Windows 10's Timeline isn't going away, but it is losing a big feature

Windows 10 Timeline
Windows 10 Timeline (Image credit: Windows Central)

What you need to know

  • Microsoft clarified that the Timeline feature for Windows 10 isn't going away.
  • It is, however, losing the ability to sync activity across devices when using a Microsoft account.
  • AAD-connected accounts will continue to be able to sync activity across devices.

Microsoft has since included bolded text in its blog post to clarify what's going on with the Timeline feature (emphasis by Microsoft):

If you have your activity history synced across your devices through your Microsoft account (MSA), you will no longer have the option to upload new activity in Timeline. AAD-connected accounts won't be impacted. To view web history, Edge and other browsers have the option to look back at recent web activities. You can also view recently used files using OneDrive and Office. Note: Timeline and all your local activity history still remain on Windows 10.

If you're using a Microsoft account, you'll no longer be able to sync activity across devices. This could greatly hinder the effectiveness of the feature for people who want a shared timeline of activity between multiple PCs. AAD-connected (Azure Active Directory-connected) accounts won't see any change.

To replace some of the functionality of the Timeline feature, Microsoft points people to the ability to view recent activity in OneDrive, Office, and Edge. These aren't exactly the same, but they do allow you to locate and jump back into previous activity.

Sean Endicott
News Writer and apps editor

Sean Endicott is a news writer and apps editor for Windows Central with 11+ years of experience. A Nottingham Trent journalism graduate, Sean has covered the industry’s arc from the Lumia era to the launch of Windows 11 and generative AI. Having started at Thrifter, he uses his expertise in price tracking to help readers find genuine hardware value.

Beyond tech news, Sean is a UK sports media pioneer. In 2017, he became one of the first to stream via smartphone and is an expert in AP Capture systems. A tech-forward coach, he was named 2024 BAFA Youth Coach of the Year. He is focused on using technology—from AI to Clipchamp—to gain a practical edge.