As the Oct. 17 release date of the Windows 10 Fall Creators Update nears, Microsoft Corp. continues to make some tweaks to its privacy settings.

The latest changes, which include privacy-related changes to the setup process, follows on from the privacy updates made as part of the Windows 10 Creators Update in April.

Here’s a look at Microsoft’s latest privacy tweaks, as well as the other features users can expect when the Fall Creators Update starts rolling out next month:

Privacy tweaks

Direct access  to privacy statement

In Windows 10 Fall Creators Update, users will get direct access to the full privacy statement during the setup process. While many users won’t actually read the entire statement, Microsoft has included some “Learn More” links in the text that will allow users to jump to relevant settings that may interest them, including how Windows 10 handles location, speech recognition, diagnostics, tailored experiences and ads.

Set application controls

Microsoft will also allow users to have more control over which apps can access their information, similar to Android and iOS apps.

Previously, users were only prompted to grant an app access if it required access to a person’s location data, while all other permissions were granted automatically. In Windows 10 Fall Creators Update, apps installed through the Microsoft Store will require users to give explicit permission to apps before it can access a user’s cameras, microphones, contracts, calendar and any other potentially sensitive information.

These app permission prompts will only apply to apps installed after the Fall Creators Update, but users are able to manage their existing app permissions by going to Start > Settings > Privacy > select an app > select which app permissions are on or off.

Note: Any apps that have permission to “Use all system resources” won’t be listed, but you will be able to use Windows Privacy Settings to control individual capabilities for any listed apps.

New setting in Windows Analytics for enterprise users

Windows Analytics gives information technology professionals more information on inventory tracking, monitoring operating system and application crashes, assessing system readiness for upgrades of Windows 10, etc.

A new setting for enterprise users in Windows 10 Fall Creators Update will limit the diagnostic data “to the minimum required” for Windows Analytics.

Windows 10 Fall Creators Update

Microsoft has been rolling out test builds of Windows 10 Fall Creators Update to its Insider testers since its Build conference in May.

Some of the features that Windows 10 users can expect when the Fall Creators Update starts to roll out on Oct. 17, include Fluent Design System, which will provide users with a responsive new look.

Microsoft’s Windows Mixed Reality platform forms a big part of the Fall Creators Update with some virtual reality headsets available on Oct. 17 and others due out later this year. The Update will also include a beta of Eye Control, an eye-tracking feature that will work with select Tobii AB eye-tracking hardware.

Other updates include 3D support for Office apps, cross-device web browsing between Android phones and personal computers and new Cortana voice commands. There’s also a new Controlled Folder Access feature in Windows Defender, Delivery Optimization, Windows Defender Application Guard improvements and Microsoft Edge improvements.

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