How to Change Geographic Location in Windows 11

Windows 11 uses location service to figure out where you are. This helps your computer find local shops, give you directions, and provide accurate weather updates. It also helps features like auto-setting the time zone and finding my device work the way they should.

Sometimes you might want to stop apps from seeing your location. You can also disable location services to keep your data private. If you change your location or region, your computer can update your time zone automatically.

Why do this? You may want to restrict location changes to keep settings consistent for all users on a shared computer or to improve your privacy.

What happens when done? Your computer will either allow or block the ability to change the geographic location settings based on your choice.

Using the Local Group Policy Editor

Note: This process requires administrator privileges.

1. Open the Local Group Policy Editor.
2. Go to: Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> System -> Location Services.

3. Click on the Location Services folder on the left.
4. Double-click Disallow changing of geographic location on the right.
5. Choose one of the following:
   • Not Configured: Users can change the location.
   • Enabled: Users cannot change the location.
   • Disabled: Users can change the location.

Save your settings and restart your computer to finish.

Using the Windows Registry Editor

Note: This process requires administrator privileges.

If you cannot use the Group Policy Editor, you can use the  Windows Registry Editor or the Windows Registry instead. Open the Windows Registry and go to this path:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Control Panel\International

If the International folder is missing, right-click Control Panel, select New, and create the key named International.

1. Right-click in the empty space on the right side.
2. Select New -> DWORD (32-bit) Value.
3. Name it PreventGeoIdChange.
4. Double-click PreventGeoIdChange and set the Base to Decimal.
5. Set the Value data to 1 to block changes, or 0 to allow them.

Restart your computer to apply the changes.

Summary

Changing your geographic location settings helps manage privacy and time zone accuracy. You can control these settings using the Local Group Policy Editor or the Windows Registry Editor. Both methods allow administrators to decide if users are permitted to change their location data.