Started with Windows 7 I'd say.
https://www.ghacks.net/2017/02/11/blocking-telemetry-in-windows-7-and-8-1/
this post was submitted on 12 Oct 2025
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Privacy
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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.
What's a winded window?
One that's out of breath?
I think the op meant when did
Inquiring minds want to know.
Years ago. Like post xp. MS hates its customers and it shows.
If u are okay with piracy download windows server edition and u can use it very different
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.