Like our phones, our computers are tracking devices. Luckily, there are ways to limit the amount of location information they can access. That starts when you stop location tracking on Windows. Interestingly, you can do this for all apps or specific ones, since some of them require your location data to perform.
Why you need to stop location tracking on Windows 11
Many people do not want to leave traces of their whereabouts on the internet. That has been the work of a VPN, but given that you must pay for the best services, you can turn on location tracking and conceal your data. Also, a VPN does not stop apps from knowing your location, it spoofs your IP address.
Aside from hiding your location on the Internet, location services drain your battery as it continuously works in the background. However, when you turn off location entirely, apps that rely on it to function might start misbehaving. Luckily, there is a way to disable location services for specific apps.
How to stop location tracking for specific apps
Apps like Maps need your location enabled to function properly. Otherwise, you will stop updating people you are sharing your whereabouts with. That, of course, defeats the aim, but with the guidelines below, you can decide which app to grant permission to.
- Open Settings using Windows key+i.
- Choose Privacy & Security from the left sidebar.
- Select Location on the right pane.
- On the location screen, tap “Let Apps Access Your Location.”
- In the expanded section, turn off the toggle next to each app you want to stop its access to your location.
- Repeat the process for all apps you want to limit their location access.
How to stop location tracking on Windows entirely
While you can choose to give access to specific apps, there is an option to stop location tracking entirely. You should consider this option when there are no apps that require your location services to function properly.
- Launch the Settings app by pressing Windows Key+i.
- Choose Privacy & Security in the left sidebar.
- On the right lane in the App permission section, Select Location.
- When the location screen opens, turn off Location Services at the top. This stops all location tracking on your Windows PC.
All other options on the screen will be grayed out, meaning you cannot enable or disable them as they work with location services turned on. Of course, you can adjust the settings when you turn on the Location Services.
Enable Airplane mode to stop location tracking on Windows
On Android, when you reveal Quick Settings, you can disable location services from there. However, you need to go into Settings to access the button. Nevertheless, you can use the Airplane mode, as it does the job.
To temporarily turn off location services on Windows, you can enable Airplane mode. Aside from disabling location tracking, it also turns off Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on your PC, just like on mobile phones. Of course, you can enable all these services when you turn it off.
- Head to the Action Center by pressing Windows key+A.
- Click the “Airplane Mode” in the open panel to enable it.
- Click on it to turn it off and restore location tracking and other services.
Location tracking on Windows and how to manage it
Location Services are essential for some apps to function properly. For instance, when a company gives you their computer to work with, whether from home or at the office, they expect the location services turned on at all times. This helps them to monitor your productivity and other things. Hence, ensure you can do so before disabling location tracking on Windows 11.
