Microsoft to Remove Location History Feature from Windows

The Location History feature in Windows, which enabled applications such as Cortana to access 24-hour stored device location data, has been deprecated and will eventually be removed by Microsoft.

This month, Windows will implement a change that will eliminate the ability to retain location data locally on devices. The related settings will be removed from the Privacy & Security > Location page in Windows Settings.

The deprecation mainly affects the Windows.Devices.Geolocation API, especially the Geolocator.GetGeopositionHistoryAsync method. Using this technique, applications could access a log of all device positions gathered in the previous 24 hours.

Microsoft has indicated that the API is no longer supported and may not be included in future Windows editions by marking it as deprecated across all overloads. Furthermore, applications already had limited access to the API due to the need for specific provisioning from Microsoft.

How Windows Location History Work?

Apps could access previously stored location points instead of getting real-time coordinates using the GetGeopositionHistoryAsync function. This method could store up to 3,600 location points for a 24-hour period, and it worked asynchronously, returning a list of positions captured throughout that period. The device could not be passively tracked in the background, as pointed out by Microsoft since the location history was only filled up when an app or service actively requested it (and no more than once per second).

Microsoft is essentially ending the practice of storing location history locally on Windows devices by deprecating this functionality. The decision is in line with industry trends toward privacy-focused reforms, which aim to minimize persistent location tracking and reduce the possible exposure of sensitive user data. While the company has not specifically stated its explanation, it may have been influenced by these trends.

Effects of the Deprecation

This deprecation will prevent developers from accessing historical location data in their apps that depend on GetGeopositionHistoryAsync. All current apps utilizing this API must find new ways to access data, such as querying location in real time rather than depending on past queries.

This update strengthens security features for Windows users by removing the option to save location data on the device once it is no longer needed. A downside is that this might render some location-dependent apps and services useless, especially those that use past data for geolocation-based suggestions, activity monitoring, or automation.

Developers should assess their applications that rely on Windows.Devices.Geolocation API and transition away from using GetGeopositionHistoryAsync. Think about other options, such as using real-time geolocation services or keeping location data in the app (with user agreement).

Applications that rely on a user’s current location to perform, especially those that offer insights derived from their previous travels, may soon undergo changes to how they work. To find out how applications are using your real-time location data, go to Windows Settings > Privacy & Security > Location and review your privacy settings.