Windows 11 Service Sparks Spying Fears, Microsoft Responds

A Windows 11 service has sparked online concerns after a viral post claimed it monitors users’ PCs and regularly sends information to Microsoft.

The service, called Windows Health and Optimized Experiences, runs in the background and checks for local performance, power, and heat issues. However, Microsoft says the diagnostic information stays on the device unless a user chooses to submit feedback.

The claims spread after an X account focused on gaming performance and PC optimisation posted that the Windows 11 service starts automatically every time a computer boots.

The post, which received more than 118,000 views, alleged that the feature tracks CPU use, thermal conditions, and battery data before sending information to Microsoft every 15 minutes.

However, Microsoft says that description does not accurately reflect how the service works.

What Does the Windows 11 Service Do?

Windows Health and Optimized Experiences, also known as whesvc, is a background service first introduced in 2025.

It monitors local performance, power consumption, and thermal conditions. When a device becomes slow or unresponsive, the service can capture diagnostic traces to help identify the cause.

Microsoft says the information it collects does not automatically leave the PC. Data is only shared if the user decides to create and submit a report through the Feedback Hub.

Users can also disable the Windows 11 service if they do not want it running in the background.

The controversy reflects how quickly concerns can spread when users see an unfamiliar service operating on their systems, especially when it appears to collect device-related information.

Microsoft Says It Does Not Record Screens

Microsoft Vice President Scott Hanselman addressed the allegations after users began debating whether they should disable the feature.

Hanselman said the service exists to detect slow or sluggish behaviour on a computer. He also responded to concerns that it could rely on screen recording to measure performance.

One user argued that process-level hardware consumption would not explain sluggish performance and suggested screen recording may be involved.

Hanselman rejected that claim. He said performance traces are not screen recordings and instead rely on Windows performance counters and other diagnostic data.

Some users pointed out that the service has been available since May 2025, questioning why it was suddenly presented as a new surveillance feature. Others said the discussion showed how much frustration has built up around Microsoft and Windows 11.

Windows 11 Backlash Continues

The reaction to the Windows 11 service comes amid wider discontent with the operating system.

Users have raised concerns over updates, system performance, battery drain, heat issues, and Microsoft’s growing focus on AI features. Recent reports said some Dell devices were blocked from receiving the July Windows 11 update because of serious stability problems.

Affected systems reportedly experienced unexpected shutdowns, increased temperatures, battery drain, and reduced performance.

Microsoft has also been working on a faster Windows 11 context menu, with improvements designed to make it smoother and more customisable. However, many users argued that these changes should have arrived much earlier.

The company has faced continued criticism over its AI-centred direction for Windows 11. As the backlash has grown, Microsoft has indicated that it wants to improve the operating system and make it less dependent on AI features.