• Microsoft doesn’t offer precise control over location permission on Windows.
  • Apps need to send a request to track your location.
  • You can manually set the location of your Windows PC.

Why Do Apps Track Your Location on Windows

Weather, Maps, and news widgets frequently use your location to deliver astute results. When you routinely travel from one place to another with your Windows laptop, the location service helps these apps to show accurate information. After all, you won’t want to see New York weather conditions when you are in California.

However, not every third-party app tracks your location with good intentions. Some apps might track your location all the time for advertising purposes. Windows has a handy Privacy menu to disable location permission for unknown apps on your PC.

Disable Location Permission for Selected Apps

Step 1: Press the Windows + I keys shortcut to open Settings on your Windows PC.

Step 2: Select Privacy & security from the left sidebar. Scroll to App permissions > click Location .

Location section under privacy and security - 1

Step 3: Check which apps have permission to access your location. Now, disable location permission for apps that seem unnecessary.

Turn off location access for apps - 2

You can also see which apps have accessed your location in the last seven days. Click on Recent activity from the same menu to view the app’s name, date, and time for location access.

Check recent activity to find which apps have requested for your PC location - 3

Turn off Location Access Entirely

Step 1: Open the Location menu in Windows Settings (refer to the steps above).

Step 2: Turn off the Location services toggle.

Disable Location services in Windows PC - 4

Delete Location History on Windows

Step 1: Go to Privacy & security in Windows settings and select Location .

Location Privacy and Security - 5

Step 2: Scroll down and select Clear beside Location history , and you are good to go. Once cleared, Windows will display a checkmark beside the Clear button.

Clear Location history - 6

Set Default Location on Windows 11

Step 1: Open the Location menu in Privacy & security (check the steps above).

Step 2: Scroll to the Default location and select Set default.

Set default location in Windows PC - 7

Step 3: It will open the default Maps app on Windows. Use the search bar at the top-left corner to pin your precise location.

Change location using Maps in Windows - 8

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