Microsoft Deprecates Location History in Windows 11
2025 has been relatively quiet for Windows 11 when it comes to feature removal or deprecation—at least compared to the significant changes in 2023 and 2024. However, things are starting to pick up. Microsoft has announced the first major feature on its way out this year: Location History.
Location History, an API used to collect and store a device’s location data for the past 24 hours, is being removed. This feature allowed Cortana and other apps with API access to retrieve stored location data without needing new requests. It was limited to 3,600 positions and provided users with geo-based reminders, recommendations, and other relevant information.
What Microsoft Says About the Change
In the latest Windows 11 preview build for Dev and Beta insiders, Microsoft shared the following statement:
“We are deprecating and removing the Location History feature, an API that allowed Cortana to access 24 hours of device history when location was enabled. With the removal of the Location History feature, location data will no longer be saved locally, and the corresponding settings will also be removed from the Privacy & Security > Location page in Settings.”
Currently, users can find Location History settings under Settings > Privacy & Security > Location. However, after this change, while Windows 11 will still be able to receive your location for relevant services, it will no longer store location data locally.
Other Recently Deprecated Features
Location History isn’t the only feature Microsoft has retired recently. Other features removed in earlier updates include:
- Suggested Actions: A handy but underused tool.
- Paint3D: Once promising, now gone.
- Legacy DRM services: Phased out with modern alternatives in mind.
For the full list of deprecated features, you can check the official Microsoft documentation here.
While these changes may not affect core functionality for most users, they reflect Microsoft’s ongoing efforts to streamline Windows 11 and phase out outdated or underutilized features.
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