Windows Vista Privacy Notice Highlights

This notice provides highlights of the full Windows Vista Privacy Statement and explains at a high level some of the data collection and use practices of Windows Vista and all Windows Vista 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.

Find additional details about many of the data collection and use practices of Windows Server 2008.

Personal Information

  • Certain Windows Vista 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 Vista Privacy Statement.
  • Some Windows Vista 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 Vista 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.
  • To make Windows Vista work better with the Internet, some features that do not collect personal information are turned on by default. You can choose to disable these features.
  • 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 Vista 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 Vista Privacy Statement contains links to supplementary information about specific Windows Vista features.
  • An easily printable version of the full Windows Vista Privacy Statement with supplementary information can be downloaded here.
  • 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 Vista Privacy Statement. Or, you can write to us using our Web form.