To turn off location in Windows 10, go to Start > Settings > Privacy > Location. Select Change and turn off Location for this device to switch it off for everyone on the PC. To turn it off just for your account, turn off Allow apps to access your location instead.
Applies to: Windows 10. Checked against Microsoft Support on September 27, 2026.
Turn off location for the whole device
- Select Start > Settings > Privacy > Location.
- Under Allow access to location on this device, select Change.
- Turn off Location for this device.
You need an administrator account to change the device setting. When it’s off, Windows and apps can’t use your location for anyone who signs in to the PC.
Turn off location for your account or for one app
- For all apps in your account: Turn off Allow apps to access your location. If the device setting is already off, you can’t turn this one on.
- For one app: Leave Allow apps to access your location on, then scroll to Choose which apps can access your precise location and turn off the app you don’t want to use it.
- For desktop apps: Turn off Allow desktop apps to access your location further down the page. Desktop apps are programs you install from the web or a disc, such as many browsers.
A location icon appears in the notification area of the taskbar when an app is using your location.
Block location in Microsoft Edge
Websites ask the browser, not Windows, for your location. To stop sites from asking:
- In Edge, select Settings and more (…) > Settings.
- Select Cookies and site permissions > Location.
- Turn off Ask before accessing to block all sites, or remove sites from the Allow list.
Set a default location
If your PC can’t find where you are, Windows can use a default location instead. This is also how you change your laptop’s location for weather, maps, and local news. For what to do when the Maps app will not open, and for changing your country or region, see how to change your location in Windows 10.
- On the same Location page, scroll to Default location and select Set default.
- The Maps app opens. Select Set default location and enter your address or pick a spot on the map.
Clear your location history
Windows keeps your location history on the PC for a limited time. To clear it, scroll to Location history and select Clear under Clear location history on this device. Restarting the PC also clears it.
This only clears the history on your PC. Location activity saved to your Microsoft account is cleared from your account’s privacy dashboard online.
If you can’t turn location off
- The Change button is grayed out: the device setting needs an administrator account. Sign in as an admin or ask the PC’s owner.
- “Some settings are managed by your organization”: on a work or school PC, your IT team controls location. Ask them.
- The location icon still appears: an app with permission is still using it. Check the app list on the Location page and turn that app off.
- A website still knows your city: that comes from your IP address or the browser. Block location in your browser as shown above.
Frequently asked questions
Will turning off location stop the time zone from updating?
It can. If Set time zone automatically uses your location, set your time zone by hand instead. See how to change the time zone in Windows 10.
Does this hide my location from websites?
Not fully. Websites can still estimate your general area from your IP address, even when location is off in Windows.
Can I manage the camera and microphone the same way?
Yes. They’re in the same Privacy section. See how to change camera settings in Windows 10 and how to fix a microphone not working in Windows 10.
Will Find my device still work?
Find my device can only show where your PC is if location is on. If you turn location off, you won’t see the PC on the map when you look for it.
Microsoft’s reference is Windows location service and privacy. More help is on our Windows Help & Guides page.
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.