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

Once the initial setup wizard completes, the operating systems transition to a secondary set of system services. The Windows 8.1 and Server 2012 R2 Privacy Guide structures these into clear data boundaries: Feature Group Core Component Collected Data / Privacy Action Internet Explorer 11 SmartScreen

If you sign in with a Microsoft account, the system can sync browser history, app settings, and personalization across multiple devices.

As you finalize the installation of Windows 8.1 or Windows Server 2012 R2, several optional setup features request your consent to interact over the network. Device Installation

: Settings for "Flip Ahead with Page Prediction" and the "SmartScreen Filter," which sent URLs to Microsoft to check for malicious content.

The privacy statement specifically highlights several automated features active during installation and initial boot. These features are designed to optimize the deployment but involve network communication. 1. Windows Activation and Validation Once the initial setup wizard completes, the operating

: Provides immediate access to regulatory disclosures before software activation.

Microsoft no longer updates privacy statements or telemetry configurations for these products. Newer Microsoft services (e.g., OneDrive, Microsoft 365 Apps) may collect additional data even on these older OS versions, governed by their respective modern privacy policies.

Manage the Windows SmartScreen filter, which sends the addresses of files and web links you visit to Microsoft in order to check for malicious content and phishing sites.

: Here you can manage permissions for apps to access your location, webcam, microphone, and personal account information. Device Installation : Settings for "Flip Ahead with

: Explore the sources folder on your original installation ISO or DVD media to find localized legal texts.

For a direct look at the features you can control while installing, Microsoft uses the following shortcut link:

Activation happens automatically online by default. In air-gapped or high-security environments, administrators can opt for Volume Activation Management Tools (VAMT) , Key Management Services (KMS), or manual phone activation to prevent direct internet transmission. 2. Customer Experience Improvement Program (CEIP)

When MSRT runs via Windows Update, it sends a report back to Microsoft indicating whether malware was found and removed. The privacy statement notes that this report contains no personally identifiable information (PII) but does include the malware name and OS version. Core Installation Features and Data Collection

During the setup process, Dynamic Update automatically downloads and installs critical updates—such as security patches, hardware drivers, and critical setup files—directly from Microsoft servers before you even reach the desktop. Privacy Impact: To provide you with the correct updates, Dynamic Update must send a limited amount of hardware and system data to Microsoft (such as your current hardware configuration and the status of your drivers). How it helps: It ensures that your newly installed operating system is secure, stable, and compatible with your hardware the moment you log in. 2. The Installation Improvement Programme

Both Windows 8.1 and Windows Server 2012 R2 allow you to link a Microsoft Account (MSA) to your computer profile.

Comprehensive technical documentation regarding enterprise deployment data policies can be found in the Microsoft Manage Privacy Guide . Core Installation Features and Data Collection