[verified] — Windows 81 And Windows Server 2012 R2 Privacy Statement For Installation Features Key

: Region/language settings, OS version, and the results of activation checks, including any detected activation exploits or unauthorized software. How Microsoft Uses This Information

When you run setup.exe from a Windows 8.1 or Server 2012 R2 ISO, the installation wizard connects (unless you are offline) to Microsoft’s activation and feature telemetry servers. Here is exactly what the privacy statement says regarding the process:

: From a privacy and security perspective, using genuine Windows provides multiple protections: assurance that software is supported by Microsoft and its partners, assistance with license compliance, enhanced protection from counterfeit software risks such as spyware and malware, and protection against potential financial penalties and reputational risks from unlicensed software use. : Region/language settings, OS version, and the results

The installation features key, also known as the product key, is a 25-character code that is used to activate your copy of Windows 8.1 or Windows Server 2012 R2. This key is used to verify that your copy of Windows is genuine and has not been tampered with.

Understanding what information Microsoft gathers during the operating system (OS) installation phase is critical for system administrators managing air-gapped networks, corporate governance, or regulatory compliance compliance. Core Components of the Installation Privacy Framework The installation features key, also known as the

: Microsoft associates the product key with your specific hardware to prevent it from being used to activate the same software on multiple PCs.

After installation, immediately apply:

: Signing in with a Microsoft account enables the syncing of personal settings across devices, such as browser history, passwords, and app data. Customer Experience Improvement Program (CEIP)