how do I manually disable telemetry for office 2016 ?

Discussion in 'Microsoft Office' started by explorer11, Apr 3, 2016.

  1. explorer11

    explorer11 MDL Novice

    Apr 27, 2015
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    #1 explorer11, Apr 3, 2016
    Last edited: Apr 3, 2016
    In Office 2016:
    - what are the components that do telemetry or any kind of data sending to Microsoft or anywhere ?
    - can these components be disabled or deleted, either from command prompt or from gui ? if yes, then how do I disable/delete them, or where do I obtain instructions on how to identify them and disable/delete them ?
     
  2. abbodi1406

    abbodi1406 MDL KB0000001

    Feb 19, 2011
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    #2 abbodi1406, Apr 3, 2016
    Last edited: Nov 13, 2018
    DisableOfficeTelemetry.reg
    Code:
    Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00
    
    [HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office\16.0\Outlook\Options\Mail]
    "EnableLogging"=dword:00000000
    
    [HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office\16.0\Word\Options]
    "EnableLogging"=dword:00000000
    
    [HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office\Common\ClientTelemetry]
    "DisableTelemetry"=dword:00000001
    
    [HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Office\16.0\Common]
    "disableboottoofficestart"=dword:00000001
    "qmenable"=dword:00000000
    "sendcustomerdata"=dword:00000000
    "updatereliabilitydata"=dword:00000000
    
    [HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Office\16.0\Common\General]
    "disableboottoofficestart"=dword:00000001
    "optindisable"=dword:00000001
    "shownfirstrunoptin"=dword:00000000
    "ShownFileFmtPrompt"=dword:00000000
    "skydrivesigninoption"=dword:00000000
    
    [HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Office\16.0\Common\Feedback]
    "enabled"=dword:00000000
    "includescreenshot"=dword:00000000
    
    [HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Office\16.0\Common\Internet]
    "disableboottoofficestart"=dword:00000001
    "serviceleveloptions"=dword:00000000
    "useonlinecontent"=dword:00000000
    
    [HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Office\16.0\Common\PTWatson]
    "disableboottoofficestart"=dword:00000001
    "PTWOptIn"=dword:00000000
    
    [HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Office\16.0\Common\Security\FileValidation]
    "disablereporting"=dword:00000001
    
    [HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Office\16.0\Firstrun]
    "BootedRTM"=dword:00000001
    "disablemovie"=dword:00000001
    
    [HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Office\16.0\Lync]
    "disableautomaticsendtracing"=dword:00000001
    
    [HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Office\16.0\OSM]
    "Enablelogging"=dword:00000000
    "EnableUpload"=dword:00000000
    
    [HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Office\16.0\OSM\PreventedApplications]
    "accesssolution"=dword:00000001
    "olksolution"=dword:00000001
    "onenotesolution"=dword:00000001
    "pptsolution"=dword:00000001
    "projectsolution"=dword:00000001
    "publishersolution"=dword:00000001
    "visiosolution"=dword:00000001
    "wdsolution"=dword:00000001
    "xlsolution"=dword:00000001
     
    [HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Office\16.0\OSM\PreventedSolutiontypes]
    "agave"=dword:00000001
    "appaddins"=dword:00000001
    "comaddins"=dword:00000001
    "documentfiles"=dword:00000001
    "templatefiles"=dword:00000001
    
     
  3. explorer11

    explorer11 MDL Novice

    Apr 27, 2015
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    #4 explorer11, Apr 3, 2016
    Last edited by a moderator: Apr 20, 2017
    (OP)
    @abbodi1406: In your script there are 12 items. Out of those 12 items, the last 7 cannot be added to registry.

    When I attempt to add these 7 items:
    Code:
    [HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Office\16.0\Common]
    "qmenable"=dword:00000000
    "updatereliabilitydata"=dword:00000000
    Code:
    [HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Office\16.0\Common\General]
    "shownfirstrunoptin"=dword:00000000
    "skydrivesigninoption"=dword:00000000
    Code:
    [HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Office\16.0\Common\ptwatson]
    "ptwoptin"=dword:00000000
    Code:
    [HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Office\16.0\Firstrun]
    "disablemovie"=dword:00000001
    Code:
    [HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Office\16.0\OSM]
    "Enablelogging"=dword:00000000
    "EnableUpload"=dword:00000000
    Code:
    [HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Office\16.0\OSM\preventedapplications]
    "accesssolution"=dword:00000001
    "olksolution"=dword:00000001
    "onenotesolution"=dword:00000001
    "pptsolution"=dword:00000001
    "projectsolution"=dword:00000001
    "publishersolution"=dword:00000001
    "visiosolution"=dword:00000001
    "wdsolution"=dword:00000001
    "xlsolution"=dword:00000001
    Code:
    [HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Office\16.0\OSM\preventedsolutiontypes]
    "agave"=dword:00000001
    "appaddins"=dword:00000001
    "comaddins"=dword:00000001
    "documentfiles"=dword:00000001
    "templatefiles"=dword:00000001
    the following error is returned:
     
  4. abbodi1406

    abbodi1406 MDL KB0000001

    Feb 19, 2011
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    Do you have admin rights? no issue here importing the file
     
  5. explorer11

    explorer11 MDL Novice

    Apr 27, 2015
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    I'm importing the file by right clicking on the .reg file, and clicking "Merge", on a standard account (not on an administrator account). But if I log in into an administrator account, and import the reg file, then those registry settings will be applied only for that administrator account ? Or for all admin and non-admin accounts ?
     
  6. explorer11

    explorer11 MDL Novice

    Apr 27, 2015
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    #7 explorer11, Apr 4, 2016
    Last edited: Apr 4, 2016
    (OP)
    I found out eventually. Merging of reg files applies only to the user account on which the merging is executed. To merge this reg file on an account of type standard, I had to first change the type from standard to administrator, then merge the reg file, then change the account type from administrator back to standard.

    Are there any IPs or URLs that can be added to the hosts file, to block Office 2016 ?
     
  7. cocotus.interruptus

    cocotus.interruptus MDL Junior Member

    Sep 8, 2014
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    #8 cocotus.interruptus, Apr 4, 2016
    Last edited by a moderator: Apr 20, 2017
    Normal (MSDN ISO) versions: Unpack the ISO somewhere, run setup.exe /admin from the folder where you extracted the ISO. Wade through all the options slowly and carefully, reading descriptions. There's various unwanted stuff in unexpected places, such as spell checker components etc.

    Howto with pics etc.: Deploy Office 2016 using the Microsoft Office Customization Tool
    Code:
    support.adminarsenal.com/entries/98600118-Deploy-Office-2016-using-the-Microsoft-Office-Customization-Tool 
    Note:You do NOT need PDQ Deploy or anything similar, simply save the resulting MSP file(s) into the the updates subfolder. (Repeat for each product (Visio, Project...)

    This takes time but needs to be done just once and is much more thorough and reliable than importing .reg files; you can skip installing certain telemetry and other spy components altogether. Also, you can use this administrative install point to integrate hotfixes on install.

    See WHDownloader
    Code:
    forums.mydigitallife.net/threads/66243-WHDownloader-Download
    for a quick way to get the hotfixes and unpack the MSPs from them.

    C2R: See Office 2016 Deployment Tool:
    Code:
    microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=49117
     
  8. Blueingreen

    Blueingreen MDL Junior Member

    Mar 18, 2015
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    Unfortunately, none of these registry tweaks prevents file creation (and later upload?) in C:\Users\Username\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Office\OTele, at least at my end. Changing folder's permissions - simply deny "Write" to User/Administrator - may be a way to go, but the app crashes after a while when offline. Sure thing you don't have to worry about telemetry when offline, and can clear up the folder manually.
    To sum up: a hassle, if you frequently go offline/online.
     
  9. shewolf

    shewolf MDL Senior Member

    Apr 16, 2015
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    #10 shewolf, Apr 4, 2016
    Last edited: Apr 4, 2016
    disable Task Scheduler /from a elevated command prompt

    --- Disable Office Telemetry ---

    schtasks /Change /TN "Microsoft\Office\Office Automatic Updates" /Disable
    schtasks /Change /TN "Microsoft\Office\OfficeTelemetryAgentFallBack2016" /Disable
    schtasks /Change /TN "Microsoft\Office\OfficeTelemetryAgentLogOn2016" /Disable
    schtasks /Change /TN "Microsoft\Office\Office ClickToRun Service Monitor" /Disable


    --- this is all you need ;)
     
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  10. cocotus.interruptus

    cocotus.interruptus MDL Junior Member

    Sep 8, 2014
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    FWIW, none of these tasks is installed here (using the custom admin install with telemetry crap disabled everywhere per the howto above). So, apparently it works. :drunk:
     
  11. shewolf

    shewolf MDL Senior Member

    Apr 16, 2015
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    #12 shewolf, Apr 4, 2016
    Last edited by a moderator: Apr 20, 2017
    Then it was not meant for you, I am convinced that you are the expert for tweaking MS software, but for the average user I prefer to advise disabling something instead of tweaking. ;)

    --- save as *.bat file and run as administrator

    Code:
    @Echo Off
    cd %systemroot%\system32
    call :IsAdmin
    rem --- Disable Office Telemetry ---
    schtasks /Change /TN "Microsoft\Office\Office Automatic Updates" /Disable
    schtasks /Change /TN "Microsoft\Office\OfficeTelemetryAgentFallBack2016" /Disable
    schtasks /Change /TN "Microsoft\Office\OfficeTelemetryAgentLogOn2016" /Disable
    schtasks /Change /TN "Microsoft\Office\Office ClickToRun Service Monitor" /Disable
    Pause & Exit
    :IsAdmin
    reg query "HKU\S-1-5-19\Environment"
    If Not %ERRORLEVEL% EQU 0 (
    Cls & Echo You must have administrator rights to continue ... 
    Pause & Exit
    )
    Cls
    goto:eof
    --- to reverse, turning jobs in the office scheduler default, change /Disable --> /Enable
    --- this is all you need to Disable/Enable Office Telemetry :p
     
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  12. ratzlefatz

    ratzlefatz MDL FUBAR Recon Squad

    Sep 1, 2012
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    #13 ratzlefatz, Mar 7, 2017
    Last edited: Mar 7, 2017
    Bumping to front page.

    Unfortunatedly last posts are rather 1 year old.

    Does Registry trick and/or disabling of scheduled telemetry tasks still work
    without modifications/adjustment for todays C2R Office 2016?
     
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  13. Blueingreen

    Blueingreen MDL Junior Member

    Mar 18, 2015
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    #15 Blueingreen, Mar 13, 2017
    Last edited by a moderator: Apr 20, 2017
    @Abbodi
    I'd add this entry (extra security):

    Code:
    [HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Office\16.0\OSM]
    "EnableFileObfuscation"=dword:00000001
    These have been on my system for a while. Guess they are redundant: same as ones in "Policies" key:

    Code:
    [HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office\16.0\Common]
    "QMEnable"=dword:00000000
    "sendcustomerdata"=dword:00000000
    "updatereliabilitydata"=dword:00000000
    
    [HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office\16.0\Common\ClientTelemetry]
    "DisableTelemetry"=dword:00000001
    
    [HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office\16.0\Common\Feedback]
    "enabled"=dword:00000000
    "includescreenshot"=dword:00000000
    This may seem weird, but by setting to 0, I get the welcome screen at every app launch ("First things first..."). Disabled is 1.
    Code:
    [HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Office\16.0\Common\General]
    "shownfirstrunoptin"=dword:00000001
     
  14. MonsterMMORPG

    MonsterMMORPG MDL Member

    Apr 27, 2012
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    this is still up to date?
     
  15. dosibox

    dosibox MDL Senior Member

    Aug 14, 2009
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    Good question...
     
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  16. Hedgehog In The Fog

    Hedgehog In The Fog MDL Novice

    Oct 24, 2009
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    This is a wonderful set! Thanks to everyone who participated in its creation.
    But even with all its parts, office applications are connected to the Internet. Of course, much less than without it. There is clearly something missing.

    And, after upgrading office2016 to the latest version, some additions are also required. Like that:
    Code:
    schtasks /Change /TN "Microsoft\Office\Office Automatic Updates 2.0" /Disable
    schtasks /Change /TN "Microsoft\Office\Office Feature Updates" /Disable
    schtasks /Change /TN "Microsoft\Office\Office Feature Updates Logon" /Disable
    
     
  17. dimon_sk

    dimon_sk MDL Novice

    Oct 27, 2018
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    Hi guys! :)
    I disabled these tasks in the Windows Task Scheduler to prevent a telemetry in the Office 2019 but after a while time they are enabled again and again. How fully disabled them?
    Code:
    "Microsoft\Office\Office ClickToRun Service Monitor"
    "Microsoft\Office\OfficeTelemetryAgentFallBack2016"
    "Microsoft\Office\OfficeTelemetryAgentLogOn2016"

    And I can't understand what doing these two tasks? May I disable them without any issues for Office 2019?
    Code:
    "Microsoft\Office\OfficeBackgroundTaskHandlerLogon"
    "Microsoft\Office\OfficeBackgroundTaskHandlerRegistration"
    I would be grateful to you for recommendations.
     
  18. abbodi1406

    abbodi1406 MDL KB0000001

    Feb 19, 2011
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    Delete them, and they will be reinstalled with updates