Microsoft Discontinues Windows 11 API Responsible for Storing Location History

Microsoft is making significant changes to Windows 11’s functionality, notably the planned retirement of the Location History API. This API, which was primarily utilized by Cortana, has remained somewhat obscure and hasn’t been accessible to third-party applications. With the complete discontinuation of Cortana, remnants of related services, such as the Location History API, continue to linger in Windows 11.

In light of the deprecation of over 20 features in the past two years, removing the Location History feature is long overdue. Although Cortana has vanished from recent updates of Windows 11, the Location History API persists on your system. If you previously allowed Cortana to access your location, it would continue monitoring your whereabouts around the clock—provided you had granted explicit permissions.

Importantly, Microsoft applications do not gather your location data unless you provide them with permission to do so. The only exception was Cortana, as it utilized the Location History API to deliver certain functionalities.

The location history was saved locally on your PC, raising considerable privacy concerns due to the inherent tracking capability of this feature.

According to recent announcements by Microsoft, the Location History API is earmarked for eventual removal, with related settings on the Privacy and Security page to be eliminated soon. Although a specific removal timeline hasn’t been released, users can take action now to manually clear location tracking data from their devices.

To erase the Location History on your Windows 11 system, navigate to the Privacy & Security > Location section in Settings. There, you’ll find the Location History option. Simply click the Clear button adjacent to it to delete the saved records. While app access to location data is limited, it’s wise to review which applications you have allowed location tracking permissions through the Settings app.

step by step guide on how to clear location history in windows 11

Windows 11’s Feature Removals: A Closer Look

As part of the Windows 11 overhaul, many legacy features and APIs are being phased out. Starting with the 24H2 update, both Cortana and WordPad have been eliminated from Windows 11. The decision to retire Cortana aligns with the abandonment of its underlying technology, but the discontinuation of WordPad is more contentious, as it holds utility for many users.

While there are ways to bring back WordPad in the 24H2 iteration of Windows 11, it remains unsupported by Microsoft and will not receive any future updates. In the meantime, Microsoft is focusing on Copilot, the next-generation AI assistant, which represents a significant shift in their software strategy.

Microsoft’s commitment to integrating AI across its product lineup—including the Copilot+ PCs with exclusive features—positions them at the forefront of technological innovation. Nonetheless, the rapid pace of these changes raises questions about user adaptability and the overall direction of Windows 11’s future.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why is Microsoft retiring the Location History API in Windows 11?

Microsoft is retiring the Location History API as part of its broader efforts to streamline Windows 11 by removing outdated features, notably since the Cortana assistant has been discontinued.

2. What happens to my location data after the Location History API is removed?

Once the API is fully deprecated, related location settings will be eliminated from the Privacy and Security options. Users are encouraged to manually delete their existing location history to enhance their privacy.

3. Should I be concerned about location tracking on my Windows 11 PC?

Yes, it’s wise to be vigilant about location tracking. While Microsoft apps require your permission to access location data, it remains important to regularly review which apps have these permissions and take action to clear any unwanted tracking data.

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