The Windows 10 Timeline is a convenient feature that keeps a chronological record of the activities you perform on your computer, including the apps you open, the pages you visit, and even the files you use.
The Timeline feature was introduced with the release of Windows 10 version 1803. When this feature is active, events are listed within the Task View interface, which you can open by pressing the Windows + Tab keyboard combo. Since the Timeline feature is synced across your devices, you can continue working from where you left off irrespective of the Windows 10/11 device you are using. In other words, all your PC activities are uploaded to the cloud.
Why Do You Need the Timeline Feature?
Microsoft’s main aim for introducing the feature was to simplify how to find stuff you were working on before you left. There is no need to remind you, but it is our human nature to forget things. Therefore, it is not unusual if you forgot where you saved a file or which app you were using. And this is where the Timeline feature will come to your rescue.
However, there are times when you need to keep these activities private, especially if you always keep your PC unlocked or share your Microsoft account with another person. If that is the case, then you need to find ways to disable the Windows 10/11 Timeline. This feature is enabled by default.
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Luckily, you can turn off the Windows 10/11 Timeline feature right from your computer. But if you want to fully disable it, you need to modify the Registry file or use the Group Policy Editor. So, let’s get things rolling.
How to Disable the Windows 10/11 Timeline feature?
If you find no use in the Windows 10/11 Timeline feature, please try these workarounds to disable it:
Option 1: Disable the Timeline Feature from the Settings App
One way to turn off Windows 10/11 Timeline is to use the Settings app. But you should keep in mind that this trick will only disable the feature from your user account.
To disable the Timeline option from the Settings app, follow the steps below:
- Click the Settings button in the Notification Center to launch the Settings Alternatively, you can search for it in the taskbar.
- Once you have done that, go to Privacy and choose Activity history.
- Now, deactivate all options that allow Windows to collect your activities on your PC and synchronize them to the cloud.
- After that, look for the ‘Show activities from accounts’ option next to your account and slide it to Off.
- You have now disabled the Timeline feature, but your computer still has a history of previously recorded activities. To clear your activity history, go back to the Activity history page and click on the Clear button next to the Clear activity history Your previously saved activity history should now be cleared.
With the Timeline feature disabled, Windows 10/11 will no longer collect activities on your PC. Likewise, you will not be able to resume tasks on other Windows 10/11 devices connected to your Microsoft account. The Timeline feature will also vanish from the Task View interface. With that said, it’s worth pointing out that the above steps won’t delete the data Microsoft collects about you. That is why you need to find additional ways to disable the Windows 10/11 Timeline feature.
Option 2: Disable the Timeline Feature from Group Policy Editor
If you are a system administrator, then the easiest way to permanently turn off Windows 10/11 Timeline is to use the Group Policy Editor, which is built into the Windows 10/11 Pro version of the OS. Network admins and other authorized IT professionals can use the Group Policy Editor to configure settings on individual PCs. Here is the process:
- Enter msc in the search box and press Enter to open the Group Policy Editor. Alternatively, press the Windows + R keyboard combo to launch the Run command, then enter gpedit and tap OK.
- Once the Group Policy Editor opens, navigate to Computer Configuration, then select Administrative Templates > Systems > OS Policies.
- Look for the ‘Enables Activity Feed’ policy in the right-hand pane and then right-click on it.
- After that, click Disable > OK.
- For the changes to take effect, restart your computer. Alternatively, you can open the Command Prompt window as an admin then execute this command: exe /force.
Option3: Disable the Timeline Feature from Registry Editor
If you don’t have the Group Policy Editor, you can use the Registry Editor to turn off Windows 10/11 Timeline. Here is how to do it:
- To open the Registry editor, enter regedit in the search box, then press Enter and select Registry.
- Next, follow this path: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\System
- Now, look for a value labeled ‘EnableActivityFeed’, but if you can spot it, right-click on the System key, then choose New > DWORD (32-bit) Value.
- After that, double-click on the newly created key and check if the Value Data field reads 0 (zero).
- If that is the case, click the OK button to exit the Registry The next time you restart your PC, you will find a Windows 10/11 disabled Timeline.
Before you attempt to modify the Windows Registry, it is important to note that the process can cause serious problems if not done the right way. If you choose to proceed with it, make sure to create a full backup of your system.
A better way to modify your registry is to use a reliable PC repair tool like Outbyte PC Repair. With this tool, you will not only avoid the risk of messing up with your registry settings, but you will also improve the performance of your PC.
That’s it. Was this post useful? Share your thoughts in the comments section.