Windows 10 reportedly continues logging activity history in the cloud even when disabled (updated)

2 min. read

Published onDecember 12, 2018

published onDecember 12, 2018

Share this article

Read our disclosure page to find out how can you help Windows Report sustain the editorial teamRead more

Microsoft’s Windows 10 operating system seems to be preventing users from disabling activity logging in Windows 10. According to a report fromNeowin, a user who disables “Activity History” in Windows 10 will still have their data logged in Microsoft’s servers, which can be accessed in theactivity history of the privacy dashboard. We were able to confirm this to be true, as the Edge history continues to be logged despite telling to system not to store the data onboththe computer as well as the cloud.

Microsoft introduced Timeline, an activity log of users’ browsing and document history accessed in Task View, in theApril 2018 update of Windows 10. Of course, this browsing data can be turned off for both the system and cloud syncing, depending on the user’s privacy preference. However, if the data continues to be stored and logged despite switching the setting off, it’s easy for users to question the company’s seriousness of consumer privacy.

Windows 10 has long been subject to criticism over its collection of user data,resulting in Microsoft’s decisionto “reduce, by about half, the volume of data we collect at the Basic level” in words of Terry Myerson, the company’s former EVP of the Windows and Devices Group.

Are you experiencing the same issue when you disable storing of your activity history in Windows 10? Let us know your thoughts about the issue in the comment area below.

Update:Microsoft responded to our questions about this issue, explaining that to turn off uploads to the Privacy Dashboard’s Activity History, you need to also set Settings>Privacy>Diagnostics and Feedback>Diagnostic Data to Basic

Radu Tyrsina

Radu Tyrsina has been a Windows fan ever since he got his first PC, a Pentium III (a monster at that time).

For most of the kids of his age, the Internet was an amazing way to play and communicate with others, but he was deeply impressed by the flow of information and how easily you can find anything on the web.

Prior to founding Windows Report, this particular curiosity about digital content enabled him to grow a number of sites that helped hundreds of millions reach faster the answer they’re looking for.

User forum

0 messages

Sort by:LatestOldestMost Votes

Comment*

Name*

Email*

Commenting as.Not you?

Save information for future comments

Comment

Radu Tyrsina

With KB5043178 to Release Preview Channel, Microsoft advises Windows 11 users to plug in when the battery is low#

Copilot in Outlook will generate personalized themes for you to customize the app#

Microsoft will raise the price of its 365 Suite to include AI capabilities#

Death Stranding Director’s Cut is now Xbox X|S at a huge discount#

Outlook will let users create custom account icons so they can tell their accounts apart easier#

Windows 10 reportedly continues logging activity history in the cloud even when disabled (updated)#

With KB5043178 to Release Preview Channel, Microsoft advises Windows 11 users to plug in when the battery is low

Copilot in Outlook will generate personalized themes for you to customize the app

Microsoft will raise the price of its 365 Suite to include AI capabilities

Death Stranding Director’s Cut is now Xbox X|S at a huge discount

Outlook will let users create custom account icons so they can tell their accounts apart easier

Windows 10 reportedly continues logging activity history in the cloud even when disabled (updated)