Windows 7 Privacy Notice highlights
This notice provides highlights of the full Windows 7 Pre-Release (M3) Privacy Statement and explains at a high level some of the data collection and use practices of Windows 7 and all Windows 7 Service Packs. It focuses on features that communicate with the Internet and is not intended to be an exhaustive list. It does not apply to other online or offline Microsoft sites, products, or services.
Personal information
Certain Windows 7 features may ask you for permission to collect or use your personal information. Additional information about these features and how they use your personal information is described in the full Windows 7 Pre-release (M3) Privacy Statement.
Some Windows 7 features allow you, with your permission, to share personal information over the Internet.
If you choose to register your software, you will be asked to provide personal information.
Additional details
Your choices
You can choose whether to use or disable features of Windows 7 that transfer personal information over the Internet.
A variety of controls are also available for features that transfer other types of information over the Internet.
Internet-enabled features that generally do not collect personal information may be turned on by default to help us improve the commercially released product.
Additional details
Uses of information
We use the information collected to enable the features you are using or provide the services you request. We also use it to improve our products and services. If you choose to register, with your permission we use your personal information to request your feedback about the product or service that you are using; to provide critical updates and notifications regarding the software; or to provide you with advance notice of events or to tell you about new product releases.
In order to help provide our services, we occasionally provide information to other companies that work on our behalf. These companies are required to keep this information confidential and are prohibited from using it for any other purpose.
Additional details
Important information
Windows 7 requires activation to reduce software piracy and help ensure our customers receive the software quality they expect. Activation does not require any personal information.
The full Windows 7 Pre-release (M3) Privacy Statement contains links to supplementary information about specific Windows 7 features.
For more information on how to help protect your personal computer, your personal information, and your family online, visit our online safety resources.
How to contact us
For more information about our privacy practices, go to the full Windows 7 Pre-release (M3) Privacy Statement. Or, you can write to us using our web form.