WINDOW 11

How to Turn On/Off Location Services in Windows 11

5 SOLUTIONS
NOVEMBER 07, 2024

This guide will provide a simple method to enable or disable Location Services in Windows 11. You have advanced options, by including quick steps both in Settings and Quick Settings, to get full control. Tips are given on how to manage app permissions and enhance privacy.

Deepak Yadav
Deepak Yadav

Expert, Head of Windows Circle

Backup and Restore

If you want to change even a small thing, create a system backup or restore point first.

System Settings Familiarity

Understand how to navigate the Windows 11 Settings app and Control Panel.

System Updates

Keeps Windows 11 updated with the latest features and security patches from Microsoft.

Use Windows Settings

4 STEPS EASY 2 MIN

1/5

METHOD
Method 1
Overview

Hopefully, this is the most obvious means of managing location services on your Windows 11 computer.

Method 1 of 5
Next Method

Open Settings

Use Win + I, or click Start > Settings.

Method 1 of 5
Step 1 of 4

Privacy & Security

In the sidebar, click Privacy & security.

Method 1 of 5
Step 2 of 4

Access Location

Under App permissions, click Location.

Method 1 of 5
Step 3 of 4

Toggle Location

Use the switch under Location services to turn it On or Off.

Tip: To control individual app access, scroll to Choose which apps can access your location and toggle each app as needed.

Method 1 of 5
Step 4 of 4

Quick Settings Panel

2 STEPS EASY 2 MIN

2/5

METHOD
Method 2
Overview

Windows 11 has a Quick Settings panel wherein many can be switched on or off directly, including location services.

Method 2 of 5
Next Method

Open Quick Settings

Click the network, sound, or battery icon, or press Win + A.

Method 2 of 5
Step 1 of 2

Location Toggle

If available, click the Location icon to toggle it On or Off.

Tip: If the Location icon is not visible, click the pencil icon to add it to Quick Settings.

Method 2 of 5
Step 2 of 2

Using Registry Editor (Advanced)

3 STEPS EASY 2 MIN

3/5

METHOD
Method 3
Overview

If you want an even more permanent location, you can actually change location settings in the Windows Registry.

Method 3 of 5
Next Method

Open Registry Editor

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

Method 3 of 5
Step 1 of 3

Navigate

Go to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\CapabilityAccessManager\ConsentStore\location

Method 3 of 5
Step 2 of 3

Edit Value

Double-click Value and set it to Allow (to enable) or Deny (to disable).

Warning: Restart your PC after changes. Always create a backup before editing the registry.

Method 3 of 5
Step 3 of 3

Group Policy Editor (Pro & Enterprise)

3 STEPS EASY 2 MIN

4/5

METHOD
Method 4
Overview

If you’re using Windows 11 Pro or Enterprise, the Group Policy Editor offers an easy way to control location services across all users.

Method 4 of 5
Next Method

Open Group Policy Editor

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

Method 4 of 5
Step 1 of 3

Navigate

Go to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Location and Sensors.

Method 4 of 5
Step 2 of 3

Setup

Double-click Turn off location, set to Enabled to disable, or Disabled to enable location services.

Warning: This is useful for managing location settings among multiple users.

Method 4 of 5
Step 3 of 3

Per-App Permissions

2 STEPS EASY 2 MIN

5/5

METHOD
Method 5
Overview

Rather than turning off all the location services, you may be allowed or prohibited from accessing some apps.

Method 5 of 5

Go to Settings

Open Settings > Privacy & security > Location.

Method 5 of 5
Step 1 of 2

Toggle App Access

In the Choose which apps can access your location area, toggle each app’s switch On or Off.

Tip: Allows essential apps to function, while others are restricted.

Method 5 of 5
Step 2 of 2

Bonus Tips

Image

Battery Saving: Turn off location services when not needed to conserve battery life.

Clear Location History: Go to Settings > Privacy & security > Location > Location history, and click Clear to delete data stored in the last 24 hours.

Airplane Mode: Enabling Airplane mode disables all location services and network connections, enhancing privacy.

Methods (5)

Use Windows Setting...
4 Steps
Quick Settings Pane...
2 Steps
Using Registry Edit...
3 Steps
Group Policy Editor...
3 Steps
Per-App Permissions
2 Steps

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