Spyware in Windows 7 is generally introduced though malicious updates delivered by Windows Update, that came alongside the malware for the forced downgrade to Windows 10. An option to control it is to know which updates to avoid and block it. One good list of known malicious updates is this:
What are all the Windows 7/8/8.1 updates (KBs) I must skip to avoid Windows 10 upgrading -and nags-? - Super User
That list, among many others, includes updates that add adware of Windows 10 and some that add "telemetry" (which is the spyware). Check if you have some of those, uninstall them, then block in Windows Update.
Another know piece of spyware, bundled since day one, is the WER service, that is enabled by default and sends detailed data of every crashing program to MS. It's also a known NSA backdoor. Make sure to keep it disabled all the time.
Apart from that, just make sure to take the usual precautions. Run everything without administrative permissions, use a firewall and block everything but known programs (so potential spyware cannot send any data) and download and run only trusted software.
Apple is also widely known for spying on its users, and even upload data to its servers without user permission. Hardly a solution for this particular problem. Linux is much better in that aspect, and being open source brings a significant confidence in its autenticity.
Hi,
Every MS program and even the os has usage sending options in the setting
The os alone is click Start and type or paste this in the search box
Change Customer Experience Improvement Program settings
It will show if you're opted in or not for the os.
If you use Windows essentials or even MSE.... they will have separate settings to opt out of.
While many programs include such invasive feature, it's also disabled by default and the user is explicitly asked about enabling it, it's easy to be aware that your data is leaking. Very different to the Win10 spyware that doesn't warns you at all, or the malicious 7 updates that bring the same kind of malware.
