TL;DR: Sign in at account.microsoft.com/privacy to see activity Microsoft has saved to your account: Bing searches, Edge browsing, location, voice, media and app and service activity. Clear each category and Microsoft starts removing it from its systems. Then switch off personalised ads on the ad settings page, and on Windows 11 review Settings, Privacy & security, since that controls what your PC sends in the first place.
What the privacy dashboard shows
According to Microsoft Support, the dashboard shows data you've chosen to save to the cloud while signed in with your Microsoft account, including:
- Bing and Cortana searches
- Microsoft Edge browsing history (if synced)
- Location activity
- Voice activity
- Media activity
- App and service activity, such as when apps were opened and closed and how long they were used
Data only appears if you were signed in, use the feature, and it's supported in your region. A blank category doesn't always mean nothing was collected; it may just not be shown there.
How to clear your Microsoft activity
- Go to account.microsoft.com/privacy and sign in.
- Open each activity category you want to review.
- Use Clear on individual items or the whole category.
Microsoft says clearing removes data from the dashboard and then starts removing it from its systems. Cookie-linked browsing activity is separate: clear cookies in your browser as well. Our guide to tracking cookies and Global Privacy Control explains why.
Turn off personalised ads
On the dashboard, open the Ad settings page (account.microsoft.com/privacy/ad-settings) and switch off personalised ads. This stops Microsoft using your account activity to target ads; you'll still see ads, just less targeted ones.
Fix the Windows privacy settings
The dashboard deals with what's already stored. Windows settings control what's sent in the first place:
- Windows 11: Start, Settings, Privacy & security.
- Windows 10: Start, Settings, Privacy.
Review diagnostic data (set it to required only), tailored experiences, the advertising ID, activity history, location and app permissions for camera and microphone. App location permissions on your phone matter too; see how to check which apps have location access.
Download a copy of your data
Microsoft also lets you request a copy of your data through its privacy pages, and in the UK and EU you can make a formal subject access request. Comparing the two shows what's held beyond the dashboard view.
Secure the account itself
All this data sits behind one login. Turn on two-step verification or a passkey, check recent sign-in activity, and remove devices you don't use. If you've already seen strange sign-ins, follow our hacked Microsoft account guide. Google holds a similar store of activity; see what Google knows about you.
The email address on your Microsoft account is also your username for many other services. A free email exposure check shows whether it has turned up in breaches.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Microsoft privacy dashboard?
At account.microsoft.com/privacy. Sign in with your Microsoft account to see and clear saved activity.
What does the Microsoft privacy dashboard show?
Bing and Cortana searches, Edge browsing, location, voice, media, and app and service activity saved to your Microsoft account.
Does clearing the dashboard delete my data?
Microsoft says clearing removes the data from the dashboard and then begins removing it from its systems. Clear browser cookies separately.
How do I stop Microsoft personalised ads?
Open the Ad settings page on the privacy dashboard and turn off personalised ads.
Where are Windows 11 privacy settings?
Start, Settings, Privacy & security. Review diagnostic data, advertising ID, activity history, location and app permissions.