Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteTo turn app location access on or off in Windows 11, open Start > Settings > Privacy & security > Location, then switch Let apps access your location on or off. This permission applies to your user account; a separate, device-wide Location services setting can prevent it from being enabled.
Turn app location access on or off
- Open Start > Settings.
- Select Privacy & security > Location.
- Switch Let apps access your location on to allow app access, or off to block location information through this Windows setting for your account.
When access is on, apps receive coarse location by default. You can manage precise location for supported apps individually on the same page.
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Understand the two Location switches
| Setting | What it controls | Who controls it |
|---|---|---|
| Location services | Whether Windows location service can be used on the device. | An administrator controls this device-wide setting. |
| Let apps access your location | Whether apps can access location through this Windows permission for your account. | The user controls this account-level setting, subject to device Location services being available. |
If the app-access switch is unavailable or cannot be turned on, check whether device Location services is off. You may need an administrator to change that device-level setting.
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Choose which apps can use precise location
With Let apps access your location on, review the listed apps on the Location page and allow or deny precise location for an app where Windows offers that control. This is separate from the general account-level permission: turning the general switch off blocks app location access through this Windows setting.
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Desktop apps may not appear in the list and do not have the same Windows per-app precise-location control. Microsoft explains that desktop apps do not ask for separate permission to discover device location and are not shown in the app list. For a desktop app, review its own location and privacy settings and its privacy policy.
Know what turning the setting off does—and does not do
Turning off Let apps access your location prevents apps from receiving location information through that Windows setting. It is not a universal block on location inference: some apps or services may estimate location using other signals, including Bluetooth, IP address, or cellular technology. Limited Windows features may also use an IP address for contextual information, such as taskbar weather, when Location services is off.
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Windows location service can use GPS, nearby wireless access points and routers, cell towers, IP address, or a default location to determine the device’s location. When the service is enabled, Microsoft says de-identified location information may be sent to improve the service and may be shared with its location-service provider partners HERE and Skyhook for service improvement. If you use Windows while signed in to a Microsoft account, last-known location information may also be saved to the cloud; Microsoft says you can review or clear account-associated location activity in the Microsoft account privacy dashboard.
Windows has an emergency exception: when you make an emergency call, it will attempt to determine and share precise location regardless of your location settings.
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Check whether location is being used
The Location page can show when listed apps last accessed precise location. When one or more apps are currently using device location through Windows location service, a location icon appears in the notification area. Hover over the icon to see which apps are using it.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What Windows location access is useful for
Location access can support app features such as directions and nearby recommendations. Windows features including automatic time zone and Find my device also use location services. The device-wide service and app permission are separate controls, so disabling one can affect different features than disabling the other.
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Microsoft says local storage of location history and its associated settings were removed in March 2025. For current details on the Windows controls and privacy behavior, see Windows location service and privacy.
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