Ed Bott noticed that the latest release of Windows 10 (1511) was mysteriously removed from availability via the Media Creation Tool. The new version can still be obtained through Windows Update. Microsoft’s explanation isn’t very helpful, and it’s rather annoying to system builders who missed the brief window during which release 1511 was available via MCT. Update #1: Ars Technica reports on the situation, noting that there are reports of serious problems with release 1511 when installed via the MCT. Update #2: Ars Technica confirms that upgrading via MCT was causing privacy settings to be reset to defaults. The problem has been fixed, and build 1511 is once again available via MCT.

Meanwhile, Microsoft apparently updated its privacy policy in response to concerns about information gathered and transmitted by Windows 10. Changes to the policy make it clear that Microsoft will only provide law enforcement access to your data on their servers, not data stored locally on your computer. Encryption keys are backed up to Microsoft servers, but Microsoft will not use them to decrypt disks or files on your computer. The collection of telemetry data cannot be disabled, but it can be limited so that only very basic data is collected, and none of it personal.

And finally, Microsoft has relented somewhat on its Windows 10 activation policy, allowing for legitimate installs using old, unused activation keys from Windows 7 or 8.