When installing these operating systems, the "Privacy Statement" refers to how Microsoft collects and uses data. Since support has ended, the current online privacy statement applies mostly to active services (like OneDrive or Outlook), but the OS itself has specific legacy behaviors.
Both Windows 8.1 (end of support: January 10, 2023) and Windows Server 2012 R2 (end of extended support: October 10, 2023) are deprecated. Running them without an Extended Security Update (ESU) agreement creates significant privacy and security risks. Upgrade to a supported version (Windows 10/11 or Windows Server 2019/2022) for ongoing privacy protections.
Summary: For the official privacy statement covering installation features for Windows 8.1 and Server 2012 R2, use the key link https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=521839. Always choose custom installation settings, minimize telemetry to “Security,” and avoid Microsoft Account sign-in on server deployments.
Navigating Privacy During Your Windows 8.1 & Server 2012 R2 Setup
Setting up an operating system involves more than just hitting "Next." For those still deploying or managing Windows 8.1 Windows Server 2012 R2 Summary : For the official privacy statement covering
, understanding how Microsoft handles your data during the installation phase is crucial.
Microsoft provides a dedicated summary of privacy policies specifically for features encountered during setup, such as Dynamic Update Installation Improvement Program Activation The Essential Privacy Link
The primary resource for these specific installation features is the Windows 8.1 and Windows Server 2012 R2 Privacy Statement
For a direct look at the features you can control while installing, Microsoft uses the following shortcut link: Key excerpt from the privacy statement (via the
It sounds like you're looking for a good article or breakdown of the Windows 8.1 and Windows Server 2012 R2 Privacy Statement, specifically focusing on installation features and perhaps a key link to the official Microsoft documentation.
While I can't browse live links for you, I can point you to exactly where Microsoft stores this (still accessible) and summarize the key installation-related privacy points that such a post would highlight.
Perhaps the most critical feature cited in the privacy statement, Windows Update transmits:
Key excerpt from the privacy statement (via the link above): “When you use Windows Update, information about your device, such as the version of Windows, the processor type, and certain device identifiers, is sent to Microsoft to determine which updates to offer. No file content or personal documents are ever sent.” information about your device
Finding the original specific statements is difficult as Microsoft archives them. However, here are the key links for review:
Review Summary: The Windows 8.1 and Server 2012 R2 privacy statements were forward-looking documents that introduced concepts now standard in Windows 10 and 11. They marked the transition from "software you own" to "software you license and connects to the cloud."
Critical Recommendation: From a security and privacy standpoint, these operating systems should not be installed for daily use.
For Server Installation: If you must install Server 2012 R2 for legacy application testing in a closed environment:
Since Microsoft often moves or archives older pages,