Windows 11 has two distinct typing-related privacy controls: a custom word list and optional inking-and-typing diagnostic data. To clear the word list, turn off Custom inking and typing word list in Settings. Microsoft treats diagnostic data separately, with its own viewing, deletion, and administrator controls.
Two kinds of typing-related data
Microsoft says Windows 11 builds a custom word list from words you type or write to improve typing and handwriting accuracy. The list is associated with your Microsoft account and can be used across Microsoft products. Microsoft Support explains the list and its setting.
Optional inking-and-typing diagnostic data is a separate category. Microsoft says it is used to improve language recognition and suggestion features in Windows apps and services. Switching off the word list clears that list; it is not the diagnostic-data control. Microsoft's Windows Privacy Compliance Guide describes the separate category.
Clear the custom word list
- Open Start > Settings > Privacy & security > Inking & typing personalization.
- Turn off Custom inking and typing word list. Microsoft says this clears the custom list.
View or delete diagnostic data
Microsoft's Diagnostic Data Viewer is a Microsoft Store app that shows Windows diagnostic data collected and sent from your device in real time.
To delete device-based diagnostic data, open Settings > Privacy & security > Diagnostics & feedback and choose Delete diagnostic data. If Windows diagnostic data processor configuration is enabled, the delete button is disabled and IT administrators handle deletion requests through the admin portal.
For administrators, Microsoft lists the Improve inking and typing recognition policy and the MDM setting TextInput/AllowLinguisticDataCollection for managing inking-and-typing diagnostics. The policy value Off is listed to stop or minimize this collection.
When an organization manages the settings
An employer or school can manage Windows privacy settings through policy. Windows may display “Some settings are hidden or managed by your organization,” and users can change only settings allowed by the applied policies. These typing-related controls address specific categories; Windows has other privacy and diagnostic settings.
