ads.

[@BrendonJoslinOfficial]

Great video sir

[@LironSegev]

Thanks

[@Ari0och]

I migrated to Linux and never looked back, I don't regret it

[@RocknR00ster]

Same, I don't get paid for them using my data, so no data for them.

[@alanmartin4607]

Great video Liron! Could you also do a video on disabling Recall, Copilot and anything else AI related? I want no part of constant snapshots, keylogging capture, etc.

[@sedum112]

After following the instructions in this video, my Quick Assist stopped working. Putting the host file back to normal cured the problem but it took me most of the day of trying different things before I realised what the cause was.

[@PeterHonig.]

Superb information!!! Though I am a Linux user, and this does not apply to me directly, I do a lot of troubleshooting of Windows problems for my friends. This is quite helpful, as I utterly dislike Microsoft's snooping (or snooping by any entity for that matter). Thanks much!

[@Zonfeair]

Great you showed us how to block the sending of data but how do we stop the collecting of data before it is sent?

[@ComeonmenID10T]

what's the disadvantage of doing this ? could it prevent MS from updating ?

[@ros8737]

Never mind the data, I will apply it to stop Microsoft using my computer and wasting my time. Computers are so slow today! I have to disconnect my new computer from the internet to have it respond to what I need it to do.

[@ZeroCool396]

I wright my own script's that remove a lot of these options. I have no copilot no AI no bloat on my system. I remove anything i don't want or use.

[@ikfc-f5z]

I just realised recently, in Notepad (Win 11) it has both Spellcheck and auto correction Enabled... ummmm when a word is misspelt, Where does the data/verification come from? I disabled both options. Keep up the good work, Cheers

[@LironSegev]

it seems these are kept locally on the computer which is why they work even when you don't have internet access.

[@henryd4331]

I believe your ISP manages DNS, not Microsoft. Am I right? In any case, a modified hosts file will override DNS requests anyway as Windows looks there first.

[@LironSegev]

Yup. You can set your DNS to any DNS provider like cloudflare or google.

[@Dirty_Hamble]

Just found you (& subbed) as I'm very concerned about Microsoft. Not confident with tech, so taking first steps. Only got my first smartphone late last year, and I'm almost 60. Thinking of Linux, but need to do my research.

[@ShadowMoonPhoenix]

Even as a computer Engineer, I am not above learning new things. Thanks Liron. 😅

[@LironSegev]

We all are constantly learning

[@JohnDeere_Simulations]

Private Microsoft detective I love it I have a question though when you block Microsoft website and the domain for the Internet browser, are you blocking updates and such and for things like when I am going to download Minecraft or doing stuff with Minecraft? I watch all your videos containing all of this. I love it. I don’t blame you. I hate Microsoft too. I have windows 10 and I am planning on switching to Linix or just staying with Windows 10❤

[@hybridinfodesk409]

Dual boot is your friend. The most OSes I got running besides my drivers and manu bios updater Win is 3 more. Haven't tried it with Win 11.😅

[@SyberPrepper]

Wow! Brilliant! How good this make me feel to block data they shouldn't have in the first place.

[@XXXXDarkStarXXXX]

Actually, the best way to stop microsoft, google etc from getting at your personal info is to get rid of your/our Computers and phones... don't use any of it. . But if you/I/we can't live without a Computer, then your information is excellent! 👍

[@SonnyHoood]

been using windows since 3.11 and i didnt know about O&O and the github link so thank you

[@davechupp7922]

Thank you for this valuable information.

[@derikdang8829]

You're awesome Mr. Liron 🤗 👍. Thank you.

[@SuspiciousAra]

I was just looking for this software on their wepage and guess what? it says "Microsoft Partner" ..... what kind of partner i'd like to ask?

[@Gullinkambi]

Thank you for sharing brother

[@AmmarAhmed-vv1sb]

when i made the changes on windows11 ....windows defender said: SettingsModifier:Win32/PossibleHostsFileHijack

[@jimmyriddle3899]

Why do you drag the hosts file to desktop to edit. Can’t it be edited in place?

[@marcmacinnis6610]

because the file is in windows\system32, you need an extra step to run notepad as administrator or it won't save/overwrite the file. what he's doing is a simple workaround to that.

[@Hitchpster]

Kinda need this for Apple now.

[@Nightrapture]

Do the updates and other OS services like the store or MS account or xbox still work after this?

[@LironSegev]

Yes Uodat s and security updates still work. Only blocks telemetry

[@Soupie62]

So, when a toggle is GREEN (On) the item is disabled? That's a badly phrased interface page.

[@robriot6882]

Green MS gets your data. Red no

[@LanComp1]

Great info! I just added the entries to my host file. Thank You

[@GehMemories]

okay... this is cool stuff 💕💕.... i have a question, in shutup10, once we make the changes, it is applied right? cause there is no save button ??

[@raincatchfire]

That's right. No save button, but make sure to export your settings so if windows updates ever reverts them, you will be able to quickly restore them.

[@vulcan6940]

This is so cool; thank you!

[@LironSegev]

You're very welcome!

[@stevecato]

What is to stop MS from just sending the data to a numeric IP address? This would bypass DNS.

[@PhilU2B]

Can we divert the output to have it write to a text file so we can examine what is being pushed out to each now-blocked site?

[@cyberdami]

Thanks for the very informative video.... Does either of these methods for blocking telemetry have a negative impact on MS Flight Simulator 2020? 🙂

[@richd6362]

Very helpful video. Thanks.

[@cristitanase6130]

is there a way to completely and permanently block the updates?

[@smanqele]

Wow, as a Microsoft 365 user on macbook how would I do that exercise?

[@noithinknot4583]

The host file mod is said to cause an error msg in defender, could't you block those websites in you router. Protect the whole house and no windows defender error. Ps: we need instructions for installing Shutup 10 "silently" so we can use ntlite to just bundle it into our 10 or 11 install. Just a thought.

[@giaichau8187]

If you run computer without internet are getting watch by Microsoft. ??. After my workday done and clocked,reconnect back.they’re come into computer and knowing you use windows…???

[@mrgee7059]

Another great video! 😊

[@mickwolf1077]

could that list be used at the router level to benefit all devices running windows and solve the problem with updates undoing your changes on a PC?

[@reinoldwalser8501]

How do we protect ourselves from Windows Recall? Microsoft said it would be disabled but it could reactivate at the next update. Just asking.

[@LironSegev]

yeah - watching this closely...

[@fido139]

I actually very much LIKE the search bar, or "magnifying glass". Gets me what I want pronto.

[@Hakkar]

You don't need the search bar visible, even when you hide it it is still there: Just open start menu and start typing.

[@AJMeTube]

You are awesome Liron! Thank-you !!!

[@ChrisWijtmans]

hosts files and shutup10 settings are completely ignored by microsoft telemetry unless you use enterprise edition.

[@motoryzen]

It doesn't matter what version of Windows you use because any PC you boot into windows that is connected online for any reasonable amount of time even if it's one day a year let alone daily Microsoft can and will do what they want with that computer. The Telemetry engine is built into the core AKA kernel just like the Windows update engine. This has been a fact since guaranteed Windows 8 and from what I have understood and read thoroughly about and actually spoken to some Microsoft software development members about, they have actually shoehorned that functionality as an update into Windows 7

[@BillGreenAZ]

Another great video from Liron. Thanks much!

[@johnnyc.5979]

Brilliant! Implemented.

[@sytzeys]

Ms has baked-in ip’s, so ur host adjust is not effective, just chk with wireshark

[@robhymers9149]

I flushed Microsoft down the toilet years ago. I love not worrying about this anymore.

[@motoryzen]

Indeed..my liberation day was July 28 2020 😁

[@MikeHF]

It would not allow me to use Notepad.exe to edit the host file. I had to use Word instead. In fact, Notepad does not exist in the "open with" menu when right clicking on the Host file.

[@neshotah1976]

Question: Doing this will stop all Microsoft updates, including the security updates and software updates from windows, correct? So how do we stay current with all the updates?

[@LironSegev]

Doesn't block updates.

[@fbifido2]

1. what if you just want to block only the Telemetry? and you want to use OneDrive, Teams, Word, etc... 2. how would you find these host entries??

[@thedonofdank2538]

Wow, great video! Can i ask, will the last part cause any issues with windows updates?

[@LironSegev]

Not as long as you don't block the update site. I make sure to remove or look out for any sites that are like: windowsupdate.microsoft.com. You can do a google search to find those urls

[@davidengelbrecht777]

I can't find the list of host services, please help

[@honestlocksmith5428]

Block Amazon s3 as well. That's a major storage server for private data.

[@alienspace1]

Great advice Thank you

[@stephensmith4758]

Only run Win on a Vm & I'm still gonna try these

[@Someone-tk7sb]

I saw where it is. Thanks.

[@erfelgamazig]

Microsoft Defender marks hosts if you change it (big surprise)

[@OmPrakash-py8mt]

I tried this method a few years back, but modified host file was reset by windows

[@no-stresscat1519]

This has always been an awesome program. How is it suppose to function when MS removes local accounts completely and requires on online MS account for your Windows to work? it is coming, just a matter of when. I use Linux Mint by the way.

[@RC-qk5ph]

How about blocking at the router level, i know not all routers work that way but the more expensive ones do.

[@Paul-dn4wh]

Thanks

[@jeremylindemann5117]

Couldn't MS just secretly go around the hosts file and the shutup program?

[@dncarac]

I pity the poor Microsoft worker who has to review my data. He'll have to drink gallons of coffee to stay awake.

[@zipy2008]

Thanks is there something similar for android tablet?

[@MoonbeameSmith]

How do you do the red highlight and the "spark" upon clicking?

[@ericbarlow6772]

Thanks. I added the domain list to my Pi-Hole.