New Windows 11 preview build improves privacy for European users

In a nutshell: Microsoft recently announced a new Windows 11 Insider Preview Build for the Dev and Beta Channels, providing beta testers with new features and privacy-abiding changes. Redmond uses Insider builds to test potentially disruptive changes to Windows, so we will have to wait to see if these improvements will become permanently added to upcoming stable Windows releases.

The Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.3281 (KB5052086) removes the Location History API, a feature previously used by the Cortana personal assistant to access the last 24 hours of device history. The technology helped Cortana keep updated location information for customers who frequently traveled with their laptops. However, Windows has depreciated it because Copilot has replaced Cortana, and it does not need the API.

Microsoft explained that Windows would no longer save location data locally. However, it did not provide any specific notes or remarks about any cloud-based database of users’ location data. Developers also removed location history options from the Windows Setting app.

Another interesting change for privacy-minded users is Microsoft’s removal of “account-based content” in File Explorer. The Windows shell will stop showing user data under the Recent, Favorites, Details, and Recommended sections. This change only applies to those using the Entra ID access management solution. Formerly known as Microsoft Azure Active Directory, Entra ID is a cloud-based identity management solution providing a unified sign-on experience for corporate users.

Microsoft removed user data from File Explorer to comply with the latest regulations in the European Economic Area. In other words, the company is finally reining in its Entra ID service to adhere to GDPR’s enhanced privacy protections. Of course, this change applies only to customers in the European Union.

The new Preview Build 26120.3281 also includes some additional changes that have nothing to do with privacy in the EU. Users can soon expect to seamlessly resume working on their OneDrive documents when going from their phone to a PC. Developers also improved the Recall feature, although the update will delete all existing Recall snapshots.