When using Windows, you may receive the message “Your location is currently in use”. In this article, we explain what this message means and what you can do about it.
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What does “Your location is currently in use” mean?
In short, this message means that a Windows app (downloaded from the Microsoft Store) is tracking your location, usually using the device’s GPS sensor, although Wi-Fi networks and Ethernet connections can also be used for these types of services. Basically, you’ll see this message as a polite notification from Microsoft that your location is being tracked.
Some apps may require location services to function properly (for example, a navigation / GPS app), but if you feel the app you’re using doesn’t need to know your location, there are a couple of ways to change this.
Change location settings in Windows 10
In Windows 10, press suWygraćor open the Start menu. Then enter “Location Privacy” and click “Location Privacy Services” to open a window where you can change your location settings.
By simply clicking the slider in the “Location Services” section, you can disable Microsoft Store applications so they cannot track your location. To disable it for the entire device (for all user accounts on the device, not just yours), click the “Change” button if the text above says “Location of this device is enabled”.
However, you can allow certain apps to access your location. Scroll down to see a list of apps that can use your Location Services.
If you’re a fan of the things you can do with Cortana, you can enable location services for that specific app so it can still function properly. Consider your privacy and the apps you use carefully before signing in and turning off these features.
Change location settings in Windows 11
The process of changing the location settings in Windows 11 is almost identical to that in Windows 10, although the interface looks a bit more modern. Go to “Settings” and select “Privacy & Security” on the left side. Here you will find permissions related to your location, microphone and camera.
Use the sliders to globally turn services on and off, or scroll down each section to see which apps are using or asking for permission. After that, you will be able to activate and deactivate individual applications.
Some apps track my location
Maybe you remember that before I only referred to “Microsoft Store apps” instead of “Windows 10 apps”. This is because Windows 10’s Location Service only affects apps from the Microsoft Store.
Executables you get elsewhere, such as Google Chrome, can still obtain location data over Wi-Fi networks, an Ethernet connection, and Google’s location matching technology. Your IP address, as seen by many websites and apps, can still tell others about your location, unless you’re using a proxy or VPN. Disabling Windows 10’s location feature won’t help you with that.
If you want to protect your browser privacy, learn how to do it in Chrome and Firefox.
Frequent questions
1. Can I just turn off the notification?
If you don’t care if apps are using your location, but hate the annoying “Your location is currently in use” notifications, you can turn off the notification itself. It does not in any way change your location settings.
- Go to “Settings -> Personalization -> Taskbar”.
- Scroll down until you see the notification area. Click “Choose the icons displayed on the taskbar”.
- Deselect “Location” from the list of available options. If you don’t have location services turned on, it won’t be an option on your list. Of course, you will not receive a notification either.
Or, you can disable the location system icon completely to clear the taskbar.
- Go back to “Settings -> Personalization -> Taskbar”.
- This time, scroll down to the notification area and select “Enable or disable system icons”.
- Use the switch to turn off “Location”. You can turn the icon and notifications back on at any time. Make sure to turn the icon back on or you won’t receive notifications.
Disable the notification and icon only if you fully trust the applications that use your location data. Otherwise, you may not know that the new Microsoft Store app is accessing your location.
2. Does disabling my location services prevent all applications from using my location?
Something. This question is difficult to answer as some applications use your IP address and browsing data to create a unique fingerprint linked to your device. This means that if you visit local restaurants and businesses and your IP address is tracked in the general area, your browser has at least an idea of the state you are in. Typically, the navigator can identify your city or at least one city nearby.
As mentioned above, a VPN can help you avoid this. You can also configure NextDNS for more privacy options while browsing.
Most browsers also have some form of tracking prevention to reduce the number of browsers and websites that know about you. While it’s not perfect, it helps. Even Edge has introduced an option to prevent tracking.
3. How can I manage location access for applications other than the Microsoft Store?
While not every app you download will make your privacy a priority, many will. Check your app settings for privacy, location, GPS, tracking, or a similar setting.
It’s also a good idea to check the Microsoft Store for an app that you want to download from a third-party site. At least then, you’ll have the option to turn location tracking on or off in your Windows settings.
Ending
In short, “Your location is currently in use” is the message you receive because an application you purchased from the Microsoft Store uses Windows 10 or Windows 11’s location service to determine your location. Disabling this service will prevent this behavior, but will not affect other applications (such as most web browsers) that otherwise discover your location.
Want to protect your privacy outside of Windows? Get started with these more privacy-oriented WhatsApp alternatives.