Optional Diagnostic data not turning on

Hi Acidoi,

If the "Send optional diagnostic data" setting turns itself off after you enable it, it may indicate that another configuration on the device is overriding the preference rather than the toggle itself failing to save.

As a quick check, you can try:

1. Press Windows + R, type gpedit.msc and press Enter (if available).
2. Navigate to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Data Collection and Preview Builds.
3. Review any configured policies related to diagnostic data and set them to Not Configured if they are unintentionally restricting telemetry.
4. Restart the device and test the setting again.

If you're using a work, school, or managed device, an organization policy or management tool may automatically enforce diagnostic data settings, which can cause the option to revert after being enabled.

Should the issue continue, please let us know:

• Whether this is a personal or managed device.
• Your Windows edition and build number.
• Whether you're enrolled in the Windows Insider Program.

That information can help narrow down the cause and identify the most appropriate next steps.

I look forward to your update. Feel free to ask me by clicking "Add Comment" or "Add Answer" if you cannot add comment so your response will be visible. Thanks for your effort.

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Hello Acidoi,

Try deleting the entire WindowsSelfHost Key. It will be rebuilt after a reboot:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\WindowsSelfHost

As for the registry entries, there are technically two different locations depending on how the settings are applied.

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\DataCollection is the location the AllowTelemetry value is set if it is configured by policy (i.e., InTune, ConfigMgr, Group Policy, etc.)

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\DataCollection is the location the AllowTelemetry value is set when you make a change via the UI

The first will have precedence over the second. If you have no entry in the first location (which consumer devices shouldn't), it means your device does not have a policy applied to that device for that setting from a management tool. Thanks Eddie for this info.

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\DataCollection

If you do not have such a Registry key, then just create it. You might have to clear out the values for the first key above.

There you need to create a new a 32-bit DWORD value named AllowTelemetry and set it to one of the following values.

0 - Security Diagnostic Data Off

1 - Basic Required Diagnostic Data

2 - Enhanced (Value Removed)

3 - Full Optional Diagnostic Data

Regards,

Johnny