Windows 81 And Windows Server 2012 R2 Privacy Statement For Installation Features Key Best Direct
Even after installation, telemetry persists. The Privacy Statement permits two levels: Basic (device info, quality updates) and Enhanced/Full (usage patterns, application history). For Server 2012 R2, only Basic telemetry is acceptable in most compliance frameworks (HIPAA, PCI-DSS).
Best practice: Apply Group Policy Object (GPO) Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Windows Components -> Data Collection and Preview Builds -> Allow Telemetry. Set it to 0 - Security (for Server 2012 R2) or 1 - Basic (for Windows 8.1 Enterprise). Note: Windows 8.1 Pro and Home cannot fully disable telemetry without registry modifications, but setting to Basic minimizes unique identifiers. Even after installation, telemetry persists
Additionally, disable CEIP via Server Manager -> Local Server -> “Participate in CEIP” -> Select “No.” Best practice: Apply Group Policy Object (GPO) Computer
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (3/5 – Functional but Dated) Additionally, disable CEIP via Server Manager -> Local
As an IT administrator who has recently had to revisit these legacy OSes for a migration project, I dug deep into the official Privacy Statement for Installation Features. Here is the no-nonsense review of what you need to know about privacy during setup.
Organizations still using Windows 8.1 or Server 2012 R2 must consider legal compliance (GDPR, HIPAA, etc.) with Microsoft’s privacy statement.

