Understanding and Resolving the ‘Microsoft Compatibility Telemetry’ High Disk Usage Issue

Error
Error

Windows 10 includes a slew of new upgrades and features that will improve your privacy and security. Many users, however, are concerned about the Microsoft Compatibility Telemetry function that was recently added to Windows and how it may jeopardise their privacy.

Microsoft Compatibility Telemetry is a new feature in Windows 10 that collects and communicates data to Microsoft in order to improve the user experience.

It has been discovered that it sends data such as typed messages on your PC’s keyboard, things said on the microphone, things stated to Cortana, and so on, even though it does not communicate personal data. These facts may cause you to doubt your privacy’s status.

Error
Error

High Disk Usage in Microsoft Compatibility Telemetry is a prevalent problem. Microsoft Compatibility Telemetry takes up roughly half of your PC’s entire disc space, making it incredibly slow and inconvenient.

Unfortunately, deactivating Telemetry is not an option because all Telemetry data cannot be disabled. But don’t fret; we’ve got a few solutions for you to fix the Microsoft Compatibility Telemetry High Disk Usage issue.

Read Also:

  1. 0x80300024
  2. 0x80070005
  3. 403 Forbidden

What is Microsoft Compatibility Telemetry?

Microsoft Compatibility Telemetry, often referred to as “CompatTelRunner.exe,” is a Windows service that is responsible for collecting and sending data to Microsoft regarding system performance, compatibility issues, and usage patterns.

It is an integral part of the Windows Customer Experience Improvement Program (CEIP) designed to enhance the overall user experience, improve system stability, and ensure software compatibility.

CompatTelRunner.exe is primarily responsible for gathering information about:

  1. Hardware and Software Compatibility: It collects data about the hardware components, drivers, and software applications installed on your system to identify any compatibility issues that might affect performance or system stability.
  2. System Performance: It monitors the performance of your computer, including CPU and memory usage, application crashes, and system errors, to help Microsoft diagnose and address issues that could lead to system slowdowns or crashes.
  3. Software Reliability: CompatTelRunner.exe tracks the reliability of various software programs running on your system, helping Microsoft identify and resolve software-related problems that may affect your computing experience.
  4. Windows Update Functionality: It plays a role in ensuring that Windows Update functions smoothly by identifying potential problems related to the installation of updates, drivers, and patches.

Significance of Microsoft Compatibility Telemetry

Now that we understand what Microsoft Compatibility Telemetry is, let’s explore its significance in the context of the Windows operating system:

1. Improving System Performance

Microsoft uses the data collected by CompatTelRunner.exe to identify and address performance bottlenecks, system errors, and compatibility issues. This process results in improved system stability and performance, leading to a smoother user experience.

2. Enhanced Software Compatibility

By monitoring software applications and drivers, Microsoft can identify compatibility issues that might cause crashes or errors. This data helps developers and Microsoft create updates and patches that resolve these issues, ensuring that software runs smoothly on Windows.

3. Efficient Windows Updates

CompatTelRunner.exe plays a role in the Windows Update process by detecting problems related to update installations. This ensures that Windows updates are applied without disruption, reducing the chances of update-related issues.

4. User Experience Enhancement

The data collected by Microsoft Compatibility Telemetry is used to enhance the overall user experience by identifying common user pain points, understanding usage patterns, and addressing specific problems that users encounter.

Data Collection and Privacy

One of the key concerns users have about Microsoft Compatibility Telemetry is the extent of data collection and potential privacy implications. Microsoft has taken steps to address these concerns:

  1. Data Collection Levels: Windows 10 allows users to choose the level of data collection they are comfortable with. You can opt for Full, Enhanced, Basic, or Security data collection levels, giving you control over the information shared with Microsoft.
  2. Data Anonymization: Microsoft takes privacy seriously and ensures that any data collected is anonymized and aggregated to protect user identities. Personal information is not transmitted to Microsoft.
  3. Transparency: Microsoft provides detailed information about data collection practices in their Privacy Statement, giving users insights into what information is gathered and how it is used.

Managing Microsoft Compatibility Telemetry

If you wish to manage or disable Microsoft Compatibility Telemetry, you can follow these steps:

  1. Data Collection Level: Go to “Settings” > “Privacy” > “Diagnostics & feedback” to choose the data collection level that suits your preferences.
  2. Group Policy (Advanced Users): Advanced users can use Group Policy settings to manage telemetry. Open the Group Policy Editor by typing “gpedit.msc” in the Run dialog (Win + R) and navigate to “Computer Configuration” > “Administrative Templates” > “Windows Components” > “Data Collection and Preview Builds.” You can disable or configure telemetry settings here.
  3. Registry (Advanced Users): Advanced users can use the Windows Registry to manage telemetry. Open the Registry Editor by typing “regedit” in the Run dialog (Win + R) and navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\DataCollection. Create a DWORD value named AllowTelemetry and set it to one of the following values:
    • 0: Security
    • 1: Basic
    • 2: Enhanced
    • 3: Full

How to Reduce Microsoft Compatibility Telemetry Disk Usage

If you’re having trouble with Microsoft Compatibility Telemetry High Disk Usage, here are several remedies.

1. Using the CMD, Disable Microsoft Compatibility Telemetry

To resolve the issue of high disc utilisation, perform these steps to disable Microsoft Compatibility Telemetry using CMD:

Step 1: To open the Command Prompt, first go to the “Start” menu and type “cmd” in the search box.

Step 2: Next, right-click the “cmd” option and choose “Run as Administrator.”

Step 3: In the Command Prompt, copy and paste the following command:

DiagTrack is deleted with the sc command. echo “” sc remove dmwappushservice
C:\\ProgramData\\Microsoft\\Diagnosis\\ETLLogs\\
Reg add “HKLMSOFTWAREPoliciesMicrosoftWindowsDataCollection” /v AllowTelemetry /t REG DWORD /d 0 /f AutoLogger-Diagtrack-Listener.etl AutoLogger-Diagtrack-Listener.etl AutoLogger-Diagtrack-Listener.etl AutoLogger-Diagtrack-Listener.etl AutoLogger-Diagtrack-List

Step 4: Restart your computer after closing Command Prompt.

2. Use Registry Editor in Windows 10 to fix the Critical Process Died Error

You can try to resolve Microsoft Compatibility Telemetry’s excessive disc usage issue by following these steps:

Step 1: To begin, hit the Windows + R keys together to bring up the Run dialogue box.

Step 2: In that box, type “regedit” and click okay.

Step 3: Select “Yes” when prompted by the User Account Control dialogue.

Step 4: Next, pick HKEY LOCAL MACHIN from the Computer menu.

Step 5: Next, select the appropriate settings from the drop-down menu; DATA COLLECTION -> SOFTWARE -> POLICIES -> MICROSOFT -> WINDOWS -> DATA COLLECTION

Step 6: Select “New” from the context menu when you right-click on “Data collection.” Then choose “DWORD” (32-bit value).

Step 7: Double-click the new value and rename it “Allow Telemetry.”

Step 8: Finally, press OK after setting the “value date” to 0 (zero).

3. Disable it with Group Policy Editor

You can use the Group Policy Editor to disable Microsoft Compatibility Telemetry High Disk Usage to solve the problem:

Step 1: To begin, press the Windows and R keys together to bring up the Run dialogue box.

Step 2: In the Run command box, type “gpedit.msc” and hit OK.

Step 3: Next, follow the steps below: Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Windows Components -> Data Collection and Preview Builds.

Step 4: Double-click the “Allow Telemetry” option after that.

Step 5: After that, pick “disabled” and click “Apply.” Finally, press OK.

Step 6: Open Task Manager by going to the “Start menu” and typing “Task Manager” into the search box.

Step 7: Last but not least, examine if Microsoft Compatibility Telemetry is using a shared storage space.

4. To Speed Up Your System, Clear The Running Memory

Clearing your PC’s operating memory can make your system run faster and fix the Microsoft Compatibility Telemetry High Disk Usage problem. You can do it by following these steps with any of the free precise up programmes, such as EaseUs:

Step 1: First, get the “EaseUs free partition tool” and install it.

Step 2: Select “Cleanup and Optimization” from the drop-down menu.

Step 3: Select “Junk File Cleanup” from the drop-down menu.

Step 4: Next, select “Analyze” to allow the tool to detect trash.

Step 5: Finally, pick “Clean up” after marking the trash you wish to get rid of.

Step 6: Verify that your problem has been resolved.

5. Using a Diagnostic Tracking Service 

Following these very simple steps, you can fix Microsoft Compatibility Telemetry High Disk Usage using Diagnostic Tracking Device:

Step 1: To begin, go to the “Start” menu and search for “Services” in the search box.

Step 2: A selection of services will emerge, from which you must select the “Diagnostic Tracking service” from the list.

Step 3: Select “Properties” from the context menu by right-clicking on it.

Step 4: Select the “General tab” from the Properties menu. Then pick “Disable” under “startup type” and click OK.

6. Remove It From The Task Scheduler 

To do so, go through the following steps:

Step 1: To begin, press the Windows and R keys together to bring up the Run dialogue box.

Step 2: To open Task Scheduler, type “taskschd.msc” in the Run Command box and then click OK.

Step 3: Go to the Task Scheduler Library after that. After that, go to Microsoft.

Step 4: Next, go to Windows and then to Application Experience.

Step 5: Look for Microsoft Compatibility Appraiser in this section. Then right-click it and choose “Disable” from the menu.

Step 6: Reopen Task Scheduler Library and go through the Microsoft -> Windows -> Customer Experience Improvement Program path once more.

Step 7: Finally, turn off all three options that show.

Read Also:

  1. WLDCore.Dll
  2. MSVCP100.Dll
  3. MSVCP140.Dll

Conclusion

Microsoft Compatibility Telemetry, represented by CompatTelRunner.exe, plays a crucial role in maintaining and improving the Windows operating system.

By collecting data about system performance, compatibility, and usage patterns, Microsoft can enhance your computing experience and address issues that may affect system stability.

While concerns about data privacy are valid, Microsoft has implemented measures to protect user information and offers transparency and control over data collection settings.

Understanding Microsoft Compatibility Telemetry allows you to make informed decisions about your Windows operating system and privacy preferences.

FAQs on Microsoft Compatibility Telemetry High Disk Usage

1. What is Microsoft Compatibility Telemetry?

  • Microsoft Compatibility Telemetry is a service in Windows that collects and sends data from your computer to Microsoft. This data helps improve the overall functionality and performance of Windows by providing insights into system usage and performance metrics.

2. Why does Microsoft Compatibility Telemetry cause high disk usage?

  • High disk usage from Microsoft Compatibility Telemetry can occur due to its continuous data collection and transmission, which involves reading from and writing to the disk extensively. This can be particularly noticeable during periods of intensive data gathering, such as before a major update.

3. Is it safe to disable Microsoft Compatibility Telemetry?

  • Yes, it is generally safe to disable this feature if it is causing significant performance issues. However, doing so may prevent Microsoft from receiving data that helps them improve system stability and performance. If you are concerned about privacy or disk performance, you might consider disabling it.

4. Will disabling Microsoft Compatibility Telemetry affect my Windows updates?

  • Disabling Microsoft Compatibility Telemetry will not stop Windows updates from being delivered to your system. However, it might affect the quality of updates as Microsoft uses telemetry data to optimize and secure your operating system based on feedback from a wide user base.

5. Can high disk usage from Microsoft Compatibility Telemetry indicate a malware infection?

  • While it’s rare, malware can disguise itself as a legitimate system process like Microsoft Compatibility Telemetry. If you notice unusually high disk usage, it’s prudent to run a full system scan with a trusted antivirus or anti-malware program to rule out the presence of malicious software.

6. How can I reduce the impact of Microsoft Compatibility Telemetry on my system’s performance?

  • You can reduce the impact by disabling or adjusting the frequency of telemetry data collection through Task Scheduler, editing Group Policy, modifying Windows Registry settings, or ensuring your system drivers are up to date to optimize performance.

7. What are the long-term effects of turning off Microsoft Compatibility Telemetry?

  • In the long term, turning off telemetry can limit the feedback Microsoft receives regarding the performance and reliability of your system, which may affect how effectively Microsoft can issue system optimizations, updates, and troubleshoot problems specific to your hardware or software environment.

8. How often does Microsoft Compatibility Telemetry send data to Microsoft?

  • The frequency of data transmission can vary depending on your system settings and usage. Generally, telemetry data is sent periodically and may increase around the time when major system updates are being prepared.