Microsoft Confirms Windows Has a Global Device ID You Can't Turn Off (GDID)

Yahoo Tech ^ | Jul 22, 2026 | Jon Martindale

[dayglored]

Microsoft has confirmed that Windows has a previously unknown Global Device ID (GDID), a permanent, unique digital identifier assigned to Windows devices that can tie a user's actions to their device. This came to light when an alleged member of a notorious hacking group was caught at an airport after Microsoft handed over his GDID to the authorities.

Microsoft describes the GDID in a published complaint (via Windows Latest) as "a persistent, device-level identifier designed to uniquely identify an installation of a Windows operating system on a device, either a physical device (e.g., a mobile phone or laptop) or virtual machine, across certain Microsoft services and scenarios."

So when you first set up Windows, or register a new Windows device, Microsoft ties that installation's GDID to you. Anything that happens on that system can then be traced back to you, the individual. Privacy and security settings in Windows 11. Privacy and security settings in Windows 11.

You can't adjust this in Windows settings.Credit: Jon Martindale

Windows Latest discovered that this is generated at the server side, but is also stored locally. It can be found in the Windows registry under: "HKCU\\SOFTWARE\\Microsoft\\IdentityCRL\\ExtendedProperties."

Although this number remains when you update Windows, it is updated if you reinstall Windows, assigning you a new GDID—though the original one may remain recorded as well.

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TOPICS: Business/Economy; Computers/Internet
KEYWORDS: gdid; globaldeviceid; microsoft; windows

[butlerweave]

Indian scammers now work for Microsoft

[curious7]

And use somebody else’s dog to lick the envelope... :-)

[discostu]

So MS decided the MAC wasn’t cool enough and made their own.

[Zathras]

This is probably the setting they use to ID remote users accessing corporate servers.
If so its been in Windows for at least 10 years.

[butlerweave]

I hope Rufus the burning software is working on it ,you can turn a lot of Microsoft’s crap off now but if you try to download a new window ISO using a computer with a Rufus burned windows ISO it stops you , LOL

[Zathras]

I agree, its been there for at least 10 years

[Carry_Okie]

The only way around this would be to build a computer with parts paid for with cash and install Linux fresh.

What I did.

[Carry_Okie]

But note: It is not part of the computer's hardware. So if you installed Linux "native" on the hardware (e.g. wiped the disk and installed Linux from scratch), the Linux system is untouched when you install VirtualBox and start up a Windows VM.

Yes, I wiped the HDD and installed a 1TB M.2 for the root drive. Helped a lot when I ran readpst. I'm no Linux geek, so piping the USB microphone into the VB was a nightmare. I've been on and off the terminal with Brave AI and Grok for the last two weeks and have learned a good bit about how to keep an AI focused and sustaining the bigger picture. I'm one of those non-software types who keeps his backups on air-gapped NTFS Password drives.

[ProtectOurFreedom]

We switched car insurance to Allstate earlier this year. They want me to run THEIR app on MY phone using MY data service to track ME using location services and the accelerometers in the phone to measure my acceleration, deceleration, cornering, my location, my route, origin/destination, etc! If I don’t comply, I don’t get the “good driver” discount we signed up for.

“Out of control” doesn’t begin to describe it. The last thing I want is Big Brother sitting in the passenger seat.

[freds6girlies]

bookmark

[dayglored]

> “Out of control” doesn’t begin to describe it. The last thing I want is Big Brother sitting in the passenger seat.

Good Lord! This is the first I've heard of this, but it makes me wonder...

A few years ago during Covid I hit a deer, and my insurance (Travelers) had me install their app to take and send pictures of the damage, to avoid sending an adjuster out into the boonies in person. Fine with me, right?

Now I wonder if subsequent auto-updates to their app include the kind of telemetry you mention with Allstate. Geez, Louise.

[ProtectOurFreedom]

Worth checking your phone's "location services" to see if you gave their app permission to track you all the time. Also, review their Terms of Service to see if you granted them permission to track you.

My wife made the switch. Our SIL is the agent and we liked giving him the sale. But now I'm really PO'd.

Plus, I'm getting a daily nagging, intrusive text messages from Allstate! BAD experience!!

Drivewise helps you save with a rate based on you. The sooner you finish setting up, the sooner you'll meet the trip requirement and keep your participation savings. Plus, most customers save with Drivewise, and the safest drivers can save up to 30% off. Text YES for the link to download the app and set up Drivewise today.

Setting up Drivewise is simple, [my name]. Just download the app to create your account -- and follow a few quick steps to enable motion/fitness and location permissions. Text YES for the link or reply HELP if you’d like a video walkthrough. -Allstate

[my name], don't forget: your participation savings depends on completing 50 trips. Download the Allstate app and get set up today to start logging trips. Just text YES for the link.

Hi, [my name] -- don't miss out! Set up Drivewise to view your savings and get personalized insights, all while your trips count towards keeping your participation savings. Text YES for the app link to finish setting up today!

So I have to let them track me for FIFTY TRIPS to get my "participation savings."

"Participation savings" and "Drivewise"-- even their choice of words is slimy and smarmy. Makes me want to go take a shower to get that stench off me.

Welcome to our Brave New World.

[null and void]

I’m glad the only times I’m forced to use Windows, it’s Win 7 in Parallels on a Mac...

[dayglored]

> Welcome to our Brave New World.

Man, that is out of line. Thanks for the tip, I'll check my phone's permissions and "Location" settings.

[z3n]

MSFT, GOOG, META should all have been broken up years ago.

~~~

The only one of those three that I use directly is Microsoft.

I have been off meta for well over 10 years, and I was avoiding google since even before that. In my opinion, Google’s stranglehold on web searches is a greater monopoly by far than anything MS, META, and Apple do in their markets.

I only use microsoft when it is inescapable. Basically, in business and for gaming.

[dayglored]

> I’m glad the only times I’m forced to use Windows, it’s Win 7 in Parallels on a Mac...

Likewise, Win7 in a VM in VMware Fusion on a Mac.

Although, my Mac Mini hardware is getting really old so I may make a copy of the VM over in my Linux Mini just in case.

[neverevergiveup]

The last thing I want is Big Brother sitting in the passenger seat.

The response by all of us should be, 'OK, open your books and let us see each and every bit of your financial and operations data'.

[Buttons12]

To paraphrase Ninotchka, their type will soon be extinct. Organizations have lifespans and MS is arriving at its natural end.
When non-techy people (like me) start transitioning to Linux, you know the big guy has become utterly insufferable.

[MikelTackNailer]

These techo horror stories concerning Windows OS keep making me think of a line from Blue Oyster Cult's song "Black Blade", about fictional prince Elric and the semi-sentient demonic sword he relies on.

After we hear his tale of woe and regret the sword itself says "My master is my slave" before laughing maniacally.

Windows is turning out to be like that sword.

[Buttons12]

I’m not much for kidnapping but I will tell you my printer has never been connected to the internet or to any device that is connected.
I wasn’t even in my teens when I learned that printers are evil.
The less they know, the better!