After noticing this, I basically wiped my SSD and reinstalled windows 10 with the internet unplugged. This allowed me to get an offline account. However, I never entered my product key and windows basically automatically linked my previous key to my computer. This means somehow windows has linked my hardware to my Microsoft account and having an offline account is pretty much voided from a privacy perspective.

At this point, the whole thing is creepy and I don’t know how I can trust windows anymore. Even if I can turn down telemetry to “security - 0”.

I am just not sure how I can truly be convinced my name and online account can’t be linked to any telemetry it gets or what telemetry it is pulling.

So, now, I’m considering moving over to Mac and getting a MacBook Pro. I hate this idea because when you build your own pc, you have freedom to upgrade stuff and do whatever you want without fear of voiding some warranty. But I hate telemetry more and it has pushed me over the edge to give up that for more privacy.

So, my question is, does Mac provide more privacy from telemetry than windows 10 education edition (the way I have installed it)?

I have read that you can both opt out of macs telemetry completely AND even if you are opted in, it is “anonymous” telemetry data. Meaning, while apple pulls it if you leave it on, it is not linked to you AND Apple takes extra steps to make sure it doesn’t get linked to any Apple account or user. Is all this true?

Basically, I am just asking someone with knowledge on this to help me make the correct decision.