Do either of these Windows Updates include any telemetry or other undesirable crap?:
- October, 2016 Security Monthly Quality Rollup for Windows 7 for x64-based Systems (KB3185330)
- October, 2016 Security and Quality Rollup for .NET Framework 3.5.1 on Windows 7 SP1 and Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1 for x64 (KB3188740)
My understanding is that both, despite their names, contain a lot of non-security updates... but I haven't been able to find a clear explanation of whether or not either contains any telemetry or other junk.
I'd like to add my 2 cents to the Telemetry discussion. The measures I take are:
1. I keep GWX control panel running
2. In my Hosts file, I have limited the following to to Local loopback IP 127.0.0.1:
vortex-win.data.microsoft.com
settings-win.data.microsoft.com
3. I have placed the above domains in the URL filter in my Router Firewall.
4. I employ the plus version of Windows 10 Firewall Control ($24 - works in Win7, Win8). This allows me to monitor and control all outbound traffic, including system files. It also includes the ability to block specific programs and block traffic to specific IP addresses. You can be notified via systray balloon whenever an outbound attempt is made.
W10 FC works with Windows firewall. Windows FW only blocks inbound traffic, W10 FC only blocks outbound traffic. so no need to disable windows FW.
