Windows 11 keeps track of most things you do with Activity History. Here is how to clear or delete activity history in Windows 11.
Windows 11 has a built-in activity history feature that keeps track of app launches, files you open, services you use, websites you browse, etc. All the activity history is stored locally. However, if you are signed into a Microsoft account, that activity history is shared and synced with your MS account.
If you are wondering, Microsoft uses the activity history to show personalized information, including ads and app recommendations.
The activity history is helpful for some because of the personalized information and recommendations. However, if you don’t like Windows tracking what you do and sending it to Microsoft servers, you can clear your activity history and disable it.
The good thing is that it is straightforward to delete activity history in Windows 11. In fact, you either do it in Windows 11 or from your Microsoft account privacy settings. I will show both methods. Follow the one you like or think better meets your current situation.
Let me show you the steps to delete activity history in Windows 11.
Table of contents:
Delete activity history from Settings
The Windows 11 settings app has the option to delete activity history. All you have to do is find the option and click a button to get the job done.
- Press “Win + I” to open Settings.
- Click on “Privacy & Security.”
- Press the “Activity History” option.
- Press the “Clear” button.
- Click “Ok” in the confirmation window.
- With that, you have deleted the activity history.
Steps with more details:
Since we want to use the Settings app, we need to open it first. Search for “Settings” in the Start menu or press the “Win + I” keyboard shortcut.
After opening the Windows 11 Settings app, go to the “Privacy & Security” page from the sidebar. Next, find and click on “Activity History” under the “Windows Permissions” section.
Click the “Clear” button under the “Clear Activity History” section.
Press the “Ok” button when you see a confirmation prompt.
The activity history is instantly cleared locally and in Microsoft servers. You will see a small checkmark after deleting the activity history.
Clear activity history from the Microsoft Account page
Alternatively, you can delete activity history from the Microsoft Account Privacy page. This method is helpful if you don’t have access to your Windows 11 device or see and control what type of activities you delete. Here is how to do it.
First, go to the Microsoft Account Privacy page. For that, use the below link. If prompted to log in, sign into your Microsoft account.
https://account.microsoft.com/privacy
Once on the page, expand the “App and service activity” section and click the “Clear all app and service activity” link.
Press the “Clear” button when prompted for confirmation.
If you want, you can delete other activity recordings Location Activity, Browsing History, Search History, Media Activity, and App and Service Performance Data.
With that, you have cleared the activity history from your Microsoft account.
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That is it. It is that simple to clear activity history in Windows 11.
I hope this simple and easy Windows 11 how-to guide helped you.
If you are stuck or need some help, send an email, and I will try to help as much as possible.
