Microsoft is testing a new privacy settings call Presence sensing. Presence Detector for Windows 11, which will allow users to control whether apps can detect when they are actively interacting with the device and block their use if necessary.

This feature is tested in Windows 11 Beta build 22624.1610 and as described by Microsoft «is a sensor that detects whether the user is present, absent, or not interacting with their device.”. When activated, you can block or allow certain applications to access presence sensors. This means that the user can have more control over their privacy and prevent apps from collecting and using their data without their consent.

Presence detection can also have other practical uses. For example, Microsoft explains that devices can be automatically locked when they are unattended to protect sensitive files and other information. User intent can also be inferred to reduce the response time required from detection to verification or interaction. Another benefit will be that battery life can be preserved by reducing unnecessary screen idle time when the user is not actively using Windows.

Users can find this setting in Settings > Privacy & Security > Presence Detection if their device supports it.

Privacy… the eternal debate

Achieving complete privacy in a world as interconnected as today is impossible unless you enter a cave and disappear. This means that we must continue to condemn any current software collects more data than desired and those necessary for its operation and improvement. One of the reasons telemetry fails too often is a lack of transparency and user control.

Microsoft He is not exactly a champion in this issue and Windows 10 was a real mess, with an initial configuration that left users “sold” before massive data collection. After criticism spywareis improving at least in terms of user information and control, but you still need to get your hands on a system like Windows 11 from the first minute.

In the case of Presence Detector for Windows 11, Microsoft promises that will not collect images or metadata and all processing will be done and stored locally on the device hardware. He also adds that this detection “can significantly affect security, responsiveness and performance” from teams. We’ll see how this is eventually implemented when it gets to the stable release.