Microsoft has released the Windows 10 Technical Preview to fans of Windows, but it may be worth having a read of the updated privacy policy before downloading the early OS update. The amount of data collected from the user is staggering, compared to other operating systems.

According to Microsoft, the Technical Preview should not be used for everyday usage, and should only be used to alpha-test the product. Having all of these data collection functions allows Microsoft to run detailed analysis and give the information over to subsidiaries and third parties, to improve Windows 10.

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In the privacy policy update, Microsoft go into detail about the sort of data they collect: "Examples of data we collect include your name, email address, preferences and interests; browsing, search and file history; phone call and SMS data; device configuration and sensor data; and application usage."

Microsoft also collect keystrokes to make their auto-correct functionality even better. All of this data collection is referenced quite clearly by Microsoft, but it still makes some users, who wanted to try out the Technical Preview of Windows 10, a bit uncomfortable.

Data collection is a big part of how software engineers fix bugs and improve programs and functions. By collecting data en-masse, Microsoft is able to understand clearly some of the performance problems Windows 10 will have, before launching it in 2015.

This is the first time Microsoft has co-opted with fans of Windows, Technical Previews normally show only bits of the OS update, but Windows 10 has all of the current functions and we expect more to be added at a later date.

Windows 10 should launch after Microsoft's BUILD conference in April 2015. This update will reportedly come to mobile, tablet and PC -- and will be free to Windows 8 owners.

TagsWindows 10 Technical Preview, PC, Operating System