WINDOW 11

How to Fix Location Services Greyed Out in Windows 11

3 SOLUTIONS
JANUARY 22, 2025

When Location Services is greyed out in Windows 11, it can disrupt apps and features that rely on precise location tracking. This issue often stems from administrative restrictions, corrupted system settings, or privacy permission errors. In this guide, you'll find three effective solutions to resolve the problem, including enabling location services through privacy settings, editing the Windows registry, and checking group policy settings.

Deepak Yadav
Deepak Yadav

Expert, Head of Windows Circle

Disabled by Administrator

If you’re using a work or school device, an administrator may have disabled the feature through Group Policy or Registry settings.

Corrupted System Settings

Corruption in configuration files or updates may cause inconsistencies in the system settings.

Privacy Permissions Issue

Incorrect permissions can restrict access to location services.

Enable Location Services Through Privacy Settings

4 STEPS EASY 2 MIN

1/3

METHOD
Method 1
Overview

This method ensures that Location Services are enabled through the Windows Settings menu.

Method 1 of 3
Next Method

Open Settings by pressing Win + I.

Method 1 of 3
Step 1 of 4

Go to Privacy & Security from the left menu.

Method 1 of 3
Step 2 of 4

Select Location under App Permissions.

Method 1 of 3
Step 3 of 4

Toggle Location Services on

If it’s greyed out: 

Click the Change button.

Toggle the option to On.

Ensure the Let apps use my location option is enabled.

Method 1 of 3
Step 4 of 4

Modify Registry Editor Settings

4 STEPS EASY 2 MIN

2/3

METHOD
Method 2
Overview

This method involves directly editing the Windows registry to enable Location Services if it's disabled.

Method 2 of 3
Next Method

Press Win + R, type regedit, and hit Enter.

Method 2 of 3
Step 1 of 4

In the Registry Editor

Navigate to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\lfsvc\Service

Method 2 of 3
Step 2 of 4

Double-click on the Start key.

In the Value data box, change the value to 3.

Click OK to save the changes.

Method 2 of 3
Step 3 of 4

Close the Registry Editor and restart your PC.

After restarting, check if Location Services is now enabled.

Method 2 of 3
Step 4 of 4

Check Group Policy Settings

4 STEPS EASY 2 MIN

3/3

METHOD
Method 3
Overview

This method checks if Location Services are disabled by Group Policy and changes its configuration.

Method 3 of 3

Press Win + R, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter.

Method 3 of 3
Step 1 of 4

Navigate to Computer Configuration

Open Administrative Templates

Select Windows Components

Choose Location and Sensors

Method 3 of 3
Step 2 of 4

Turn off location services and check its configuration. 

If it’s set to Enabled, change it to Not Configured or Disabled.

 If it’s already Not Configured, leave it as is.

Method 3 of 3
Step 3 of 4

Restart your PC to apply the changes.

Method 3 of 3
Step 4 of 4

Additional Tips

Image

Ensure you’re signed in as an administrator.

Avoid using third-party apps to force location settings, as they may compromise privacy.

If your device is part of a work or school network, contact your IT administrator.

Methods (3)

Enable Location Ser...
4 Steps
Modify Registry Edi...
4 Steps
Check Group Policy...
4 Steps

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