Windows 81 And Windows Server 2012 R2 Privacy Statement For Installation Features Key Best 🔥 Works 100%

On Windows 8.1, telemetry defaults to “Enhanced” with Express Settings, or “Basic” with Custom Settings.
On Windows Server 2012 R2, it defaults to “Basic” or “Security” (if configured via group policy).

To adjust:

Important: Server 2012 R2 can only be set to Security or Basic via Group Policy. Enhanced and Full are not supported.

The Windows 8.1/Server 2012 R2 privacy statement for installation features is honest but outdated. It doesn’t lie—it clearly states what data is collected. However, the installer is designed to nudge you toward sharing (e.g., making “Express Settings” the default). For a Server 2012 R2 machine, the best practice is to choose Core installation (no GUI) and never join CEIP. For Windows 8.1, the most private install is with a local account, all optional features disabled, and then running a script to block Microsoft telemetry endpoints. On Windows 8

Final recommendation: Only use these OSes offline or in highly controlled air-gapped environments. For any internet-facing system, upgrade to a newer OS where telemetry can be fully controlled via Group Policy. The privacy statement is a warning label, not a guarantee.

The most critical moment for privacy during installation is the "Settings" screen. By default, the installer selects "Use Express settings." For the best privacy control, you should avoid this.

What happens if you choose "Express":

Best Practice: Choose "Customize" instead of Express. This allows you to toggle these features off individually.

It is vital to note the status of these operating systems regarding End of Life (EOL):

Windows 8.1 includes an advertising ID for personalized ads. Disable it: Important: Server 2012 R2 can only be set

Settings > Change PC Settings > Privacy > General → Turn on “Let apps use my advertising ID for experiences across apps” to Off.

During Windows 8.1 setup, Microsoft presents two choices:

Best practice: Always choose Custom Settings during Windows 8.1 installation. For Server 2012 R2, this choice does not appear—privacy-invasive features are off by default.

For Windows Server 2012 R2, the privacy statement is slightly different because servers are usually managed by IT professionals, not casual users.