Microsoft removes online Timeline synchronization in Windows 10 test version

The Windows Timeline feature can no longer sync online between devices with the latest Windows 10 Insider Preview Build. Timeline remains available in the operating system, but only shows the activity history on the computer itself.

With the announcement of Windows 10 Insider build 21359, Microsoft writes that it is no longer possible to upload new activities to Timeline via a Microsoft account. In concrete terms, Timeline loses the online synchronization between different devices as a result. Microsoft does not report why this feature is disappearing from Timeline.

Timeline was made available to Windows 10 users about three years ago. One of the biggest benefits of the feature is that on a smartphone, for example, users can launch a Microsoft app, such as Edge, to pick up where the user left off on a laptop. The apps use Cortana sync for this and work with both iOS and Android. MSPowerUser notes that Microsoft had previously disabled Timeline synchronization via Android.

After the update, Timeline only shows which apps or files a user has previously opened on a computer. Microsoft says users can still view and use their recent activity in browsers, OneDrive, and Office to pick up where they left off.