This is quite alarming:
http://www.ghacks.net/2015/08/28/microsoft-intensifies-data-collection-on-windows-7-and-8-systems/
"
This changed recently with the release of several updates for both operating
systems that step up the game.
KB3068708 Update for customer experience and diagnostic telemetry - This
update introduces the Diagnostics and Telemetry tracking service to existing
devices. By applying this service, you can add benefits from the latest
version of Windows to systems that have not yet upgraded. The update also
supports applications that are subscribed to Visual Studio Application
Insights. (Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2012 R2, Windows 7 Service Pack 1
(SP1), and Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1)
KB3022345 (replaced by KB3068708) Update for customer experience and
diagnostic telemetry - This update introduces the Diagnostics and Telemetry
tracking service to in-market devices. By applying this service, you can add
benefits from the latest version of Windows to systems that have not yet
been upgraded. The update also supports applications that are subscribed to
Visual Studio Application Insights. (Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2012 R2,
Windows 7 Service Pack 1 (SP1), and Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1)
KB3075249 Update that adds telemetry points to consent.exe in Windows 8.1
and Windows 7 - This update adds telemetry points to the User Account
Control (UAC) feature to collect information on elevations that come from
low integrity levels. (Windows 8.1, Windows RT 8.1, Windows Server 2012 R2,
Windows 7 Service Pack 1 (SP1), and Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1)
KB3080149 Update for customer experience and diagnostic telemetry - This
package updates the Diagnostics and Telemetry tracking service to existing
devices. This service provides benefits from the latest version of Windows
to systems that have not yet upgraded. The update also supports applications
that are subscribed to Visual Studio Application Insights. (Windows 8.1,
Windows RT 8.1, Windows Server 2012 R2, Windows 7 Service Pack 1 (SP1), and
Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1)
"
consent.exe is modified... apperently more data collection points are added.
This could explain why I experience Windows 7 as more sluggish lately...
Bye,
Skybuck.