Microsoft denies Windows 11 secretly spies on you every 15 minutes

A viral social media post claimed that Microsoft had secretly integrated a new background service into Windows 11 that tracks users and impacts PC performance. Microsoft has now denied these claims and explained the service’s actual purpose, reports Windows Latest.

The controversial service in question is called “Windows Health and Optimized Experiences” (whesvc), which has been part of the operating system since 2025. The post in question claimed that this service collects and sends diagnostic data to Microsoft every 15 minutes.

Scott Hanselman, deputy technical director at Microsoft, confirmed that the service is part of the Windows diagnostic system and collects local performance data—for example, when the operating system detects that the PC is running slow. However, the information is stored locally and only transmits to Microsoft if the user chooses to do so.

Scott Hanselman also acknowledged that the current description of the service in Windows is unclear and that Microsoft would revise it.

Recall 2.0?

The rumors of Windows embedding spyware in its own operating system seem farfetched, but it’s not surprising that users are skeptical. After all, Microsoft was the one to roll out Windows Recall, which constantly monitors your screen and still takes screenshots of confidential data.

Windows users are (not unreasonably) wary of services that collect excessive amounts of data. Even though Recall also only stores this data locally on the system to make it easier to retrieve later, it received tons of backlash and forced Microsoft to rethink its design. It’s unclear whether Microsoft’s reputation will ever recover from this.

Further reading: Windows 11 collects your data. Here’s how to opt out