Intel GPU drivers now collect info like ‘how you use your computer,’ but you can opt-out

Something that AMD and NVIDIA were already doing.

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What you need to know

For the longest time when comparingIntel vs AMD vs NVIDIAagainst each other, it has been easy to focus on Intel and AMD as the CPU manufacturers followed by AMD and NVIDIA as the go-to GPU producers. However, just recently in 2022, Intel released its Arc-series of discrete GPUs, which, like AMD and NVIDIA’s dedicated graphics cards, are powerful GPUs separate from the processor chip.

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Due to AMD and NVIDIA’s headstart within the GPU market, Intel has taken great pains to help itsIntel Arccatch up with its leading GPU competitors by releasing several drivers and updates for the GPUs. As part of this, team blue has finally done what both AMD and NVIDIA have been practicing by adding telemetry collection (usage data collection) via the 101.4578 beta drivers for Arc GPUs (thanks,TechPowerUp). Basically, this means that Intel GPUs can collect information including “how you use your computer.” Intel specifically states that the following info is collected:

Usage information contains:

Collected system information contains, but is not limited to:

TheIntel Computing Improvement Program has its own landing pagein which the company explains why it would like users to participate in telemetry collection. The reasons sighted mainly state that this service helps the company see how well their products perform over time, determine product usefulness, and detect any product issues.

As explained by TechPowerUp, it’s worth noting that telemetry collection is on Intel GPU drivers by default, however, users can easily opt out of it during the driver installation process. This is nice considering that NVIDIA doesn’t give the option or even alert you to the fact that it is also gathering information. Meanwhile, AMD also gives you the option of opting in during its installation process and you can even read up on what info it is gathering.

Windows Central’s take

These days, it’s actually very common for most software that you’re using to gather information about you and your usage habits, so it’s not at all surprising that Intel is following suit. Still, data collection is obviously a bit unsettling and can make it feel like Big Brother is watching you. So it’s always good when a company like Intel is transparent about its telemetry collection service and gives you the right to opt-out. Really, the fact that Intel is so upfront about this service and makes it easy to opt out right during driver installation is especially good and lends trust to its reputation.

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However, not all companies are so forthcoming with their data collection. It’s imperative to see what kind of information any software is gathering from your devices. It’s true that usage details can help a company produce better products and services if it utilizes the info it receives accurately. But it’s also possible for a company to overstep and intrude on your privacy.

At any rate, Intel’s honesty and easy opt-out helps me maintain a positive view of the company and could very well help team blue as it continues to compete against market leaders AMD and NVIDIA.

Self-professed gaming geek, Rebecca Spear, is one of Windows Central’s editors and reviewers with a focus on gaming handhelds, PC gaming, and laptops. When she isn’t checking out the latest games on Xbox Game Pass, PC, ROG Ally, or Steam Deck; she can be found digital drawing with a Wacom tablet. She’s written thousands of articles with everything from editorials, reviews, previews, features, previews, and hardware reviews over the last few years. If you need information about anything gaming-related, her articles can help you out. She also loves testing game accessories and any new tech on the market. You can follow her@rrspearon X (formerly Twitter).