In a notable shift for Windows 11, Microsoft has begun the process of deprecating certain features in 2025, following a significant overhaul in the previous years. The first feature to be phased out is the Location History, a tool that has been quietly collecting and storing location data for users.
Details on Location History Removal
In the latest preview build for Dev and Beta insiders, Microsoft announced the discontinuation of the Location History feature. This API has played a crucial role in gathering and retaining a device’s location data for the past 24 hours. Applications like Cortana have leveraged this data to offer users tailored information, recommendations, and geo-based reminders without needing to request new location updates.
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.
Users can currently access the Location History settings under Settings > Privacy & Security > Location. It is important to note that while the storage of location data will cease, Windows 11 will still maintain its capability to determine device location for delivering relevant information.
In addition to Location History, Microsoft has also deprecated several other features recently, including:
- Suggested Actions, which, despite its utility, saw limited usage
- Paint3D
- Legacy DRM services
For those interested in a comprehensive overview, the complete list of deprecated features is available in the official documentation.
