Windows 81 And Windows Server 2012 R2 Privacy Statement For Installation Features Key Link May 2026

For enterprise environments deploying Windows 8.1 Enterprise or Windows Server 2012 R2, the key privacy features listed above can be controlled via Group Policy. The privacy statement link above also references the "Configure Telemetry" policy.

| Feature | Policy Path | Recommended Setting for High-Privacy Environments | | --- | --- | --- | | Windows Update Telemetry | Computer Config > Admin Templates > Windows Components > Data Collection and Preview Builds | Security Level: 0 (Security) | | Windows Error Reporting | Computer Config > Admin Templates > Windows Components > Windows Error Reporting | Disabled | | CEIP | Computer Config > Admin Templates > System > Internet Communication Management | Disable CEIP | | Inventory Collector (Server 2012 R2) | Computer Config > Admin Templates > System > Server Manager | Do not send usage data | For enterprise environments deploying Windows 8

After applying these policies, the installation features will continue to function (updates, crash analysis) but without sending data to Microsoft, except for essential security updates. Microsoft officially ended Mainstream Support for Windows 8

Microsoft officially ended Mainstream Support for Windows 8.1 on January 9, 2018, and Extended Support ended on January 10, 2023. Windows Server 2012 R2 Extended Support ended on October 10, 2023. and privacy configuration.

Because these operating systems are considered "End of Life" (EOL), locating specific privacy documentation and official links can be difficult as Microsoft archives older content. This guide compiles the necessary information for installation, feature understanding, and privacy configuration.