Microsoft respects your privacy and designed Windows Media Player to give you control over the transfer of your personal data. The following features of Windows Media Player transmit data with servers on the Internet in order to provide you with full functionality. You may choose to disable any or all of these options after installation. For more information, click the "More Info" button.
Unique Identifier:
The Windows Media Player uses a unique identifier to represent a unique connection to the server. This identifier is necessary to enable services such as pay-per-view. The unique identifier can be turned off in the Options dialog from the Tools menu.
Music License ID:
The Windows Media Player facilitates your purchase music and other media. When you purchase media, you will receive a license with a non-traceable ID. You can disable this feature in the Options dialog from the tools menu under "Attempt to automatically acquire licenses."
Media Library:
The Media Library lists and manages your collection of audio, video, and links to audio and video. This information can be accessed by other applications on your computer and Internet sites. You can control access in the Options dialog box.
CD ID:
When playing an audio CD, Windows Media Player attempts to locate information associated with that CD such as artist name and title of the CD by sending the CD ID to the Internet. You can prevent Windows Media Player from sending the CD ID and locating the information by choosing Work Offline from the File menu.
Cookies:
Windows Media Player uses the Internet as a networking and information source. When accessing the Internet, cookies may be downloaded to your computer. Cookies can be turned off in the Options dialog of Internet Explorer.
Security Upgrade (Individualization):
Some companies are providing licensed audio and video files that may require you to upgrade the security component in the Windows Rights Manager system. To decline the security upgrade, choose Cancel when presented with the Individualization dialog.
Restore Service
Windows Media Player allows you to back up your music Licenses should you need to restore them at a later time. When you restore these licenses, a unique identifier is stored on a server for security purposes. This information is not shared outside of Microsoft. To prevent the creation of this ID, do not click Restore Now on the License Management dialog under the Tools menu.
For more information on these features and Microsoft's privacy policies, please click the "More Info..." button.
